This sure has been a crazy Oktoberfest season…. For those of you, who have recently just found me or know me from any of my other musical incarnations or educational endeavors—I know the oktoberfest stuff might seem overwhelming—but this year especially has been pretty manic… I concluded my 2 week run with the band for Ace in the Hole Productions in Paterson, NJ doing Oktoberfest shows for senior groups during the weekdays. We’re engaged for almost 3 weeks of performances for 09—it’s a real fun time for the audiences and for us. Obviously we tailor the dance sets towards more foxtrots and cha-chas than Jimmy Buffet and Bon Jovi J — which allows us to showcase Matt Tolentino’s exquisite talents as a vocal stylist on those real old time tunes.
After some private parties, the band returned to Stoudt’s Brewery in Adamstown, PA. Again—it’s so much fun to play there— Ed and Carol and their staff have extended great hospitality to our band. The packed house really responded well to the variety of traditional Oktoberfest tunes and Rocktoberfest medleys—but I would be remiss if I didn’t credit the showstoppers of the day— 1) Ed’s vocal premier with the Alex Meixner Band doing his rendition of “What a Wonderful World”— I was completely impressed! 2) Ed and Carol’s grandson marching around the dance floor with a baritone horn— I think we’re going to add him on soon to the band!! In both cases—this is what YouTube was created for…. I hope someone caught the moments! Speaking of catching the moments— I have completely dropped the ball on getting photos up here…. It’s kinda difficult to take pictures when I’m in the midst of performing—and I never seem to remember to bring a camera for someone else to use. SO— if you happen to have pictures from any of the gigs, feel free to e-mail them over to me so we can post them….
Last night—I had a last minute gig booked at The Bell House in Brooklyn, NY (Gowanus). This is a cool new venue in an up and coming neighborhood— definitely check the place out—www.thebellhouseny.com
Anyway— it’s only been open for about a month and the owners decided to have an Oktoberfest last night. Bratwurst, Beer, and a projection screen showing The Sound of Music and Beer Fest in a great room set the stage for Alex Meixner vs. Matt Zebroski duel— oh, I mean Duo. It was a lot of fun and was well received by the crowd… in fact, we hope to be coming back on a regular basis through the year— keep an eye on the websites for further info…..
A few more private parties this week before the final home Oktoberfest for 2008 at Bear Creek Mountain in Macungie, PA. The Alex Meixner Band will be playing from 12-2:30, then the UGH Schuplattlers and The Adlers will be performing as well…. (besides that, Mike Fortunato—my great friend and reed player extraordinaire will be turning 30 on Sunday!! ) From there it’s on to wurstfest!!!!
alex