Band
A fun group from South Central Pennsylvania with a passion for uplifting folk and dance music from the Alps. For over 39 years the band performed at various festivities in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Virginia, Georgia including several European tours.
Performances by these talented musicians are profound and captivating at any event.
Concerts are always full of energy and engaging to ensure the audience has a great time and an enjoyable experience. The band entertains as a duo, trio or up to an eight-piece band to suit any size of festivities or concert venue.
For booking the band please contact Helmar Mueller at helmar@alpenlaenders.com
Meet the Band Members
Helmar Mueller – Button box, accordion, alphorn, trumpet and vocals. Helmar, born in Austria, is a founding partner of the Original Alpenländers and the manager of the group.
Ron Myers – Vocals and percussion. Ron became an Alpenländer with his first singing performance in 2018.
Bob Bechtel – Bass and vocals. Bob joined the phenomenon of the Alpenländers in 2018.
Art Wachter – Guitar and vocals. Art started playing with the Alpenländers in 2017.
Chris Straka – Sax & Flute. Chris made his first apperance with the band in 2022.
Mike Hirsh – Drums, percusssions, bass, baritone, alphorn, and vocals. Mike enjoyed the Alpenländers spirit since 1996.
Dan Vogel – Lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and vocals. Dan’s first performance with the Alpenlaenders in 2008 captivated him so much that he become a valuable member of our group.
Featured Alpenlaenders
Erika Mueller – Die Alpenländerin with the voice and support for the survival of the band. Besides singing and dancing Erika enjoys the breaks for a cup of coffee – Austrian style of course.
Mario Logan Mueller – An Alpenländer since his birth. At a very young age Mario’s voice talent was already heard on many live shows. He continued his passion for music and now enjoys playing the piano and guitar as well. His great baritone voice is featured on our CD “Am Almsee” and “Oktoberfest”.
Pat Colgan – Keyboard, bass, guitar and vocals. In 1996 Pat acquired “Alpenländers Fever” and helped the band grow with his musical talent and sound expertise over a 20 year time period. We are very thankful for his contribution and support; and wish Pat much success in his new endeavor.
Bill School – Trumpet, flugelhorn, and alphorn. Bill performed with the Alpenländers from 2008 to 2022, when he retired from the music scene and moved to Florida. Bill’s talent and energy was an amazing addition to the band and a staple of our performances. We are very thankful for Bill’s contribution and wish him and his family much happiness and a joyful ritirement.
Guenther Müller and Caroline Müller – Both are from Klagenfurt Austria. Passion for music and the Alpenländers spirit is in their blood. Guenther and Caroline performed with the Alpenlaenders when they visited the USA and when the Alpenländers were on tour in Europe. The CD “Oktoberfest” features several recordings with Guenther on the button box and his daughter Caroline on the Xylophone.
Woody Pfenninger – Guitar and vocals. Woody started to perform with the Alpenländers in 2014. We are very thankful for his contribution and support as a band member over the 5-year span he played with us.
Dan Aitken – Bass, guitar, mandolin and vocals. Dan made his first appearance with the Alpenländers in 2008. He was a very active band member for over 10 years and we very much appreciate his musical skill and contribution to our group. Dan retired from the music scene and is spending well deserved time with his family.
In Fond Memory
Reese Bookmiller
1947 – 2018
You’ll be in our hearts forever, Reese. Thank you for sharing your musical talents and for your contributions to the band for over 30 years. Your friendship and legacy as the “Jodelautomat” and singer with perfect pitch and vocal harmonies will be remembered for a long time. As a founding partner and performer on bass, alphorn and trumpet you rounded out the diversity of our music and culture you loved so much as an Alpenländer.
Rest in Peace
Alan Bookmiller
1950 – 2024
Fondly remembering you, Alan, as the lead vocalist with the radio voice and a profound sense of humor that charmed and entertained the audience at every Alpenländers gig for 20 years. As a founding partner and performer on guitar, bass, and baritone you didn’t hesitate to do what’s needed to enrich the authentic sound of our music. Thank you for your friendship and for sharing your musical talents and contribution to the band.
Rest in Peace