Gary W. Brueggen-Wisconsin's Concertina Kid--concertina, button box, vocals
Gary W. Brueggen "Wisconsin's Concertina Kid"--I've been performing since the age of 9. April of 1982 was my first gig at a Fireman's Dance in Bangor, WI. I play concertina, button box. When not performing, I'm a Customer Service Rep for Organic Valley, Family of Farms at the Cashton, WI location.
In 2008 I was honored to be inducted into the World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame. I am proud to carry on the family tradition, that started with my late grandfather Herman Brueggen who ran a dance band here in Western Wisconsin for many years until his death in 1971. I have his 1922 Majestic concertina here that I play once in a while.
I enjoy the Milwaukee Brewer's, Green Bay Packer's, and the Wisconsin Badgers.
Willard Brueggen-tuba
Willard Brueggen--Is the tuba player and has been performing for well over 60 years! Willard and Gary's mother MaryAnn retired, and now live in Sparta, WI. They were dairy farmers in Western Wisconsin just outside of our hometown of Cashton, WI. They raised 6 children-Jim, Curt, Rick, Kristine, Gary and Judy along with running a dairy farm. Willard is self taught on the tuba and cannot read any music, and absolutely 100% plays from the heart. He enjoys the travels and meeting up with friends and making new ones too! When Willard and MaryAnn are not on the road with the band, they enjoy spending time with the family and grandchildren, watching Milwaukee Brewer's baseball, visiting many friends and relation and playing LOTS of cards.
Dennis Nadherny--drums
Dennis Nadherny--Dennis also comes from a very musical family and is originally from Omaha, NE and now resides in Sparta, WI. His late grandfather Arnie Paulson ran Paulson's Dutchmen Orchestra around Davenport, IA for many years, and is now under the direction of Dennis' uncle Ken Paulson. Dennis' father Ron Nadherny still runs a terrific Polka Band in Omaha, NE and also a very nice Big Band. Ron was also a member of the original and famous Whoopee John Band from Minnesota.
Dennis is still a huge Nebraska Cornhusker fan and is now glad to hear they will be members of the Big 10 conference!!!
Chris Langen--piano, banjo, guitar, tuba and bass guitar
Chris is our newest member of the band, and has worked part-time with us over the past 6 or so years.
Chris is mainly playing piano, banjo and guitar with us, but is also an accomplished tuba player along with bass guitar.
Chris and his wife Tiffany live in Lacrescent, MN.
Laurie and Doug-"Gus" Krueger
Laurie and Gus were married at a small private ceremony in Bangor, WI and now reside in Milwaukee, WI.
We wish them the very best and it's always great to know that they will be there to help us out down the road.
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Other wonderful musicians that work with the band also include--Gary Hendrickson, Jay Zunker, Tom Schneider, Mark Heinz and many others.
