Founded in 1933, the GAM Blaskapelle has deep cultural roots in the folk music of Middle Europe -- roots that keep in touch with the cutting edge of "Stimmungsmusik" these days but respect the culture and vitality of the traditional Blaskapelle of old.
Contemporary influences include Ernst Mosch, Zillertaler Schürzenjäger, Slavko Avsenik, Alpen Yuppies, Hoi, Richard Brandl, James Last, Freddie Quinn, Vico Toriani and anyone else on the top of the heap in this genre in recent years.
The GAM Blaskapelle's biggest success indicator is the "Stimmung" of our Fans.
If the dance floor isn't full or the beer's not flowing, it ain't the GAM Blaskapelle on stage!
Hmmm ... What does the GAM Blaskapelle sound like?
Think Ernst Mosch and Slavko Avsenik on steroids!
Think early Heino without the Sonnenbrille!
Think the Zillertaler Schürzenjäger before they went completely commercial!
Damn near as crazy as the notorious Bier Band from Cincinnati!
... Imagine what Frankie Yankovic coulda done if he'd been German!
Better yet, just come to one of our shows, drink some beer and get out on the dance floor!
If you can't make it to one of our shows, buy one of our new CD's get yerself a case of Spaten or Franziskaner, invite a couple hundred of your best friends, pop the CD in then wait for all hell to break loose!
And yes, of course we can sell you a CD -- just drop us a line! (Click at the top of this page where it says "Send Message!")
First things first: Yes, of course you can buy our fantastic new CD album, "Liebesgrüße aus Buffalo!"
-- just click on "Send Message" above and get in touch!
OK, so who are we, anyway?
The German American Musicians Association was formally organized in 1933 and has actively sponsored musical groups all over the Buffalo area for the past 74-some years.
The Association reorganized its bands in 2006 creating the Blaskapelle (Fest Band) to complement the Konzertkapelle (Concert Band) and to reflect current trends in Germany and Austria. Both groups are dedicated to bringing the traditional energy back to the Beer Fest fare -- with the kick it was originally intended to convey!
The Band reconfigures to its more formal Konzertkapelle with double reeds, and Kontrabass for formal events such as the "German Christmas."
Kurz gesagt ... all that having been said, we're a traditional Oom-Pah Band configuration with a great attitude.
No guitars - no, not even an accordion.
Just Heavy Metal, Bier-Garten style - Tubas and Tenorhorns, Bariton, Flügelhorns, Althorns and Trompeten - yes, even Klarinetten, Saxophones, Glockenspiel and a big Bass Drum!
Philosophy?
„Habe nun, ach! Philosophie, Juristerei und Medizin und leider auch Theologie! durchaus studiert mit heißem Bemühn. Da steh ich nun, ich armer Tor! Und bin so klug als wie zuvor.“
OK ... "Philosophy?" ... I suppose we're somewhere between Schoppenhauer, Kant and Nietzsche.
(huh?!)
Ja, so ... If there's a Philosophy with the GAM Blaskapelle it's probably best said that we think that German Fests and German traditional music are one helluva fine time for all ages -- and have been so for a mighty long time!
The GAM Blaskapelle intends to do what we can to keep this great tradition alive and kicking!
It's as difficult to put into words as the notion of "Gemütlichkeit."
You're just going to have to come to a Blaskapelle show where you'll see it in action: Traditional music played with real drive and excitement keeps the beer flowin' and the good times rolllin'!
Of course, until we come to your town, you can do pretty well with our new CD! Drop us a line with a check for $16.00 and we'll get it right out to you in time for your next party!
ja zum glucek geht's uns allen gut. wir waeren aber fast nur 2 haeuser von der schiesserei weg gewesen, denn wir wollten meine freundin alina besuchen. zum glueck ist und aber was dazwischen gekommen. aber ein freund von mandy und jake war auf dem weg zu alinas haus und ist erschossen worden. er war schon fast da nur noch ein haus weit weg und....
alina und ihr verlobter haben all das gesehen, wie der typ den freund er von ihnen erschoss und auch wie er einige der anderen erschoss.
eine entfernte cousine von jake wurde an der tankstelle erschossen und ein neun klaessler in tinas schule ist tot. von den anderen toten und verletzten wissen wir die namen noch nicht und hoffen halt, dass wir sie nicht kannten. aber bei so einem kleinen ort ist es gut moeglich, dass wir noch andere kannten.
der bo mein mann) ist jetzt seit 2 wochen in oklahoma. er hat dort einen neuen job. bei seinem alten hat er nix mehr verdient. leider ist oklahoma ueber 900 milen von hier weg. ist schon ungewohnt so ohne den bo. aber die 2 jahre werden auch vergehen.
Hello There!, Just wanted to tell you that I appreciate your musical tastes, styles talents and being part of your network. Stay cool & I hope you enjoy your holidays! ZT
I see that your free on August 30th.... Come join The Bier Band in all their FRIVOLITY at the Berea (Cleveland) Labor Day Oktoberfest. Get the details at:
We're playing on SATURDAY from 4PM on.... you should come and bring your Alpenhorn! That's as close as we're getting to Buffalo... only 3 hrs for you.... AND you can be back in time (all bright eyed and bushy tailed) for your gig on Sunday, Aug 31!
Tut mir leid, dass ich soooooo lange schon nicht mehr geschrieben hab, aber die haben mich in der Schule recht gestressed. Am Feitag war der letzte Schultag (Yeah), war aber war trotzdem jeden Tag im Stress. Am Freitag hatte mein Kleiner Kindergarten Abschlussfeier, am Samstag hatte er Geburtstag und er hatte 11 Freunde die kamen. Da haben sie dann im Pool und im Garten gespielt. Gestern musste ich dann wieder alles in Ordnung bringen. Und heute hat meine Grosse Geburtstag. Ich hoffe dass die naechsten Tage etwas ruhiger werden.
Wollte dich nur wissen lassen, dass ich dich nicht vergessen hab. Gruessele von Samson Biggi
Hey there GAM Blaskapelle!, Haven't said Polka Hello in a while. Hope all is well with you, our health & your" Polka ways" Drop bye when you have a chance and keep the Polka in your life! Polka Ted
I would like to invite YOU personally to come downtown Cincinnati, OH for an annual EVENT called Bockfest; Friday, March 7th, 2008.
Bockfest is a CELEBRATION for the coming of SPRING (Haven't we had ENOUGH WINTER?)! And what better to help us with our celebration???... BEER... wonderful BOCK BEER. Back in Medieval times, the German monks used to brew beer of a more robust character to help sustain them through the Lenten fast in preparation for EASTER. Bock beer has now become widely recognized as a way to help usher in the SPRING season.
Cincinnati, with it's rich German heritage has embraced Bockfest as a perfect excuse to throw a PARTY. The Bier Band is always looking for a good excuse to party... and Bockfest is one of the best parties of the whole year.
We will participate in a PARADE that starts Friday, 3/7 at 6PM at Arnold's Bar & Grill (8th & Main, Cincinnati).
After the parade, the ceremonial tapping of the first keg of Bock Beer will take place and the crowd will disperse to any of several downtown bars to continue the celebration. The Bier Band will perform at BOCKFEST HALL. This year's Bockfest Hall is sponsored by the Over-the-Rhine Foundation, and will be located in the former Red Cheetah/Sycamore Gardens space on East 12th Street between Main Street and Sycamore. The Bier Band will warm up for The Tuna Project (to take the stage at 9PM), although, it's quite probable that The Bier Band will take the opportunity to JAM with the Tuna Project occasionally as the bock bier flows!
I have not said hello in a while! Hope everything is going well, you are happy and staying on top of the game:) Drop by, sample a tune & say Hi. Keep playing those great tunes! You're very creative. Love to hear from ya! ZT
Well, I notice that your schedule is CLEAR for March 7th, 2008. THAT's cool because that means that you'd be FREE to come to Cincinnati for BOCKFEST! Here's the scoop:
BOCKFEST 2008 Cincinnati, OH Friday, March 7th PARADE Starts at 6PM Starts at ARNOLD'S Bar & Grill (8th & Main) Ends at BOCKFEST HALL (12th & Main) 7:30PM The Bier Band performs at Bockfest Hall 9:30PM: The Tuna Project performs at Bockfest Hall... (and T-Bone might get up and JAM for a tune or three).
There will be PLENTY of Christian Moerlein EMANCIPATOR Doppelbock on tap all night long!
C'Mon down and jam with us!!! Y'all can crash at T-Bone's palatial estate that night so ya don't have to drive home.... SO, WHAT's STOPPIN' YA??!
