is the best known group to perform at Kitchener-Waterloo’s Oktoberfest each year. Not just renowned for being an elite polka band in Canada and the United States, but also one of Canada’s best loved party bands. Winners of the 2012 PACE Awards for Best German Album. The PACE AWARDS have replaced the POLKA Category from the Grammy Awards.
How do you describe The Black Forest Band to somebody who hasn’t heard them play before? To begin with, you explain that this band does not just “play” – The Black Forest Band is a full entertainment experience! They have a wonderful ability to charm an audience and draw them into the party atmosphere. All the fun of great polkas and Oktoberfest favourites, brought to you by people who are not just professionals, but who also love this music!
The Black Forest Band loves their fans, and they know that the show is all for you. The Black Forest Band experience isn’t just a concert, it’s like friends playing at your party and playing “with” you, not just for you!
But we can’t stop there! This band bangs out all kinds of party music – don’t let the costumes fool you! You may find yourself out on the floor for a polka, and effortlessly, they’ll have you singing along with a rock or pop hit before your toes have stopped the polka! Fans of rock n’ roll; the power songs of the Seventies; The songs people loved in the 1980’s or 90’s ; right on up to this year – The Black Forest Band members love the great songs that you do – and will likely introduce you to some special music that you will love!
It’s like magic! The music really does cross generations when played with this much fun and passion!
Besides the authentic taste of Oktoberfest, you are likely to hear anything from Jazz, classic Rock, Country, swing and songs or dances that have been popular in North America over the past 100 years! The band is always keeping a collective ear open for new songs as well. If it’s popular at parties and you can sing along, chances are that the Black Forest Band will play it!
The Black Forest Band has been doing this for decades now, playing parties all over Canada, the US and even the Caribbean. Whether it is holding court at an Oktoberfest, or sharing the same stage as legends of rock, pop or traditional music at a festival. This band knows how to entertain! Since 1981, it has been a great experience! The Black Forest Band has had many albums that regularly sell incredibly well – thanks again to their fantastic fans! Keep watching for more information on past and new releases on this site in the near future.
Raise a Glass and Sing!
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit.
Oans, zwoa, drei, Gsuffa!
Video Samples:
Join us at the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest this year at the Concordia Club – the heart of Oktoberfest!
The Black Forest Band Members:
Steve Richtaritsch
Steve blows them away on the Clarinet – just one of his many musical talents, as he plays sax, clarinet, and flute, and sings as well.Steve is a founding member along with Gary in February, 1981.
Gary Kreller
Gary is not just vocals, but our accordion and keyboard man!He is a founding member of the Black Forest Band along with Steve in February, 1981 and is the music co-ordinator and arranger with allot of band interference/input.
Clive Ord
Clive provides extraordinary bass and vocals too!
Greg Dozois
Greg plays trumpet, flugelhorn …and yes, sometimes tambourine too!
Vern MacDonald
Guitar wizard and vocals.
Sonja Kroisenbrunner
Vocals and a touch of class to the other-wise all boy band!
Ron Duke
Drums and vocals are among many of Ron’s talents.
Ross Daly
Ross plays violin and sings as well.He has orchestrated the show “Rocktoberfest Polka!” for full symphony orchestra. See www.ovationsp.com for more information.
Paul Reibling
Paul is our sound man – the guy who makes us sound good out front.
The Black Forest Band
