Julie Beutel & Bob O'Brien

Julie Beutel, teacher and peace activist, and Bob O’Brien, social worker,  started making music together in Detroit in 1981.  Their long term friendship, shared values of social justice and human kindness, and their passion for - and delight in - making music is one of their great joys.

Julie Beutel is the mother of two sons and has a 2-yr-old granddaughter (the smartest coolest kid you ever met). She taught music to children in southwest Detroit for several years.  She lived and worked as a member of Witness for Peace in Nicaragua in the mid-80s.  She and Bob met and started making music together in 1981.  Their long term friendship and common passion for making music is one of her greatest joys.   (Her paternal grandmother's last name was O'Brien, so she and Bob are probably distant cousins!)

Bob O'Brien lives in Detroit with his wife Alice. They have one son.  For several decades Bob worked as a social worker,  supporting Detroit families through community mental health, affordable housing, and economic development.  Playing music with friends like Julie has been a source of joy and provided avenues for supporting organizations working for the common good.