The Riverside Mandolin Quartet, from Wichita, Kansas first appeared together in 1987 to entertain for the wedding of a prominent Kansas state legislator. From that first performance of Vivaldi's Concerto for two Mandolins, the original members have continued to explore the musical limits of the mandolin family.

Offering a combined total of more than 65 years of mandolin playing, they perform on vintage Gibson instruments that include the mandolin, mandola, and mandocello.

Their repertoire has evolved to include not only their own arrangements for classical pieces, but also jazz standards and traditional fiddle tunes as presented on the mandolin.

The group consists of: Mike Barrett, first and second mandolin; Gary Palsmeier, first and second mandolin; Ted Farha, mandola; and Mike Seiwert, mandocello.

Past performances range from Guest Artists of the Soirees Musicales with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra to opening a concert for Norman and Nancy Blake. June of 1997 will mark the 10th anniversary of the original members.