Alex Meixner
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Alex Meixner

Palm City, Florida, United States | INDIE

Palm City, Florida, United States | INDIE
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"Live music for the Pilsener Haus beer garden in Hoboken"

“We’re bringing in Alex Meixner, who’s one of the most original and exciting musicians I’ve ever seen,” said Lampert. “You’ve never heard what he does anywhere else – it’s traditional oompah polka music, but it’s oompah on steroids. It’s oompah like you’ve never heard it before. People drive for miles, all the way from upstate New York, to see him and his band perform.” One reviewer hailed Meixner’s music for “its swinging, zinging versions of tunes around the world - waltzes, gypsy numbers, funny Rocktoberfest hybrids, and 57 Varieties of Polka” - New Jersey News


"Live music for the Pilsener Haus beer garden in Hoboken"

“We’re bringing in Alex Meixner, who’s one of the most original and exciting musicians I’ve ever seen,” said Lampert. “You’ve never heard what he does anywhere else – it’s traditional oompah polka music, but it’s oompah on steroids. It’s oompah like you’ve never heard it before. People drive for miles, all the way from upstate New York, to see him and his band perform.” One reviewer hailed Meixner’s music for “its swinging, zinging versions of tunes around the world - waltzes, gypsy numbers, funny Rocktoberfest hybrids, and 57 Varieties of Polka” - New Jersey News


"Outreach program is a great proponent for German culture and music"

Alex Meixner's outreach program for German and music students is a great proponent for German culture and music. His presence, both on and off-stage, commands the interest and attention of his audience and his air of genuine concern for youth is apparent and allows him to quickly develop a great rapport with them. His visit to our school was greatly appreciated by both students and staff.
- John Kretzer - German Teacher - New Braunfels High School


"Alex Meixner is a polka man for the 21st century"

Musikfest is known for its variety of music, but polka is its heart. After all, the word Musikfest and the German names of the platzes were inspired by the Oktoberfests of the world.

There may be some who think it is only for senior citizens. Well, this happy form of music is still going strong both at Musikfest and across the country. Last month, ArtsQuest announced its polka-filled Oktoberfest was the most successful festival of SteelStacks' first year.

Alex Meixner is one of the leaders of a new wave of polka bands, which are bringing the music to a new generation. "We know the traditional repertoire, but we are evolving the music and playing other styles. Polka musicians used to play big band music, because it was popular then," says Meixner in a phone interview.

He adds jazz, pop, folk, and world music to his show, as well as a variety of polkas. In one song, the group switches amongMetallica's"Enter Sandman," polka, and Brahms Lullaby, all in three and a half minutes..... - The Morning Call


"Alex Meixner is a polka man for the 21st century"

Musikfest is known for its variety of music, but polka is its heart. After all, the word Musikfest and the German names of the platzes were inspired by the Oktoberfests of the world.

There may be some who think it is only for senior citizens. Well, this happy form of music is still going strong both at Musikfest and across the country. Last month, ArtsQuest announced its polka-filled Oktoberfest was the most successful festival of SteelStacks' first year.

Alex Meixner is one of the leaders of a new wave of polka bands, which are bringing the music to a new generation. "We know the traditional repertoire, but we are evolving the music and playing other styles. Polka musicians used to play big band music, because it was popular then," says Meixner in a phone interview.

He adds jazz, pop, folk, and world music to his show, as well as a variety of polkas. In one song, the group switches amongMetallica's"Enter Sandman," polka, and Brahms Lullaby, all in three and a half minutes..... - The Morning Call


"Alex at the Tomball German Heritage Festival"

People can’t help but dance when they are under the influence of Alex’s music and the energy he exports! - Director of the Tomball German Heritage Festival


"Positive Educational Experience"

"Mr. Meixner's residency here at Sugar Valley Rural Charter School was one of the most positive educational experiences, musically, that I have ever witnessed." - Cory Spotts, Music Director, Sugar Valley Rural Charter School


"Positive Educational Experience"

"Mr. Meixner's residency here at Sugar Valley Rural Charter School was one of the most positive educational experiences, musically, that I have ever witnessed." - Cory Spotts, Music Director, Sugar Valley Rural Charter School


"Challenging Students"

"Alex has a way of challenging young people to think about the how's and why's of music. His energetic and enthusiastic approach inspires students to reach for higher goals." - Tom Kunkle, Music Department Chairperson (retired), Hollidaysburg Area School District


"Challenging Students"

"Alex has a way of challenging young people to think about the how's and why's of music. His energetic and enthusiastic approach inspires students to reach for higher goals." - Tom Kunkle, Music Department Chairperson (retired), Hollidaysburg Area School District


"Alex Meixner Band"

Somehow The Weather Channel failed to mention the biggest hurricane to hit Texas since Ike. Maybe it is because this super powerful force of nature blew in from Allentown, Pennsylvania and not from the Gulf Coast. Yes, I said Allentown, PA — the home of one Alex Meixner, arguably the most dynamic, electrifying musical performer working today. If Alex's energy could be harnessed to an electrical grid, he could power all of Central Texas for a year.

And speaking of Central Texas, that's just where we most recently saw the Alex Meixner Band perform — at the venerable New Bruanfels Wurstfest, a ten–day celebration consisting of beer and sausage and beer and potato pancakes and beer and kartoffel and, well, you get the idea. Oh yes, and music, too, where every evening as many as three bands play simultaneously in separate musical venues situated within the Wurstfest grounds. That's a lot of music, but, for ten consecutive years, the one band that packs them in to capacity, performance after performance, has been headlined by Alex Meixner.

Step aside Whitesnake, Metalica and Twisted Sister — Alex possesses a stage presence and exuberance and kinetic energy that makes you guys look lame and tame in comparison. Lederhosen never looked so hip.

Backed this year by three highly talented accomplices, the Alex Meixner Band set a new standard for fun, zaniness, musicality and perspiration. Phalanges flew faster than a hummingbird's wings when Alex literally attacked his button box while belting out a truly eclectic array of unexpected tunes, all with a “Meixnerian” slant that had everyone, including the usually sedate fans of Lawrence Welk Champagne–style Music, cheering wildly and forming Conga lines as long and spirited as any during Carnival in Rio.

Examples of Meixnerian “Loony Tunes” include “The Devil Goes To Munich,” an exhilarating adaptation that Charlie Daniels must surely salute along with that other Daniels fellow, Jack. Or how about Sachmo's “When The Saints Come Marching In,” featuring Alex's amazing vocals successfully emulating America's beloved Ambassador of Good Will. Or Iron Butterfly's “In–A–Gadda–Da–Vida,” where Alex is accompanied by one of the band members playing a Ukulele — a dad gum Ukulele! Want another example? How about Wild Cherry's “Play That Funky Music, White Boy,” a groovy, irrepressible rendition performed on a Siwa & Figli accordion.

Bet you never thought you'd see that…

(More information on the Alex Meixner Band, including a schedule of their upcoming appearances, can be found at www.alexmeixner.com) - Robert A. Nowotny


"Alex Meixner Band"

Somehow The Weather Channel failed to mention the biggest hurricane to hit Texas since Ike. Maybe it is because this super powerful force of nature blew in from Allentown, Pennsylvania and not from the Gulf Coast. Yes, I said Allentown, PA — the home of one Alex Meixner, arguably the most dynamic, electrifying musical performer working today. If Alex's energy could be harnessed to an electrical grid, he could power all of Central Texas for a year.

And speaking of Central Texas, that's just where we most recently saw the Alex Meixner Band perform — at the venerable New Bruanfels Wurstfest, a ten–day celebration consisting of beer and sausage and beer and potato pancakes and beer and kartoffel and, well, you get the idea. Oh yes, and music, too, where every evening as many as three bands play simultaneously in separate musical venues situated within the Wurstfest grounds. That's a lot of music, but, for ten consecutive years, the one band that packs them in to capacity, performance after performance, has been headlined by Alex Meixner.

Step aside Whitesnake, Metalica and Twisted Sister — Alex possesses a stage presence and exuberance and kinetic energy that makes you guys look lame and tame in comparison. Lederhosen never looked so hip.

Backed this year by three highly talented accomplices, the Alex Meixner Band set a new standard for fun, zaniness, musicality and perspiration. Phalanges flew faster than a hummingbird's wings when Alex literally attacked his button box while belting out a truly eclectic array of unexpected tunes, all with a “Meixnerian” slant that had everyone, including the usually sedate fans of Lawrence Welk Champagne–style Music, cheering wildly and forming Conga lines as long and spirited as any during Carnival in Rio.

Examples of Meixnerian “Loony Tunes” include “The Devil Goes To Munich,” an exhilarating adaptation that Charlie Daniels must surely salute along with that other Daniels fellow, Jack. Or how about Sachmo's “When The Saints Come Marching In,” featuring Alex's amazing vocals successfully emulating America's beloved Ambassador of Good Will. Or Iron Butterfly's “In–A–Gadda–Da–Vida,” where Alex is accompanied by one of the band members playing a Ukulele — a dad gum Ukulele! Want another example? How about Wild Cherry's “Play That Funky Music, White Boy,” a groovy, irrepressible rendition performed on a Siwa & Figli accordion.

Bet you never thought you'd see that…

(More information on the Alex Meixner Band, including a schedule of their upcoming appearances, can be found at www.alexmeixner.com) - Robert A. Nowotny


"Musical Mastery"

"The musical mastery of Alex Meixner is a gift he gives to the listener. Seeing him perform revealed the passion and in-depth spirit he has for his music." - Steve Litwin


"Musical Mastery"

"The musical mastery of Alex Meixner is a gift he gives to the listener. Seeing him perform revealed the passion and in-depth spirit he has for his music." - Steve Litwin


"Festival Favorite"

"A festival favorite for its swinging, zinging versions of tunes around the world- waltzes, gypsy numbers, funny Rocktoberfest hybrids and 57 Varieties of Polka" - Morning Call


"Festival Favorite"

"A festival favorite for its swinging, zinging versions of tunes around the world- waltzes, gypsy numbers, funny Rocktoberfest hybrids and 57 Varieties of Polka" - Morning Call


"Show Review"

"Alex excited the sold out crowd with a variety of tunes both on the Piano Accordion and the Button Box Accordion. His electric style of performing had the audience buzzing with excitement!" - Jackie "Wackie Jackie" Zolnierowski, WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa, Florida


"Show Review"

"Alex excited the sold out crowd with a variety of tunes both on the Piano Accordion and the Button Box Accordion. His electric style of performing had the audience buzzing with excitement!" - Jackie "Wackie Jackie" Zolnierowski, WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa, Florida


"Combinations"

"The combinations are intoxicating --- look elsewhere if you want a dry, academic primer on world polkas" - Morning Call


"Combinations"

"The combinations are intoxicating --- look elsewhere if you want a dry, academic primer on world polkas" - Morning Call


"Transformed the Ballroom"

"Meixner temporarily transformed the ballroom into a German Fest house, filling the room with traditional polka infused with his own charismatic flair." - Andy Stern - Reax Music


"Transformed the Ballroom"

"Meixner temporarily transformed the ballroom into a German Fest house, filling the room with traditional polka infused with his own charismatic flair." - Andy Stern - Reax Music


"CD Review"

"By the end of the song, your heart is beating fast, and your blood is pumping to capacity." - Rob Savickis, Best Polka Bands (Apr 20, 2010)


"CD Review"

"By the end of the song, your heart is beating fast, and your blood is pumping to capacity." - Rob Savickis, Best Polka Bands (Apr 20, 2010)


"Keeping Polkas Alive"

"I have not seen that many people rush a stage in 20 years. It was an honor to have Alex perform at our event. Polkas are Alive and well thanks to Alex." - Jackie "Wackie Jackie" Zolnierowski, WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa, Florida


"Keeping Polkas Alive"

"I have not seen that many people rush a stage in 20 years. It was an honor to have Alex perform at our event. Polkas are Alive and well thanks to Alex." - Jackie "Wackie Jackie" Zolnierowski, WMNF 88.5 FM Tampa, Florida


Discography

Solo/Band Leader/Featured Artist:

3 Ring Circus by Alex Meixner (Meixner Music Productions- 2011)

Stay All Night by Alex Meixner (Meixner Music Productions 2009)

Family Tradition by Alex Meixner (Meixner Music Productions 2008)

Polka Freak Out! by Alex Meixner & Bubba Hernandez (Moon Zero Bird Records 2007)
Grammy Nominee - Best Polka Album 2007

...And over 50 other recordings with artists in numerous Folk, Polka, Jazz and world music genres.

Photos

Bio

Alex Meixners performing career began at age 6 with his two sisters and father in an ethnic folk ensemble. From these early experiences through headline appearances at music festivals throughout the US; concert performances with the London Symphony Orchestra, Sandy Duncan and his own jazz and ethnic ensembles; as well as over 50 recordings, Meixner has developed a unique musical mix that appeals to a wide cross-section of audiences.

Meixners formative musical studies were on piano and piano accordion, but he quickly branched out on drums, diatonic button accordion, bass and trumpet, his college major. This instrumental versatility is combined with a musical background that has included intense studies and performance of jazz, classical, pop, polkas and many ethnic folk music genres with some of the leading artists in the world. His talents in music and comedy were even featured on the Tonight Show on NBC in 2004. Most recently, his Polka Freak Out CD with Bubba Hernandez garnered a Grammy nomination in December, 2007.

Currently based in Palm City, FL, Alex is performing as a solo artist and with numerous touring ensembles. His solo programs- Fascinating Rhythms of the World focus on the fusion of Slavic folk music and Jazz, but also include the inflections of folk, pop and classical styles from Latin America, Africa and other sections of Europe. This music is the basis for a series of multi-cultural music education seminars and performances which are currently available through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Artists in Education program.

Alex also leads The Alex Meixner Band in performances throughout North America. Whether you are looking for sure fire crowd pleasing family entertainment, something for the senior audience, classy jazz for a reception or a unique party band- Alex Meixner will work tirelessly to provide the perfect mix for your event.

When Alex is not performing with all of these groups, he is devoted to bringing music to students through educational clinics, as well as his private teaching.

Band Members