Bierkeller Boys Oompah Band
The Midwest's premier polka-playing tuba quartet
Upcoming Livestream
Join the Bierkeller Boys on Youtube on March 25 as we chat with the arrangers of the tracks on our upcoming album, "Dive In!" We will be joined by four musicians, each a prolific performer, composer, and arranger:
• Norlan Bewley, versatile low brass artist and pedagogue, and arranger for Tuba Christmas, the popular Octubafest series, and much more
• Mike Forbes, renowned tubist soloist, fixture of the Wisconsin music scene, and longtime member of the acclaimed Sotto Voce tuba quartet
• Gail Robertson, distinguished euphonist and low brass advocate, past performer/arranger with Disney's Tubafours, founder of SymbiosisDuo
• Niko Schroeder, of Bierkeller Boy fame (he's okay I guess)
This will be a great learning opportunity for low brass musicians, arrangers and composers, and polka enthusiasts alike. Expect bad tuba jokes, advice for musicians and arrangers of all shapes and sizes, teasers for the new album, and sincere connection to the German American community (ie discussion of the best and worse foods, beer, and music). RSVP and find more information on the Facebook Event.
The Bierkeller Boys "Dive In!" in May!
The Bierkeller Boys are releasing our debut album, Dive In!, on May 1st – just in time to enjoy during Maifest and throughout the 2023 Biergarten season.
The Pennsylvania Polka is available now for your listening pleasure on your preferred online music platform, and check out our Indiegogo fundraiser, where you can preorder CDs, score unique and prerelease merchandise, access a full album preview in April, and support us through the album release process.
Dive In! displays the many influences that shaped us. Traditional European waltzes, marches, and bierhaus songs complement classic German American dance numbers from the Six Fat Dutchmen and Rodgers and Hammerstein. The songs are presented in colorful arrangements by low brass heavyweights Norlan Bewley, Mike Forbes, Gail Robertson, and the Bierkeller Boys’ own Niko Schroeder. Each of us are showcased as singers too, singing a solo apiece in addition to group vocals.
..and did we mention you can preorder the album or score this sweet sweatshirt (or an exclusive, never-to-be-printed-again commemorative tote bag!) on our Indiegogo.
Upcoming and Recent Shows
It is with great joy and sadness that we announce a brief (year-long?) hiatus. Following their wedding in June 2022, Julia and Niko are planning to move to the Netherlands where Niko will pursue an Artist Certificate at the Conservatoire of The Hague.
Never fear — we'll stay in touch, and stateside concerts will return in the years to come.
... and never miss another show!