Leon Olsen, concertina master and bandleader, has passed on
This week we will be sharing the Legacy of Leon Olsen by playing his music at The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in the museum. Leon Olsen was inducted to […]
Marv Nissel
Marv Nissel Inducted 2025 Marv Nissel started his interest in music in 1947 at the age of nine when his grandfather (William Nissel) and his father (Harold Nissel) were […]
Dan Witucki
Dan Witucki Inducted 2024 Back in 1971, all that Winthrop, Minnesota native Dan Witucki wanted was a chance to see and hold a concertina. His concertina-playing idols at the time […]
Johnny Helget
Johnny Helget (1939-2022) Inducted 2018 Johnny Louis Helget, the youngest son of John and Mary Helget, was born in New Ulm, Minnesota. When Johnny was eight, Mary taught him what […]
Jerry Minar
Jerry Minar Inducted 2012 Jerry Minar started taking accordion lessons at the age of seven and by the age of 15 he was teaching the accordion at four separate locations. […]
Johnny Gag
Johnny Gag (1939-2015) Inducted 2011 Johnny Gag was born in New Ulm where he attended Holy Trinity School and graduated from New Ulm High School after which he spent eight […]
Peter & Paul Wendinger
Peter & Paul Wendinger Inducted 2007 Peter and Paul have spent their entire lives growing up together, farming, and entertaining audiences near and far with their Polka Band. In 1962, […]
Don Klossner
Don Klossner (1935-2025 ) Inducted 2006 Donnie Klossner attempted to play his father’s button accordion at an early age. He then received a double-reed concertina and took lessons from Ray […]
Elmer Scheid
Elmer Scheid (1922-2012) Inducted in 1995 Elmer Scheid started playing with his father’s 2-row button concertina as a toy, and by the age of four had learned his first tune. […]
Sylvester “Syl” Liebl
Sylvester “Syl” Liebl (1917 – 2003) Inducted in 1993 Bandleader and concertina player Syl Liebl is one of those few who can look back and smile about a remarkable music […]