By Tammy Kilby
For the Times
DARLINGTON — Tessa and the Cosmic Cowboys are scheduled to appear onstage at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 for the first of five Tunes at Twilight shows of the summer in Darlington.
Tessa Fink is the lead singer of the band, and grew up with the other members. They collectively bring a variety of experiences to the event.
“I’m the lead singer on rhythm guitar. My cousin Kevin Charles plays lead guitar and does harmonies, as well as a few songs throughout our set,” she said. “Dusty Schilling is on bass, and Brian Blanchette on drums.”
Tessa is from Grant County and said she enjoys singing.
“Kevin and I started playing around Platteville in 2018 with his brother Dave,” Tessa said. “After a couple year break when I pulled back to start my family, Kevin and I got back after it, playing mainly as a duo but then found ourselves ready to build a full band. We brought Dusty on with us last summer and Brian has joined us this year.”
Tunes at Twilight is an event in Darlington at a park venue which isn’t far from home for Tessa.
“We mainly play country music, but mix some pop and rock in there too with some oldies, along with our original music,” said Tessa, who added that she likes to change things up. “We often get complimented on the wide variety of our set list. We start off relaxing before we get you dancing as the night goes on.”
As she enjoys listening to country music, particularly classic country, Tessa gains inspiration from some well known artists.
“Dolly Parton and Ashley McBryde are some of my biggest influences. Both with songwriting and performing. As well as just being good humans,” Tessa said.
While on the road recently, Tessa had an experience that stayed with her.
“Kevin and I recently played at the Crystal Grand before Jo Dee Messina went onstage, and that was a really big moment for me,” she said. “I have been listening to Jo Dee since I was a small kid and to have this opportunity was amazing. Surely not anything I’d ever get the chance to do. We were able to meet her and chat a bit before the show. My 4-year-old daughter thought that was pretty darn cool.”
She added that her band have enjoyed many onstage moments.
“We also had the opportunity to play the VIP room before Clint Black, which was another incredible moment at the Crystal Grand,” she said.
Getting feelings of nostalgia, along with a sense of home, Tessa enjoys all types of music. When she isn’t performing, she enjoys hanging out with her husband, two children, and their two Australian Shepherds. The family spends time around the farm, doing several activities to keep busy.
Tessa said she enjoys being social also, as they spend time with family and friends.
“It’s my ideal way to spend time,” she said. An animal enthusiast, Tessa also finds the time to enjoy all the animals on the family farm. “One of my most rewarding things I enjoy doing is spending time with my horses.”
Tunes at Twilight is held every Sunday evening from June 30 through July 28. Spectators are encourage to bring lawn chairs. Refreshments and snacks will be available.
“New designs of our merchandise is coming. Lots of goodies are in the works. As for right now, our merch is down to t-shirts and koozies. We are planning on bringing what we have,” Tessa said.
