Tim Ostdiek and Jenny Balagna opened Rock & Rails July 14 concert

The audience gathered for Rock & Rails last Thursday evening enjoyed a great opening act featuring Longmont's Tim Ostdiek, performing with Jenny Balagna. The music by the singer-songwriter was fun and energetic. He strummed and picked his way lyrically through several of his tunes while Balagna provided close harmony. She also played the keyboard backing her partner's fanciful guitar work.

Ostdiek grew up in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, but calls Longmont his home. He is well known on the local music circuit, and has earned a great reputation throughout Colorado including the Telluride scene.

Ostdiek is a high energy, uplifting singer-songwriter. The music is folksy and fun. A veteran of Rock & Rails, he has that down-home Niwotian local feel that brings a smile to the face as you listen to his songs reflecting his experiences. His song "Goodbye" was recently featured in the PBS series, Road Trip Nation. He is in high demand performing around 150 shows a year.

Balagna is also an accomplished author with her first book titled "Noryn's Legend." The book, a top online seller, is the thrilling tale of a young woman's adventure through the country of Noryn as she seeks to discover the legends hidden there. She also lives in Longmont with her semi-affectionate cat, and when she is not writing or performing, she does freelance graphic designing.