Video: “Tick Tock Polka” One of the most popular American polkas ( nearly an official million-seller for Frank Yankovic) – the “Tick Tock Polka” (or tik tok polka) is originally an Italian song entitled “Tic-tì-tic-tà”.

The Alex Meixner Band will perform at the Live Free & Fly Festival, held at the Texas Heritage Vineyard in Fredericksburg, Texas, USA on July 4th, 2022. Gates open at 12 midday and there will be live music, games, food and wine from 1:PM to 6:PM.

Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of polka music. Formally trained in classical, jazz and ethnic music, Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast resulting in sold out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance. For Alex, it’s more than playing energetic shows; it is a mission to provide a much needed positive experience that pulls communities together to celebrate history, culture and genuinely good times. Excerpts from his website:

Alex’s passion for music was kindled at an early age by having the rare fortune of living in a household of professional musicians. He was cultivated intimately by his father, the 3rd generation of the family band whose leadership was passed down through generations hailing from Austria. Fully immersed in the business of music, Alex immediately gravitated toward mimicking their activities in the studio, stage and record shop. Finally, at age 3, he began formal study on the piano, and within a year he picked up the accordion resulting in his debut on stage by age 6, an experience that was to shape his life so much in future years. And if playing those instruments weren’t enough, his ability to learn many instruments led to gigging regularly on drums, bass, keyboards, piano accordion, button accordion and trumpet with Polish polka legend Joe Oberaitis and Canada’s Polka King, Walter Ostanek, in addition to touring nationally with his father’s band by age 11. His aptitude for playing jazz and classical trumpet opened doors to formal study and opportunities including playing with the London Symphony Orchestra in High School and emerging as a highly sought after candidate for music school. He chose Ithaca College for its renowned reputation in developing music performers and educators.

While exceeding expectations in academic pursuits, he continued developing professional credentials in the polka music, recording albums for artists from the USA, Mexico, Austria, and Canada while maintaining a national touring schedule. At age 18, a track he performed on with his father was on Walter Ostanek’s, 1994 Grammy award-winning album “Music and Friends.” This performance not only added to his credibility but also started a renewed curiosity of the polka music market by younger musicians and veteran performers who had viewed this genre as a mere novelty whose popularity was past its prime.

As a leader in the polka music cultural renaissance, Alex performs fluidly in styles hailing from Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Poland, and America/Cleveland. His signature style pays homage to the authenticity instilled in his DNA while adding a modern twist that appeals to a broad cross-section of audiences. By creating and performing an expansive range of new and traditional music for solo, small, and large groups, Alex has expanded the vocabulary of ethnic music and continues to maintain a body of work that places him among the culture’s finest performers.

In 2016 Alex collaborated with the notable advertising agency, BBDO, to produce the infamous Hormel Pepperoni commercials contributing to a successful sales campaign and contract renewals. At the end of 2016, he recorded with comedy phenomenon, Jack Black, for the major motion picture, ”The Polka King, ” that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. Alex’s reputation for professionalism and quality performance attracted additional commercial opportunities including performing on radio commercials for Ford Trucks and the soundtracks for numerous episodes of Moonshiners on the Discovery Network.

Future Performances Include:
SUN 10 July: Krause’s Intersections Jam Band. Alex is appearing as part of the band at Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten, 148 S.Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130
THU 28 July Estabrook Beer Garden: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
FRI 29 July: German Fest Milwaukee, Wisconsin
SAT 30 July: German Fest Milwaukee, Wisconsin
SUN 31 July: German Fest Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 1, 2022: Milwaukee Accordion Club, solo performance

For details email: info@alexmeixner.com