Kris Keltgen has been performing old-time music since the age of four years old when he made regular appearances with his uncle’s band “Inside Straight” singing “Apples Peaches Pumpkin Pie” at local service clubs. Encouraged by his family, Kris began playing the drums and later took up the piano. Once out of high school, Kris began playing with “Double Shot”, and later the “Plum Krazy” band. At the age of 29, Kris began playing the concertina, an instrument Kris always appreciated and enjoyed. Practicing several hours a day, Kris became proficient at the concertina and formed the Riverbend Dutchmen after playing the concertina for only 2 years. Kris now plays the concertina exclusively in addition to singing with his own band. The Riverbend Dutchmen typically perform as a 5 or 6 piece band, but often perform as a 7 or 8 piece band for larger venues. This at a time when many of the larger bands are disappearing in favor of three or four piece bands. “I’ve always appreciated the versatility of a robust horn section”, says Kris. Other band members include Crystal Malek on drums, Mike Budin on tuba, Rick Keane, Myron Muehlbauer, Jens Jensen, Jerry Kahle, and Steve Moran rounding out the horn section. The late Dick Ginn, former host of the KEYC-TV Bandwagon program also played with the band until succumbing to cancer in April of 2013. “I’ve always been fortunate to have been surrounded by such talented musicians and mentors”, said Kris in a recent newspaper interview. The band’s schedule continues to get busier every year as the band becomes more and more popular. “Old time music is certainly not dead. It is good music and people continue to enjoy themselves”, says Kris while explaining the bands success and growing popularity. The band has been busy in the last couple years with performances that included numerous festivals across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The band has made multiple appearances at the Minnesota State Fair and Clay County Iowa Fair in addition to many community celebrations and festivals. The band has had numerous nation-wide television appearances on the popular Mollie B Polka Party program on the RFD-TV network, appearances on KEYC-TV’s Bandwagon program, and numerous local broadcasts in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The band released its first album in 2012 entitled: “Smile”, and has just released their second album in 2014 entitled: “Partners, Brothers, and Friends”. In 2014, the band also released a DVD of the band’s performances. In addition to Kris on the concertina, the newest album also features Karl Hartwich and Mollie Busta, host of the popular Mollie B Polka Party on RFD-TV who performed with Kris on the album. Both albums are regularly featured on radio stations with old-time programming across the United States and Canada.