Our History

1942

Created In 1942

The band was originally formed from a group of eight or ten friends in the Lindenwood 4H club during the Second World War. They called themselves “The Victory Band” to demonstrate their deep feelings of patriotism.

1966

Official Naming

The band decided to incorporate lederhosen into their uniform, and officially changed the band name to The Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band after the parade march by Carl Teike, Alte Kameraden March.

The march continues to be one of the most requested numbers the band plays.

1969

Oktoberfest

The band received its first invitation to play at the Oktoberfest in Glendale, Wisconsin.

An invitation has been extended every year since.

1973

First Europe Tour

In 1973 the band made its first playing tour of Germany and Austria. Since their initial tour, The Alte Kameraden have made 8 return trips.
During these trips, the band has performed at the world-famous Munich Oktoberfest, several famous beer halls in Munich, and local fests in other locales in Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

These tours have provided a most unique vacation experience for hundreds of friends and fans of the band, who have accompanied the band and gained an abundance of unforgettable memories.

1975

Prominence In American Folk Life

In 1975 the band performed on the Mall in Washington at the Smithsonian Institute’s “Festival of American Folk Life”. That same year they appeared prominently in Thames Television’s television series “Destination America” commemorating America’s Bicentennial.

1978

Munich Oktoberfest

The Alte Kameraden performed at the world-famous Munich Oktoberfest.

1981

The First Germanfest

The Alte Kameraden played at the first “Germanfest” at Henry Maier Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront, and have fulfilled an unbroken string of performances each year the fest has operated.
Germanfest has become the largest German ethnic festival in North America. It is held the last weekend in July.

1984 / 1987

Presidential Performances (Reagan)

In 1984 and 1987 the band had the honor to play for President Ronald Reagan and those assembled during his visit to Milwaukee.

1996

Presidential Performances (Clinton)

In 1996 the band was again privileged to entertain those present when President Bill Clinton and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl made a visit to Milwaukee.

2002

Important Recognitions

In 2002 the band was inducted in the Polka Hall of Fame and in 2005, 2010, and 2015 the band received recognition during the annual Milwaukee Germanfest for participating in the festival for 25, 30 and 35 years.

2005

25 Years of Germanfest

The band’s 25’th participation at the Milwaukee Germanfest.

2017

Travel Wisconsin

In 2017 The Alte Kameraden was selected to be a participant in Travel Wisconsin’s 2018 summer tourism campaign.

A 30-second commercial was filmed in Monroe, Wisconsin at Turner Hall in December 2017.  The Gemuchlikeit commercial is a memory the band will cherish for years to come.

2019

European Tour

In 2019, the Alte Kameraden returned to Europe for it’s seventh tour of the continent and performed across the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany.

2021

40th Germanfest

In 2021, the Alte Kameraden attended their 40’th year at Germanfest, delayed a year due to the Pandemic.

Present

The Current State Of The Band

From its original conception in 1942, the band has evolved into a renowned musical organization called “The Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band.”

Many of the band members are related, brothers, grandfathers, fathers, sons, uncles, cousins, brother-laws and sons-in-law.

The Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band is already into its eighth decade celebrating its ethnic and American roots while entertaining as only the Alte Kameraden can for all those that wish to listen.

As of today, the band shows no signs of slowing down as new members continue to be welcomed into the world-renowned musical organization.