Starfish
Randy Tessier & Starfish are a dynamic ensemble rooted in friendship, musical passion, and shared vision – featuring Randy Tessier, Rich Dishman, Brigitte Knudson, and Patrick Little. Together, they weave a rich tapestry of sound that blends sincere songwriting, tight instrumental work, and powerful vocals. Whether laying down soulful harmonies, driving grooves, or soaring melodies, they craft and interpret songs that resonate deeply and linger long.
A little more about the group:
Randy Tessier is an Ann Arbor-based guitarist, bassist, vocalist, and songwriter who has been a dynamic force in the Michigan music scene since the early 1970s. Known for his versatility and deep musicality, Randy has performed with a wide range of bands including Walrus, Private Sector, Los Chickens, George Bedard & the Kingpins, FUBAR, Al Jacquez Band, and Starfish. His expansive style spans blues, jazz, rock, funk, soul, and experimental sounds—delivering performances that are both grounded in groove and rich in creative expression.
Rich “Radio King” Dishman has been there and back. Aside from his own Court of Rhythm, he has been the go-to drummer in Ann Arbor since dinosaurs ruled the earth. His knowledge of style, technique, and genre is encyclopedic. Given the breadth and eccentricity of our setlist, Rich is the perfect key that fits our lock. Having Rich join us on our Starfish voyage is our great joy.
Brigitte Knudson is a Detroit-based multi-instrumentalist whose musical path spans punk, rock, poetry, jazz, folk, and electronica. A longtime bassist, harmonica player, guitarist, percussionist and vocalist, she’s performed with groups like The Magic Poetry Band, Acoust’Akimbo, Starfish, and R + B, and as a solo acoustic artist in Detroit’s vibrant ‘90s scene. Inspired by the melodic phrasing of Toots Thielemans, Brigitte blends soul, story, and song into a sound that’s both intimate and expansive.
Patrick Little is a multi-instrumentalist who has played for the last 20 years in various Ann Arbor bands. Patrick’s sensitive pop stylings are majorly influenced by a genre called South Carolina Beach Music (admittedly, he doesn't know how to do "the shag”). Little is currently working with Lady Sunshine and the X Band, a gifted soul singer you can find on most musical platforms. His pop sensibilities are colored by EMO bands like King Crimson and Gentle Giant, as well as many years of dedication to all things Grateful Dead. Being a great friend of our beloved Walrus brother, Kim French, we are proud to have him on bass, vocals, and keyboards with Starfish.