BLASKAPELLE
Cleveland DSB German Brass Band
2025 Fest Season Schedule
August 15th Sommer Oktoberfest, Lenau Park 6:00pm-7:30pm
August 17th Sommer Oktoberfest, Lenau Park 12:00pm-2:30pm
August 29th Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest, Berea Fairgrounds, 4:30pm-7:30pm
September 5th German Central Oktoberfest, Parma 5:00pm-7:30pm
September 6th Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest, Berea Fairgrounds 12:30pm-4:30pm
September 21st Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest, 12:30pm-3:30pm
September 27th St. Paul’s Episcopal Oktoberfest, Medina, 1:00pm-5:00pm
September 28th Apollo Maennerchor Oktoberfest, Sharon, PA 4:00pm-6:30pm
October 18th Kulturegruppe Oktoberfest, Lenau Park, 4:00pm-6:30pm
November 2nd Kirchweihfest/Tag der Donauschwaben 12:00pm-4:00pm
December 6th KrampusFest!, Lenau Park, 6:00pm-10:00pm
December 21st Weihnachtsfeier, Lenau Park, 2:00pm-4:30pm
Mission Statement:
To perpetuate and preserve traditional Danube Swabian and German-American music, primarily through live performances that showcase the artistry, excitement, fun and talent of the Cleveland Donauschwäbische Blaskapelle
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.
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, we have performed 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.
In the last few years under our current officers, we have added many new venues, such as Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest, St. Paul’s Oktoberfest in Medina, Lorain International Festival and the Apollo Maennerchor in Sharon, PA. along with the ones we perform annually
As the Cleveland DSB enters into its 67th year, under the music direction of Julie Williams, the traditions of Danube Swabian brass bands continue as the DSB performs new songs while also performing 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
Musical Director: Julie Williams
Assistant Musical Directors: Matt Niessen, Chris Donze
Vocalist: Jim Lenahan, Diana Tyler,
Contact Information:
Phone: 614-439-5524
E-mail: blaskapelle@donauschwabencleveland.com