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Volume 25-01
PINT SIZE POLKAS
What a year 2024 was! For Pint Size Polkas, it marked my very
first trip to the West Coast. In June, I spent two weeks visiting
libraries in Central and Northern California, making Pint Size Polkas
a true Coast-to-Coast touring act. I also had the chance to visit some
favorite stops in Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, Wisconsin
and Wyoming. In 2025, I'll be back in Iowa after a year off, plus
Texas for my first time since 2019. Looking forward to more great
travels next year!
THE MIKE SCHNEIDER
BAND
Oktoberfests, festivals, the Old German Beer Hall, and even a stop
at the huge Christkindlmarkt in Carmel, IN all contributed to another
successful year for the Mike Schneider Band. We also helped kick off
one of the largest Oktoberfests in the United States in La Crosse back
in September for the second straight year, and they've already asked
us back for 2025! I have also been invited to be one of the regular
performers at Glendale's Bavarian Bierhaus. Plus, if all goes well,
you will be able to hear my music in a brand new venue starting in
Spring 2025. Suffice to say, this opportunity will be bringing my
music to thousands of new listeners each week, and in a format I don't
believe has ever been done before in polka music. Stay tuned to the
Home page for details when the official announcement is made early
next year. Exciting news is just around the corner!
MOLLIE B EVENTS
With Ted Lange taking some well deserved time off, I had the
chance to play accordion with Mollie B and Friends as my schedule
permitted this past year, including a theater-style production in
Reedsburg, and the Helen Oktoberfest in Georgia. Between my
commitments with Pint Size Polkas and the Mike Schneider Band, it
looks like there may be a couple more opportunities to work with
Mollie B in 2025. Stay tuned for details!
PERSONAL YEAR IN
REVIEW
As if 2024 wasn't exciting enough with all the various
performances and developing opportunities, behind the scenes it was an
equally amazing year! In May, my kids competed in a National F.I.R.S.T.
Lego League competition in New Jersey and won the 2nd Place Champions
Award. My wife Heather coaches the team along with another team
parent. They do amazing work! Plus, I mentioned I went to California
in June. Well, I had to take my golf clubs, and I just happened to get
very lucky and get a tee time at Pebble Beach, which was at the very
top of my bucket list. The only thing that could top it would be
Augusta, but that's just a little harder (i.e., nearly impossible) to
get on. And then to cap off the year and celebrate our anniversary in
November, Heather and I went to see what could very well have been
Stevie Wonder's last concert in Milwaukee. He's 71 and sings and plays
like he's 39. I almost didn't go, but am so glad we did. Another
bucket list item for the books!
As always, be
sure to join our growing list of fans on Facebook
here, or the Mike Schneider Band
here. Once you’re there, click the
Like button at the top of the page.
That's all for this
month. Thanks again and talk to you soon!
Mike Schneider
Uncle Mike and his Polka Band |
