The Blenders are a vocal quartet based in Minneapolis, Minnesota (not to be confused with the 1960s vocal quartet of the same name that was led by Steve Smith, appeared on the Lawrence Welk Show for two years, and disbanded in 1967).
Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, the four members of The Blenders - Tim Kasper, Ryan Lance, Darren Rust and Allan Rust (replacing original member Paul Dunkirk) - built up their fan base on the strength of a primarily a cappella singing style. Although their music in recent years has included instrument-backed recordings, there has always been a focus on The Blender's own style of vocal-based harmonies. The group has toured the U.S. with such acts as Jay Leno, Howie Mandel, Savage Garden, Jonny Lang, Blues Traveler, Chicago, The Righteous Brothers, Lou Rawls and Chuck Berry. They have appeared on a variety of national and regional television shows including The Arsenio Hall Show, The Today Show and Crook and Chase on TNN. Their music has been used for films such as The Perfect Holiday and Nothing Like the Holidays. Albums usually include some of their own original songs, plus covers of music that ranges from standards to decidedly non-traditional fare. They have recorded for four different labels: Cowtown Records, Primarily A Cappella, Orchard Lane Records (A former division of the Musicland Group) and Universal Records. Their release for Orchard Lane was co-produced by former member of Prince (musician)'s New Power Generation, Levi Seacer, Jr.