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An August 20, 1991 appearance of the
Goodtime Dutchmen at the Dodge County Fair in Beaver Dam, WI caught the
ear of many polka bands, dancers, and radio disc jockeys. After
jammin’ along with the record player and following their grandpa’s band
(The Bill Thull Recording Orchestra) with their parents, “the kids”
just couldn’t put their music ability to rest. After many
rehearsals, January 1992 marked their first public dance job at the
Raveno Ballroom in Neenah, WI. The band has been pushing polkas
ever since, bringing their travels to many different areas, such
as: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas,
Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
The band received the “Horizon Award” in 1997 & “Band
of the Year” in 2002 from the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, appeared on
the nationally aired “The Today Show” and can be seen on the soon to be
released documentary, “It’s Happiness” featuring different styles of
polka music. Ralph was also awarded Bandleader of the Year by the
Wisconsin Orchestra Leaders in 2001.
The Goodtime Dutchmen consists of Ralph Thull (leader) –
accordion/vocals; Lynn Thull – keyboard/vocals; Russell Thull –
drums/vocals; Marcia Thull – saxophone/vocals; Allie Thull
– trumpet, Jon Dietz – tuba/bass guitar.
The Goodtime Dutchmen have six recordings: Kids Must Play; Autumn
Spice; Who’s in Charge; Thanks to You; Going Nuts on Polkas; and the
most recent - Try It, You’ll Like It.
If you would like to obtain more information or a recording feel free
to contact Ralph Thull at 262-338-6308 or email: gtdpiano@aol.com
Polkas – Gotta have ‘em!!!!
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