Entertainment performing in The Beer Garden on Saturday July 26th from 3 pm to 6pm.

Peter & Paul And the Wendinger Band

As people of the world strive to live together in peace and harmony; likewise, brothers Peter and Paul Wendinger have spent their entire lives farming, entertaining, and traveling. Their love for music has broadened their talents and given them opportunities far beyond their expectations.

The year 2003 marked the 40th anniversary of Peter & Paul and the Wendinger Band.

It was Polka Day, 1962, when Peter and Paul's father, Herbert Wendinger, purchased their first concertina from the Christy Hengel display in New Vim. Their first playing engagement was for the wedding reception of their neighbors, George and Marian Altmann of St. George. For their compensation, each received a pair of black socks! Their first actual "paid" job was on January 15, 1964 for John Deere Day in Gibbon, Minnesota. They received $5.00 for the event.

The present band, becoming family to Peter and Paul. is complimented with a wide variety of musical talents. Mike Simon of rural Windom has played tuba, trumpet, and trombone for over 25 years with the Wendinger Band. Joining them on trumpet, keyboard, tuba, trombone, baritone, music writing and arranging, is Steve Moran of New Vim. Jon Wendinger, Paul's son, from Mankato, MN joined the band in 1989, at the age of 15. He shares the percussion responsibilities with Gary Gleisner, New Vim, who has drummed for Peter and Paul over a period of 25 years. Larry Roepke from Stewart, MN, playing tuba, trumpet, and baritone, has in the past year become a full-time member of this band "family". All musicians blend their voices, producing beautiful harmony beyond compare; with many of the German vocals being sung by Jon.

Peter and Paul were honored by receiving the Academy Award for Minnesota Ballroom Dance Band, as the 1985 Old Time Band of the year.

The bi-centennial year of 1976 marked the beginning of a new venture for Peter and Paul, when they hosted a tour to a polka festival in Honolulu, Hawaii. Since then, the two brothers, partners, and friends have introduced to the world, Wendinger Band & Travel.

The unique style of music that Peter & Paul and the Wendinger Band generate is pleasurable to both listening and dancing audiences. Their abundance of friends is proof that truly, "Highways are Happy Ways"!

Peter and Paul Wendinger are proud to be a part of the rich, musical heritage of New Ulm, Minnesota. Join them as they share with you their gift of MUSIC ... THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE!