You’re invited to The Saturday Morning Barndance Christmas Party, December 15th, 7-11AM, Northland Community & Technical College, Thief River Falls. This year’s event features band leader and concertina player Kris Keltgen of Mankato. Kris has been performing old-time music since he was four years old. Kris has performed all over the upper midwest for weddings, anniversaries, community celebrations and festivals.

In 2012, the band released its first album: SMILE. The Smile album includes two concertina duets featuring Kris Keltgen and famous concertina artist Karl Hartwich of Trempealeau, Wisconsin. Also included in the Smile album is the first ever public release of the “Jeffers Polka,” written by Kris Keltgen in 2010.

Performing alongside Kris are some of the area’s most talented Old-Time musicians including: Mike Sanko (Tuba), Crystal Malek (Drums), and Minnesota Music Hall of Fame members Jerry Minar (Concertina), and John Henle (Trumpet). Kris and the Riverbend Dutchmen play your favorite Old Time polkas, waltzes, two-steps, and landlers.

This event is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.