Gary and the Ridgeland Dutchmen
An award winning polka/variety band from Cashton, WI, the Ridgeland Dutchmen have been entertaining and winning awards for many year.
They were chosen as Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame’s Band of the Year in 2003 and 2008. Gary Brueggen was inducted into the World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame in 2008. Their CD, “25 Year’s of Miles, Smiles and Memories,” won Album of the Year from Wisconsin Polka Music.com.
Their latest CD, “Brueggen Down the House,” picked up Variety CD of the Year from www.247polkaheaven.com, and the Polka America Corporation.
The band plays a variety of polka music including Dutchmen, German, Czech-style, Polish-style, and Slovenian-style, along with a variety of country, big band, swing, and ‘50s and ‘60s music.
The early years (by Gary Brueggen)
My grandfather, Herman Brueggen passed away in 1971, hence beginning the start of the name, “The Ridgeland Dutchmen,” which still consisted of my dad, Willard, and uncles, Harry and Phillip, and family friends.
In the 1990s the band consisted of myself, my sister, Judy, on drums and vocals, our dad, Willard, and Uncle Harry on guitar and vocals. Also at this time, Harry and Marie’s three daughters, Donna, Carol, and Cathy came along and were part of the Polka Mass Trio. We did polka Masses all over the US, including a number of times in Mesa, AZ for polka fests that took place on a yearly basis.
The Ridgeland Dutchmen today
We have been blessed over the years, having some of the most talented band members in the business. They come from all backgrounds, and learned how to play instruments in a variety of ways, but one thing they all have in common . . . they play from the heart!
Other wonderful musicians that work with our band include Gary Hendrickson, Jay Zunker, Tom Schneider, Mark Heinz, and many others.
“Wisconsin’s Concertina Kid” – I’ve been performing since the age of 9. April 1982 was my first gig at a fireman’s dance in Bangor, WI. I play concertina and button box. When not performing, I’m a customer service representative for Organic Valley, Family of Farms at the Cashton, WI location.
In 2008, I was honored to be inducted into the World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame. I am proud to carry on the family tradition, that started with my late grandfather Herman Brueggen, who ran a dance band here in Western Wisconsin for many years until his death in 1971. I have his 1922 Majestic concertina here that I play once in a while.
I enjoy the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers.
Willard Brueggen, who plays the tuba, has been performing for well over 60 years! Willard and Gary’s mother, MaryAnn, are retired and live in Sparta, WI. They were dairy farmers in Western Wisconsin just outside of our hometown of Cashton, WI. They raised sixchildren – Jim, Curt, Rick, Kristine, Gary, and Judy, along with running a dairy farm. Willard is self-taught on the tuba and cannot read any music, and absolutely 100 percent plays from the heart.
He enjoys the travels and meeting up with friends and making new ones, too! When Willard and MaryAnn are not on the road with the band, they enjoy spending time with the family and grandchildren, watching Milwaukee Brewers baseball, visiting many friends and relation, and playing lots of cards.
