By Alliance President Terry Gips
This month we’re sharing a sweet, upbeat song by the Minneapolis-based duo The OK Factor, cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Peters, with a message we can all share: Be Kind! The song was originally written by Olivia in 2017 about an ex-boyfriend (who she is now friends with), but she noted after performing it the song is currently a message to the President of the US.
Please note, the song does feature the humorous repeated use of a four-letter word starting with “s.” Before singing it, they asked the crowd (including young people) if they would like to modify the language and the response was an emphatic “No!” Every time the word was sung the crowd laughed loudly and loved it.
This song was recorded live by Alliance President Terry Gips at a Tiny Porch Concert July 15, 2025 in St. Paul:
Diercks and Peters began as friends at Luther College and began performing together 13 years ago. They’re classically trained musicians and compose in a number of genres, including folk, bluegrass, jazz, and popular music, according to Sofar.
Self-described as a progressive folk duo, they possess a unique and original sound, using their instruments as vehicles for creative and innovative musical thinking, writing primarily original music. The OK Factor’s passion for music has captivated audiences on a variety of stages and venues across the Midwest and Southeast.
“In addition to writing/composing and performing, they are equally passionate about educational outreach,” Sofar shares. “They conduct workshops for string students of all ages, where they teach and encourage players to view their instruments and formal training in new and exciting ways. Olivia and Karla believe sharing their love of music is a way for them to give back, displaying their appreciation for living a life of performing and composing.”