BLASKAPELLE
Cleveland DSB German Brass Band
Mission Statement:
To perpetuate and preserve traditional Danube Swabian and German-American music, primarily through live performances that showcase the artistry and talent of the Cleveland Donauschwäbische Blaskapelle.
2023 Performance Schedule:
April 22nd Schwabenball, Lenau Park
July 21st Beer & Brats, 6:00pm-10:00pm Lenau Park
August 12th Private Event
August 18th Sommer Oktoberfest, 6:00pm-7:30pm
August 20th Sommer Oktoberfest, 12:00pm-2:30pm
September 1st Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest, 4:30pm-7:30pm
September 8th German Central Oktoberfest, 5:00pm-7:30pm
September 9th Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest, 4:00pm-7:00pm
September 17th Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest, 12:30pm-3:30pm
September 23rd St. Paul’s Episcopal, Medina Oktoberfest, 1:00pm-5:00pm
October 1st Apollo Maennerchor Oktoberfest, 4:00pm-6:30pm
October 21st Kulturegruppe Oktoberfest, Lenau Park, 4:00pm-6:30pm
November 5th Kirchweihfest/Tag der Donauschwaben 12:00pm-4:00pm
December 2nd KrampusFest!, Lenau Park, 6pm-10pm
December 17th Weihnachtsfeier, Lenau Park, 2:00pm-4:30pm
Group History:
In 1958, the Cleveland Society of Danube Swabians’ Brass Band & Posaunenchor was founded by Peter Glatt and Reverend Horst Hoyer. Songs performed consisted primarily of waltzes, polkas, and marches.
The band often played at the Banater Club, Sachsenheim Club, and Gottscheer Club, and after six years, the band had grown to forty-four members. At that time, Glatt entrusted the band to Edmund Siefert and Hans Franz.
Sommer Oktoberfest at Lenau Park
In 1967, the Cleveland DSB was invited to perform at the Bundesmusikfest in Sindelfingen, Germany, taking first place honors for an unforgettable performance of Sousa’s “Washington Post.” 156 brass bands were in attendance, and the DSB performed a total of forty-seven concerts in just sixteen days.
Richard Reuding and Hans Noel subsequently took over, as the DSB toured Canada and later performed in Los Angeles. The band continued onward and upward with Peter Weber. Then, under the direction of Ralph Rehner and Michael Rehner, the band booked a luxurious cruise ship tour of the Caribbean Sea, including performances in the Dominican Republic, San Juan, and Saint Croix.
Continued success followed under the direction of Robert Kozy, Jack Hack, Michael Sifferman, Ed Seifert, Paul Psota, Matt Niessen, and Michele Esper. Most recently, Roger Radke and John McClellan have organized performances in Detroit, Sandusky, Sharon, and Windsor, as well as local venues such as the Akron Zoo, All Pro Freight Stadium, Altenheim & Shurmer Place, Amherst German Fest, Canal Park, Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest, Cleveland Maennerchor, Cleveland World Festival, German Central Oktoberfest, German Cultural Garden, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Heimatland Oktoberfest, Hofbräuhaus Cleveland, John Carroll University, Lenau Park Sommer Oktoberfest, Olmsted Falls Heritage Days Festival, Parker Hannifin, and Sandusky Oktoberfest.
As the Cleveland DSB enters into its 65th year, under the direction of Julie Williams, the traditions of Danube Swabian brass bands continue as the DSB performs long standing waltzes, polkas, and marches. Special thanks to all who have supported the Cleveland DSB, past and present!
Officers:
President: Scott J. Saluga
Vice President: James Lenahan
Treasurer: Robert Elshaw
Secretary: James Boyer
Delegates: John Yatson, Roger Radke
Musical Director: Julie Williams
Assistant Musical Directors: Matt Niessen, Chris Donze
Vocalist: Jim Lenahan, Amy Reutlinger, Diana Tyler,
Contact Information:
Phone: 614-439-5524
E-mail: blaskapelle@donauschwabencleveland.com