Brian Brueggen & the Mississippi Valley Dutchmen
In a small west central Wisconsin village about 30 miles east of the Mississippi River lived a young farm boy whose roots were embedded deeply into old tyme folk music. Brian Brueggen, born in 1965, has carried on a family tradition that goes back to the 1800's. Being the youngest of five children, it was not unusual for Brian's dad and all of the children to sit in the kitchen and play music. As years progressed, the  older kids chose different lifestyles. A the age of three, Brian's grandfather told Philip, Brian's dad, that this boy will be a great musician one day. Being a concertina player himself, Grandpa Herman was right. At the age of six, Brian was playing the trumpet. After a couple years, he joined his dad's band playing second trumpet. Not being fully satisfied, he decided to sneak into dad's closet and try the concertina. When pas was gone driving school bus, Brian would practice the concertina.

One Sunday afternoon as the family took their afternoon nap, Brian took his dad's concertina and practiced. When his dad woke up from his nap, Brian played him "At the Spring Waltz". From that time on, the concertina was never locked in the closet and practicing became a six to eight hour daily routine for Brian. Sometimes he would go and practice in their ban just to give his family a break.

Although Brian is able to read trumpet music, concertina music is foreign to him. It all comes natural which enables him to play from the heart and lets him compose beautiful songs, one being Kayli's Lullaby. Several of his compositions have been recorded and played by many bands in the Midwest.

Brian decided to start his own band in 1985. It started as a sic-piece band. As the years past by, many larger bands have decreased to 3=4 piece bands. Twenty years later, Brian is one of the few band leaders which still consist of a six piece band. In Brian's words, the credit would go to loyal side musicians who still love to be part of a big band. The Mississippi Valley Dutchmen have secured one of the finest names in old tyme music, playing the traditional "Dutchmen Style".

As you listen to this ban play, just sit back and listen and you will understand why Brian is considered one of the smoothest concertina players of all times. One of his musicians once said, "Playing next to Brian is like riding in a Cadillac."

Please...sit back and enjoy the show!!!

Bruce Bradley Band
The band provides German, Slovenian, and Polish music in their authentic forms. We also sing in all three languages. The band provides lively European music with a danceable tempo.

We dress in Lederhosen or Slovenian attire. We appear at festivals and fairs all over the United States. We received the Minnesota Ballroom Operators Band of the Year award in 1996, 1998, and 2002.

We have produced five recordings and do a weekly radio program of ethnic music. Our goal is to leave our audiences with a fun-filled appreciation of our music.

Cactus & The Jolly Brewers Orchestra
In 1949, Bruno Randles organized The Jolly Brewers Orchestra in New Ulm, MN. The band gained popularity throughout Minnesota and surrounding areas. During Bruno's tenure, the band made two 78 (rpm) recordings.

In 1958, Ernie Coopman from Mankato, MN purchased The Jolly Brewers Orchestra from Bruno Randles. Ernie and the Orchestra made four LP's and eighteen 45 records.

In 1998, Marvin "Cactus" Stoehr purchased the Orchestra from Ernie Coopman. In September of that year, Cactus and The Jolly Brewers appeared on Mankato's KEYC-TV Randall's Bandwagon Show featuring Ernie Coopman playing concertina publicly for the last time.

Cactus and The Jolly Brewers made their first recording "Fifty years Fifty Beers" on May 31, 2000. A second recording was made in 2001, called "This Brew is For You". A third recording called "A Long Time a Brewen" was completed in 2002. A fourth recording is planned for 2004.

Current band members are Bill Rasmussen, Gene Eiden, Myron Wolf, Myron Muehlbauer, Duane Adler, Curt Boettger and Cactus.

Cactus and The Jolly Brewers Orchestra continues to play and entertain Polka music lovers in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Chuck Thiel & His Jolly Ramblers
With a combined total of over 150 years in the dance band industry , Chuck Thiel and his Jolly Ramblers of Lester Prairie, MN., will please you with their genuine style of danceable music that is pleasing to all old-time and modern dancers and listeners alike. A steady beat and beautiful instrumental and vocal blends make this band very popular throughout the Upper-Midwest.

Chuck Thiel, the concertina player, lead vocalist, and leader, is the son of the band's originator Al Thiel, who passed away May 12, 1994. Chuck began traveling with the group at age 12 and has been a full-time member for 40 years. Father of Jason, Jeremy, and Jamison, he makes his home in Lester Prairie. After teaching high school English for 25 years, Chuck now plays music, works for Travel Easy in Waconia promoting and escorting tours throughout the US, provides hospice music weekly, directs the Norwood Chorus and continues to DJ his Polka-bration Show for KDUZ radio in Hutchinson in his "free" time.

Ken Schmidt has been a Jolly Rambler for 33 years. He plays trumpet, saxophone and valve trombone and does many of the vocals. Ken and his wife Cathy live in LeCenter where Ken is a high school science teacher. They have two grown sons.

Jerry Kahle, a musician for over 40 years and a Jolly Rambler for 14, plays trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, wind synthesizer, guitar, and pedal bass. He and his wife Sharon make their home near Waconia. Jerry works as a stockroom attendant in the Twin Cities.

Jason Thiel, at age 23, is the youngest Jolly Rambler. Jason plays percussion (and occasionally keyboard) and does vocals. He's a third generation Jolly Rambler who became a full-time member in January 1995 He works in television production for KSAX-TV in Alexandria.

Myon Muehlbauer, has also been a musician for 30+ years, plays trumpet, saxophone, and clarinet. He plays about 50 dates with the Jolly Ramblers each year and works with many Minnesota and Wisconsin bands.

The Jolly Ramblers feature a wide variety of musical styles from German/ Czech old-time to modern and swing to 50's, country, and country-rock. In 1991 they added the "polka mass/service" to their library and have since released three Christian CD's/cassettes.

For more information call or write: Chuck Theil PO Box 607, Lester Prairie, MN. 55354, phone 320-395-2746.

Concord Singers - Festive German Music
As early as the 1860's, New Ulm boasted a "Quintet of Singing Pioneers." Many of the songs they sang were the still well-known "Volkslieder" (folk songs) of the late 18th century. Some of the historical books from the period mentioned how impressed the English and American officers were when the volunteers arrived at Fort Snelling singing and playing on their way to battles in the Civil War. They said it was uplifting to be able to identify the German men from New Ulm by their spirit and musical ability. Even today, the rich heritage of New Ulm and its music course through the veins of every level of society. The Concord Singers have perhaps strived the hardest to preserve the musical heritage of New Ulm. With their extensive repertoire of German popular standards and "volksweise," the Concords are the foremost amateur German language singing male chorus in America. Dubbed New Ulm's "Ambassadors of Good Will," the Singers travel extensively throughout the Upper Midwest and Europe entertaining audiences with their exuberant style. Officially founded in 1931, the Concord Singers began as a group of men united by the love of song. Since then, they have appeared on radio and television and have recorded several albums of German Language songs.

Dain's Dutchmen
Carrying the legacy of the New Ulm style polka music one generation further is Dain's Dutchmen of rural Sleepy Eye. The simple four-piece family band includes Dain on the concertina, Lisa on the keyboard, Lori with a steady, lively beat on the drums and Fred on the tuba. Although an organized band did not appear until the year 2000, the Moldan family was at work taking lessons, practicing, and preparing skills for the future on a variety of instruments. At six years old Dain began playing the concertina. Inspiration came from all directions; family members, friends, and fellow musicians all contributed to the success of Dain's Dutchmen thus far. In the near future, the band looks forward to an expansion of instruments and arrangements as younger siblings Molly and Marisa join, but for now, enjoy the old New Ulm sounds of Dain's Dutchmen for anniversaries, birthdays, receptions, or any "old tyme!"

Good Time Dutchman - Here is the 3rd Generation of Polka Musicians
They are a family band, started back in 1992, who grew up in a polka loving family and formed their own band at a young age of ten thru sixteen. After learning how to polka dance, they traveled to several polka fests and met many great musicians and polka fans. They were so impressed with the polka world, they begged for some music and began practicing in the basement. Soon came the BIG day their first job! They were well received and encouraged to continue onward. Each year they expanded their horizons by playing at new festivals, German Fests, firemen picnics and by traveling to different states. The kids are growing in popularity due to the energy and talents displayed on and off stage. Their versatility is unending. Their harmonizing is heavenly. Along with the kids, is Tuba Dave and Goodtime Daddy, Ralph. In 1997, the band received the Horizon Award, for being the best new/young band, and in 2001 Ralph received the Band Leader of the Year Award.

The Polka Hall of Fame recognized then with the 2002 band of the Year Award and Randy & Melissa earned the Sideman of the year Awards. They gave six cassettes and five CD's available.

Peter & Paul and the Wendinger Band
The year 2003 marked the 40th anniversary of Peter & Paul and the Wendinger Band. It was Polka Day, 1962, when Peter and Paul's father, Herbert Wendinger, purchased their first concertina from the Christy Hengel display in New Ulm. Their first playing engagement was for the wedding reception of their neighbors, George and Marian Altman of St. George. For their compensation, each received a pair of black socks! Their first actual "paid" job was on January 15, 1964 for John Deere Day in Gibbon, Minnesota. They received $5.00 for the event.

The present band, becoming family to Peter and Paul, is complimented with a wide variety of musical talents. Mike Simon of rural Windom has played the tuba, trumpet and trombone for over 25 years with the Wedinger Band. Joining them on trumpet, keyboard, tuba, trombone, baritone, music writing and arranging, is Steve Moran of New Ulm. Jon Wedinger, Paul's son, from Mankato, MN joined the band in 1989, at the age of 15. He shares the percussion responsibilities with Gary Gleisner, New Ulm, who has drummed for Peter and Paul over a period of 25 years. Larry Roepke from Stewart, MN, playing tuba, trumpet, and baritone, has in the past year become a full time member of this band "family".

The Bock Fest Ya Sure Ya Betcha Band
After 36 years in the professional music business Scott Sparlin and Smiley Wiltscheck are still performing with the same enthusiasm they had when they broke on the scene in 1971. Whether you like to dance the Polka, Waltz, Country Two Step, or Rock out to the classics, these are the musicians that will play to YOU and for YOU. For Scott and Smiley this will be their 24st appearance at the Oktoberfest making them a bon-a-fide crowd favorite. On stage are Drummer and New Ulm native Randy Domeier. Randy has played drums professionally since 14. Joining them is Steve Moran on keyboards, trombone, trumpet, and bass horn. On Bass, Concertina and Trumpet is Anton "Tony" Berg. Tony started playing with the boys several years ago. Bob Beussman also performs his baritone and trumpet with the Bockfest Boys. Of course you will recognize Bob as one of the front line performers with the Concord Singers.

The Leon Olsen Show
Leon started performing on stage at age 11. He plays concertina on the old tyme and guitar on the country, Latin, modern and rock tunes. He also does the lead vocals on many of your favorite tunes.

George Hoca does all the keyboard and some lead and harmony vocals. George uses many keyboard instruments such as steel guitar, harmonica, trumpet, saxophone, accordion, and guitar. A master pianist all his life makes George a big asset to the band.

Gus Gottschalk, drums, has been with the band now for almost 5 years. Gus has played drums since in high school and with many bands after that. He has his own unique style which insures dancers will enjoy a good steady beat.

Paul Gerasch, bass guitar, has been with the band on and off for the past twenty seven years. He does an excellent job on adapting to the many different styles of music the band performs.

Together the four piece provides a very well balanced variety of music, playing the five state upper Midwest area almost every weekend.

In recognition of outstanding contribution to the ballroom industry, the MBOA Academy Awards nominated The Leon Olsen Show as a favorite band for the past 6 years including 1999. Leon received award for having a band of neat appearance, providing a wholesome form of entertainment with top quality music.

Leon has recorded 13 different volumes of records, CD's and cassette tapes which give you a variety of polkas, waltzes, modern and country tunes, to enjoy at home or while traveling. Other memorabilia include pins, bumper stickers, T shirts, hankies and vests with the bands logo.

Every 4th Sunday of the month, KNUJ Radio 860 am on your dial, features the band from 3 - 3:30 pm. This program is designed to bring you up to date with current dance dates, special festivals, trips, and special birthdays and anniversaries, as well as giving you plenty of great music to listen to. Leon and his wife Ann host this program live so be sure to tune in.

Popularity of the band, past and present has really expanded over the years, thru out the United States. The band plays several festivals each year in different parts of the country. They just returned from their 7th annual "Fun in the Sun" vacation and tour held this year in Laughlin, Nevada, with a sell out crowd at the Polka Festival.

The Fan Club joins us for these special celebrations which makes it a lot of fun for everybody. They have their own Fan Club Bandannas and parade thru the dance halls waving them in support of the band. This is really wonderful and greatly appreciated.

For further information on the band, contact Leon Olsen, 819 N. Franklin, New Ulm, MN 56073 or Phone (507)359-7476.