The major travel season for The Alex Meixner Band concluded with the annual Wurstfest Texas trip. The band was really excited for the events, especially with the addition of Mikey Kramar from California on brass, accordions, bass and vocals to the stellar lineup that included Matt Tolentino on sax, clarinet, accordion, ukulele, tuba and vocals and Ed Klancnik on super drums.
We kicked off with our party in Canyon Lake- organized by the Riekers and Cases. It’s always a good time playing out by the pool in the picturesque setting…. Never knowing what kind of alphorn contest will ensue….For some reason the drunk monkey was pretty tame this year, but a fun time was had by all….
I was honored to mc the opening ceremonies of Wurstfest again—and lead the countdown to the biting of the wurst, along with musical soundtracks by The Alex Meixner Band and the Comal Community Band. From there we went over to the Big Tent and led off a raucous night of entertainment alternating with those crazy huggie bears of Austria— Die Hohberg Buam. The audiences were extremely enthusiastic and just exemplified everything I love about entertaining! Matt Tolentino might have even gotten a few phone numbers by all of the mentions of his singleness!! J
I really should blog this festival on a daily basis as there were so many highlights. Despite some midi accordion malfunctions, this was definitely the best audience reaction I’ve ever had at the festival. Thanks to Terry Cavanagh for his technical assistance as well as Berndt and TJ- the sound men extraordinaire— we had a blast presenting medleys of up to 70 minutes long(!!!!!), as well as the rest of our repertoire. Selections from the latest cd, Family Tradition were well received, as well as new features by Mikey (playing the button box with a wine bottle), Matt (in total tribute to Linsk Minyk in “The Last Polka”- singing “On the Road Again”) and Ed’s stupendous drum solos…. Not to mention—I think we now hold the record for the fastest chicken dance ever….
I can’t begin to thank everyone that was there or assisted us in producing the shows—but please know I appreciate everything that was done for us this year, as well as in the preceding 10 years. I look forward to returning for many more!!!!
We actually will have pictures and videos coming soon!!! Stay tuned to the blogs for proof of the mayhem!
In the meantime—I get a little time off, and a few nice gigs—including a trip out to Pittsburgh with the band on Nov. 23… Hope to catch up with some friends in western PA soon!
alex