About The Swingin' Dutchmen

The Swingin’ Dutchmen began in 1965 in San Antonio. The members were all high school students. The band specializes in playing music from Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia which includes Bavarian, Tyrolean, Oberkrainer, and Egerlander music. Through the years, the band has played for many functions in and around South-Central Texas. Some of the places include the Polish American Society, Highland Social Club, Martinez Social Club, Anhalt, SPJST Hall near Floresville, a live three hour performance on KRME radio in Hondo, and many other performances. In recent years, the band has played at Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, the Bavarian Village in New Braunfels, Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Night in Old San Antonio, The World Presidents Organization Oktoberfest in Houston, many private parties, and other Oktoberfest events throughout the state.

In 1990, The Swingin’ Dutchmen were filmed by the British Broadcasting Company for part of a documentary on music in Texas called Texas Saturday Night. In 1996 the band recorded a cassette which is included on our CD along with live recordings from other events. In 2006 The Swingin' Dutchmen performed at the Big Joe Polka Fest recording in Round Top, Texas and have been seen on Big Joe's Polka Show. They have also performed for the Molli B. Show recording in Ennis, TX and also featured on the show.

About the Der Klein Steins

Der Klein-Steins, originated in 1989, is a smaller group of musicians who perform music similar to The Swingin’ Dutchmen. Der Klein-Steins performed at Fiesta Texas and the Bier Fest at Sea World in San Antonio. They have performed at Altstadt Brewery in Fredericksburg, TX and many festivals, events and restaurants in the South Central Texas area. Some live recordings of this group are included on our CD as a special feature.

Dennis Koehler, the owner of both bands, has been playing accordion for over 60 years. He is a retired Texas band director with a Master of Education Degree in Music. He also plays trumpet and recently begun playing the Alphorn. Dennis has played solo accordion performances in several area German restaurants, nursing homes, and private parties.

About Dennis Koehler

Dennis Koehler, the owner of the bands plays piano accordion, trumpet and recently added the Alphorn to his list of instruments and is available as a solo performer. The Swingin’ Dutchmen, Der Klein-Steins and Dennis are available to perform for all occasions -festivals, weddings, anniversaries, parties, etc. Whatever the performing venue, the program is always entertaining. We look forward to each and every performance. We hope you enjoy our music as much as we enjoy playing for you.

Our Musical Services

Experience authentic Bavarian, Tyrolean, and Oberkrainer music for your events.

Performing traditional music since 1965 for various functions in Texas.

A smaller ensemble delivering similar joyful music since 1989.

Enjoy lively performances that bring a taste of Central European culture.

Dennis & Diana