AlpenFolk

AlpenFolk brings the spirit of the Alps to life with authentic instruments, traditional singing, and lively yodeling. Their performances capture the true essence of alpine music—played just as it is today in the rustic inns, village squares, and mountain chalets of Bavaria, Tyrol, Styria, and beyond. With deep roots in alpine culture and a passion for preserving its rich traditions, AlpenFolk offers an immersive experience that transports audiences straight to the heart of the Alps. Whether performing for festivals, cultural events, or cozy gatherings, they deliver the sounds and stories of alpine life with warmth, authenticity, and joy.

Leavenworth Alphorns

The Leavenworth Alphorns are a beloved part of the town’s Bavarian charm, performing regularly throughout the year. You can catch their distinctive, echoing tones at festivals, civic events, and the popular Saturday Serenades held from May through September. Dressed in traditional attire and playing authentic 12-foot wooden alphorns, the group adds a unique and unforgettable element to Leavenworth’s alpine atmosphere, celebrating a tradition that echoes through the mountains of Bavaria and the heart of Washington’s own Bavarian village.

Bonnie Birch Trio

The Bonnie Birch Trio has been performing together for 25 years. Led by Bonnie Birch, a virtuoso accordionist known throughout the Northwest for her versatility and Oktoberfest repertoire, the trio also features Nick Heiting—born in Munich, fluent in German, and contributing guitar and vocals—and Paul Ostler on tuba, a talented musician with over 20 years of worldwide experience in the U.S. Navy Band.

Robert Baumann

Robert Baumann played his first professional accordion gig at age 12 and has been performing ever since—for over 60 years. A longtime upright bassist with Leavenworth’s AlpenFolk, he now entertains guests on accordion with his rich background in Bavarian and Austrian music. Fluent in German, Robert brings authentic charm and atmosphere to the Bavarian Village experience.

Max Kyllonen

A Leavenworth native, Max began playing accordion at age 6. At 14, he switched to the button box to deepen his passion for the instrument, studying annually with renowned Bavarian teacher Hans Auer. Now, with over 30 years of experience, Max regularly performs in Leavenworth, Bavaria, Austria, and Northern Italy for audiences from around the world.

Musikkapelle

Founded in 1996, Musikkapelle Leavenworth is an original town band from Leavenworth, inspired by the traditional village bands of Bavaria. Their repertoire features over 100 German arrangements, including classic marches, waltzes, and polkas. Like authentic German ensembles, the band brings together musicians from across the region and is led by “Kapellemeister” Chris Shimer.

Chris Barnes

Chris, a Seattle native, began teaching himself the diatonic button accordion in 1974. Starting on a 2-row instrument, he progressed to a 4-row by 2006. He has long performed with a Bavarian folk dance group and at events like dances, workshops, language camps, and competitions both in the U.S. and abroad. While he explores other regional styles, his main focus remains the traditional folk music of Bavaria and Austria, continually expanding his repertoire and refining his technique to keep the music fresh and engaging.

The Tubadours

The Tubadours was founded in 2009 as an outgrowth of Tuba Christmas events held in the Tri-Cities. A group of enthusiastic tuba and euphonium players came together to create beautiful music. Their repertoire includes marches, classical pieces, holiday tunes, jazz, movie themes, Hispanic favorites, rock and roll, country music, and of course, polkas!

The ensemble performs at various venues such as festivals, private events, retirement homes, county fairs, parades, baseball games, and in Leavenworth. Composed of 11 members from diverse backgrounds, the group aims to fulfill the ultimate destiny of every great piece of music by bringing it to life through the tuba!