Wayne Appelhans & The Dutch Hops

Wayne Appelhans & The Dutch Hops, formally John Fritzler Polka Band have been performing across the United States since 1980. Wayne & Kelly Appelhans have been playing together for 35 years. In November of 2014 John Fritzler decided to retire, however Wayne, Kelly, & Nathan decided to keep the band going. The band currently consists of four members. Wayne Appelhans on Hammered Dulcimer, Kelly Appelhans on Bass Piano, Nathan Appelhans on Trombone & Sax, and the newest member of the band John Stehle Jr. on Accordion. John has been with the band since December 2014. Nathan has been with the band for 8 years. Most generally at their performances you will see Nathan & John switch around to the Dulcimer, Accordion, & Piano. Kelly & Nathan both add vocals to several of their songs.

 

Wayne Appelhans & The Dutch Hops are very well known for their "Dutch-Hop" style of polkas and Waltzes, they also play several two step and Slovenian style polkas. They enjoy traveling and meeting new people as well as seeing old time friends that they have met in previous years.

 

In February 2016, Wayne Appelhans & The Dutch Hops released their first album called "Introducing" Wayne Appelhans & The Dutch Hops. You can purchase this album by Clicking here. Still available are all of the John Fritzler Polka Band albums which includes 8 full band CD's and 1 CD which features the Dulcimer & Piano. These albums are still available today in our store. 

 

The John Fritzler Polka Band was filmed once for the Mollie B Polka Party on RFD-TV which was live in Ennis, Texas in March of 2012. You can get the DVD which is available in our store as well. Wayne Appelhans & The Dutch Hops filmed in April 2016 for the Mollie B Polka Party. Click Here to purchase The Dutch Hops DVD.

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Wayne Appelhans & The Dutch Hops have also released a DVD taken from a live dance in Colorado at the Brush Oktoberfest in 2017, You can purchase that DVD by clicking here.