Video 1: “Day Job” – Rory Hoffman (guitar) & Alex Meixner (accordion)
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. Excerpts from his website: Alex 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.
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.
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.
Alex has performed on over 50 albums, including 17 as a leader or soloist. His performance with his Father on Canadian Polka King, Walter Ostanek’s, “Music and Friends” won a Grammy Award. His album Polka Freak Out, a collaboration with Bubba Hernandez, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007. He has also recorded with a vast number of diverse artists as a soloist or sideman including avant-garde accordionist/ composer- Guy Klucevsek, Grammy winners- Brave Combo, TexMex Rock icons- The Krayolas and Irish entertainer- Seamus Kennedy.
May and June Performances Include:
Sun. May 1: Shenandoah Music Association
Alex Meixner Duo (Alex & Rory Hoffman)
Gladys Wirsig Jones Auditorium – HS, 1000 Mustang Dr, Shenandoah, Iowa
Mon. May 2: Mitchell County Concert Association
Alex Meixner Duo (Alex & Rory Hoffman)
Cedar River Complex Auditorium, 809 Sawyer Dr., Osage, Iowa
Sat. May 14: Texas Folklife Big Squeeze Contest with Alex solo performance and contest judging
The Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX
Sun. May 22: Krause’s Dachsund Races Master of Ceremonies – Personal Appearance
Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten, 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Fri. May 27: Krause’s – two nights
full band performance
Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten, 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Sat. May 28: Krause’s – two nights of full band performances
Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten, 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Su. May 29: National Polka Festival in Ennis, TX
Kjt Hall with Czech & Then Some
KJT Hall, 1216 South Paris Street, Ennis, Texas
June 2022:
Sun. June 12:
Krause’s Intersection Jam Band with Alex is appearing as part of the band!
Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten, 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Fri. June 24: Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ & Whiskey Bar features Alex in solo show!
Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ & Whiskey Bar, 2626 Research Forest Dr, Suite A, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Fri. & Sat. May 27, 28: New Braunfels, Texas
Krause’s Cafe and Biergarten
full alex meixner band show!
For further information: info@alexmeixner.com
