The Larry Olsen Band

Bandleader Larry Olsen owns seven Hengel concertinas and has lived in the Lake Benton, MN area his entire life; now living only two miles from the farm where he grew up.

At age 11, Larry started playing concertina. Before forming his own band in 1982 (The Larry Olsen Band), he played guitar with The Marv Nissel Band.

In 1984, Larry’s dad, Arnold, joined Larry’s band as drummer and Larry’s sister, Lisa, played piano. Larry later added a guitar and horn player when Lisa left for college.

When Larry isn’t busy with his band, his 2,000-acre farming operation located just east of Lake Benton occupies most of his time. Larry’s wife, Brenda, also keeps busy, owning Perfect Styles in Marshall, along with Larry’s sister, Lisa, and helping in the fall with the farming.

Every Memorial Day weekend, Larry and Brenda sponsor and host a four-day music fest at their farm, with the aid of about 30 volunteers.

About the band

Jeff Buesing

Drummer Jeff Buesing started drum lessons in the third grade, and has been playing ever since. Jeff and a friend of his formed the “Cavemen” band, a country rock band in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. He has also played with Checkmate Part II, Jeff & Morrie, The Country Classics, and the Senior Knights Band.

Jeff lives with his wife, Mary Jo, in Marshall, MN.

Richard Roepke

Trumpeter Richard Roepke started playing trumpet in 1974 and throughout his high school years.

In 1982, Rich started playing with the Marv Nissel band, but retired until returning to the 12th Annual Music Fest in 2006. Since returning, he has been playing full time with the Larry Olsen Band, and he prefers playing harmony parts with his trumpet and vocals.

Rich lives in Arlington, MN.

Dale Tolk

Guitarist/trumpeter Dale Tolk started playing the trumpet in the fifth grade. He learned a lot of old-time songs playing with his dad, Don, who plays accordion.

Dale played with The Marv Nissel Band for a few years, and then in 1987, he joined The Larry Olsen Band playing trumpet, guitar, and vocals. Dale retired in 1995, but returned to The Larry Olsen Show in 2005.

Dale lives with his wife, Donna, in Brookings, SD.

For more information

Larry Olsen Band

1981 State Highway 14

Lake Benton, MN

56149-4204

Telephone: (507) 368-9627

Email: l.bolsenfarms@gmail.com