From the Archives:

It really shouldn’t work. Their musical backgrounds are as different as their voices. Yet, Second Opinion manages to bring them together in a way that leaves audiences at times, wildly enthusiastic, at times poignantly silent, and always wanting more.
How an unconventional children’s musician, and old-time banjo player, and a topical singer songwriter can even agree on a common repertoire is a mystery. But not only do they agree, they produce a colorful musical fabric of harmonies, stories and commentaries.

“Their performances are alive! Second Opinion material is always fresh and relevant. The arrangements are dynamic and they quickly establish rapport with the audience. Such an energetic performance is rarely seen.” – Barb Crow, New Folk Collective, Twin Cities

From 1988-2001, Betsy Clinton, Pat Madden and Sally Potter delighted audiences with well-crafted arrangements of strong material chosen from all genres under the folk music umbrella.

Interesting songs from such writers as Tom Paxton, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Si Kahn, Charlie King, Pete Seeger, Kitty Donohoe, The Wyrd Sisters, Alison Krauss, and Second Opinion’s own Pat Madden were skillfully arranged and presented with tight, intricate harmonies, either a cappella or accented with a combination of guitar(s) and/or banjo.

While each member held down a ‘day job,’ “The Opinions” toured on long weekends, going west to the Twin Cities, Chicago, and Madison, south to Kerrville, and east to the Owen Sound, Clearwater Revival, and Kent State Folk Festivals, to name a few stops. They recorded four CDs, including “Final Stop,” a live recording of their last show. At home in Greater Lansing, the band gave annual Ten Pound Fiddle concerts to packed houses.

In January, 2001, Second Opinion made that “Final Stop,’ a sold out show for 800 at the East Lansing High School auditorium. All night long, the trio and the audience sang favorite Second Opinion selections – together.

On April 24, 2015, Betsy Clinton, Pat Madden, and Sally Potter gave this reunion concert for the Ten Pound Fiddle.

The last song of the evening was Si Kahn’s classic, “What Will I Leave Behind?”

“The hearts of the ones who inherit you lives
Rest in the truth you have spoken
Memory will echo the trust that you’ve made
And like you, it will never be broken.”

– What Will I Leave Behind? by Si Kahn