Posts

Waterfest DVD shoot was a 'smashing' success!

June 18, 2010

Last night's Copper Box performance was one of my personal favorites.  A lot of the band's family, good friends, & great fans were out in full force.  Thank you to everyone who made it out to Waterfest 2010.  Also, a special thanks to Mike Dempsey, promoter and all around great guy, for making the CBox DVD shoot possible.    Please check out these pictures from last night's show from the Oshkosh Northwestern. Photos by Andrew Wahl.

Filed under:

LIVE DVD & FREE PASS to Waterfest

June 06, 2010

FREE PASS to Waterfest show on June 17th if you sign up on our mailing list and pre-order the limited edition Copper Box "LIVE at Waterfest 2010 DVD!"  This offer is only available to Copper Box fans so show your support and click on the link above to purchase your PRE-ORDER DVD.  You will also receive an invitation to the DVD release party! 


The Little River Band will be performing after Copper Box.  Doors open at 5pm so get there early!!  You get to move up to the WILL CALL window if you buy the PRE-ORDER before June 15th!!!!!!  SAVE MONEY and buy it now!

Or send us a check or money order of $20 payable to Copper Box along with your name, address and email for the PRE-ORDER, Limited Edition DVD.  You can also make your purchase via paypal online. 

Thanks for supporting LIVE MUSIC!

 

Filed under:

CBox Shows SOLD OUT!

May 21, 2010

Shows SOLD OUT!  Our show at the Country Club in Oshkosh, WI on Saturday, May 21st has been SOLD OUT.  They are at capacity!  Also SOLD OUT is the Annual WI Micro-brewer's Beerfest in Chilton, WI on Sunday, May 22nd!

 

 

Filed under:

C-Box Fans ROCK!

May 17, 2010

It is amazing to me what some of our fans go through to see us perform!! Carlo went in to work early at 2AM so he could catch our show at the beginning! Steve drives from state to state...car broke down and has to get towed, etc. and STILL drives 4 hours one way to be at the show on time! Jen, is there for almost every show helping with everything, etc....  Thanks guys! C-BOX FANS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!

We love you!

Filed under:

Copper Box educating students about Traditional Music = Polkas, Waltzes, & the Schottische

May 14, 2010

Danny & Michelle Jerabek were in the Kimberly, WI school district this past week educating & demonstrating to 5th grade students about traditional music and dance.  Thank you to Mrs. Emily Berndt for providing willing students in her World Studies classroom to make it possible.  Danny performed on button accordion, while Michelle taught the different dance steps and also performed on guitar and vocals as well. Danny & Michelle had a great time at the workshop with the students and look forward to doing more in the future.  (please see some photos from the program in the photo gallery)

On another note, Jason VanRyzin (drummer with Copper Box) will also be doing some solo percussion demonstrations for young students coming up in the near future.  Stay tuned...

Filed under:

Danny Jerabek wins "Specialty Instrumentalist of the Year" - WAMI 2010

April 13, 2010

Congratulations to Danny Jerabek for "Specialty Instrumentalist of the Year 2010" -WI Area Music Industry

Copper Box was also nominated for "Americana Artist of the Year" and "Polka Artist of the Year"  -WAMI 2010

Thanks to everyone that supports LIVE music in Wisconsin and beyond---we love you!

Filed under:

WAMI adds award for best Wisconsin Polka Artist

April 09, 2010

March 27th, 2010

written by Andrew Wagner      Onmilwaukee.com staff writer

And the WAMI goes to ... polka?

Yup, the WAMI Awards -- the Wisconsin version of the Grammys -- will recognize the state's best polka artist at its annual awards ceremony next month in Appleton.

Last summer, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences dropped the Grammy award for Best Polka Album. The group made the decision in order to "ensure the awards process remains representative of the current musical landscape."

Wisconsin Area Music Industry President Lance Shellman says the addition reflects the state's rich polka heritage. In fact, it's the official state dance.

"There's a big polka legacy in Wisconsin," Shellman says. "Growing up, there was a polka band playing every weekend someplace."

At first mention, polka conjures up images of plumb men in lederhosen, playing tubas and accordions. Certainly, there is an ethnic element to the genre, but it goes way beyond cultural stereotypes.

"Polka music here is much like Zydeco is in Louisiana," Shellman says. "It's a very upbeat music with a rich history, especially here."

In Milwaukee, legends like Vern and Steve Meisner have been among the more recognizable names in the local polka scene. Others, like Jimmy Sturr -- an 18-time Grammy winner -- Louie Bashell and the late Frankie Yankovic -- have been popular draws across the Midwest and are also known nationally.

Those artists mastered the "American" version -- a style which includes banjos and has more of a folksy, almost country feel.

Today, "younger generation" groups like Oshkosh's Copper Box, are taking the genre a littler further -- and are one of this year's nominees, along with the Jerry Schneider Band, Steve Meisner and the Happy Schnapps Combo.

"They're the next generation," Shellman says.

Dan Jerabek and his wife, Michelle, founded the four-person group in 2002. They both grew up around polka music -- Dan's father is the well-known performer "Tuba Dan" Jerabek and Michelle grew up playing with her family's group, The Goodtime Dutchmen.

For Dan, the music has been a part of his life since he first played the drums with his father at age eight -- and earned $20 for the gig. For WAMI to recognize the genre is special to him.

"I was happy -- and a little surprised -- when I heard the news," Jerabek says. "Polka has meant a lot to me throughout my life; from playing with my dad and meeting my wife and starting a family."

Jerabek dismisses the notion that polka is simply three notes, over and over.

"It's challenging music," Jerabek says. "To play it correctly, it calls for a lot of energy; it's the kind of music that's happy."

Prior to Copper Box, the Jerabeks played in Kick, an all-polka band. The current group covers a wide range of music, with polka undertones on Jerabek's button box and Michelle's saxaphone (along with drummer Jason Van Ryzin and bassist Kevin Junemann) supporting blues, rock, zydeco, country and even jazz.

"I like the ability to mix polka with rock and jazz," Jerabek says. "I see it all the time when we play dances or festivals; we'll play a couple of rock or zydeco tunes and then throw in a polka. We'll just let it rip and next thing you know, people are bouncing around.

"A lot of times, they don't even realize that they're dancing to a polka ... that's pretty powerful music."

In addition to the polka nomination, Copper Box also was nominated for best Americana Artist of the Year and Jerabek earned a nomination for specialty instrumentalist.

Polka may not crack the billboard Top 40 anytime soon but, especially in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest, the music isn't hard to find.

Polka music is still a regular staple at church festivals, VFW posts and other local gatherings. Milwaukee's large German and Polish communities feature a number of regular events, but even still, that music is more ethnically-based and, despite a growing abundance of youth groups, skews towards an older audience.

Polka does, however, take the stage regularly at Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall, 1920 S. 37th St. Owner Andy Kochanski is a fan of many different music genres, but has a soft spot for the music his parents listened to while he was growing up.

Kochanski is happy about the decision to add polka to the WAMIs, if only so it introduces a new generation of listeners to the classic genre.

His bar, a legendary venue for polka music, still has regular polka nights which draw customers -- and dancers -- of all ages.

"Especially with the Grammys dropping polka, this is a good thing," Kochanski says. "It's not so much that younger people don't like it, a lot of them haven't really been exposed to it or introduced to it."

Shellman isn't predicting a polka comeback -- not that it ever really went away -- but does think that, by WAMI recognizing the genre, it might gain a breath of fresh air and perhaps enjoy a little resurgence in popularity.

"Sometimes it works that way," Shellman says. "It's a lot like blues music, which in the '70s, saw a bit of a down time. But then, artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan came along, rejuvenated it and then blues found a younger audience.

"Polka is a niche, but it's still a popular music."

Filed under:

Copper Box & Terrance Simien!

March 31, 2010

A new show just announced on Wednesday May 12th, 2010!  ~ Zydeco Grammy award winner - Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience along with Copper Box at the Riverside!!  Awesome........

Riverside Ballroom ~ 1560 Main St.      Green Bay, Wi 54302

Showtime 7pm

Tickets are $20 advance  - $25 at the door

Call (800)236-7625 or Copper Box @ (920)231-5623   info@copperboxsite.com

 

Filed under:

The Accordion Is Back, and More Hip than Ever Written by Rebecca Lee

March 06, 2010

 

copper box

The accordion usually brings to mind old-fashioned folk music, washed-up buskers, and grandpa with his red suspenders-all things well past their expiration date. It doesn't connote an eclectic and upcoming rock/Tex-Mex/polka/country/jazz/blues/Zydeco band. Well, now it does.

Copper Box, a husband-and-wife leading duo backed by Drummer Jason Van Ryzin and Bassist Kevin Junemann, carves out a unique sound by exposing the accordion to an array of musical styles.

Danny Jerabek and his wife, Michelle, founded Copper Box in 2002 soon after they were married. The name Copper Box comes from copper's ability to conduct electricity, as music does for them, and the alternative word for the accordion, button-box.

Both from musical families in the same small Wisconsin farming community, Danny and Michelle grew up proficient in numerous instruments.

"The question wasn't if you were going to join the school band, but which instrument you were going to play," Michelle said.

In Copper Box, the couple covers vocals and everything besides drums and bass-boasting skills on the accordion, keys, cornet, saxophone, guitar, flute, washboard, etc.

Danny-the band's skilled, self-taught accordionist-received his first accordion at the age of nine and played traditional Czech and German tunes at his grandpa's request. His passion for the instrument developed after he listened to Mexican accordion players, like Steve "Esteban" Jordan, who exposed him to the instrument's true potential.

Copper Box's aim is to realize this potential and "evolve the accordion into different styles of music," pushing it outside of the instrument's typical genre-polka. The band's distinctive and eclectic sound has developed as its members have expanded their musical repertoire, listening to ‘70s rock, Aretha Franklin, Little Feet, Los Lobos, Texas Tornados, and the father of Zydeco-Clifton Chenier.

The Tejano, Chicano rock, and Zydeco sounds of the band's musical inspirations have filtered into its music and led to fun, one-of-a-kind songs like "The Pink Floyd Polka."
However, not everyone was receptive to Copper Box's hip new take on the accordion at first.

"Starting out, it was hard to get booked at a rock or music club," Michelle said. "The accordion was like a curse."

But through persistence and a positive attitude, the band has surmounted the opposition and won over fans, who often remark, "I don't normally like the accordion, but you guys play it cool."

"Now the accordion works for us, makes us different than every other band," Michelle said.

Copper Box performs more than 140 shows per year nationwide at everything from Oktoberfests to music festivals to community concerts. The band's latest album, In the Summertime, was nominated for Best Contemporary Polka CD of 2009 by the Polka America Corporation.

In the future, the band hopes to continue playing in different venues and developing audiences around the country, in addition to evolving its sound. The Tejano and Chicano flavor of the music has especially piqued the interest of the Hispanic population, so Danny and Michelle hope to pen more songs in Spanish.

To check out Copper Box's modern take on the accordion, drop by Bell's Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo on March 4 and see why this instrument is not just for grandpas.

Filed under:

More WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Indusrty) nominations for CBox!

February 22, 2010

Copper Box is excited to announce they have been nominated for Americana Artist of the Year and Polka Artist of the Year for the upcoming awards show in April.  Danny is also nominated for Specialty Instrumentalist of the Year.

Copper Box won the Americana Artist of the Year in 2009!

for more info visit:  www.wamimusic.com

Filed under:

A video of Danny at 10 years old playing Accordion!

February 17, 2010

CBx is nominated for a PAC award

February 01, 2010

Polka America Corporation's 2009 Best Polka Recording nominations were announced on February 1st.  Copper Box's "In the Summertime" is nominated in the Contemporary Field!  For more information and on how the public can vote, check out the PAC's website.

http://www.polkaamericacorporation.org/2009PACEBallots

Filed under:

SXSW Music Conference ~ Austin, TX

January 18, 2010

SXSW Music Conference:  March 2010

Heading down to Austin, TX in March to the SXSW Music Conference to represent Copper Box.  Looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and learning about the latest in music business.

Filed under:

Danny and Michelle Jerabek help Neenah's Lakeview Students Broaden Their Musical Horizons

October 15, 2009

Lauren had not heard anyone rock out with a button accordion or a washboard, however, until she witnessed Danny and Michelle Jerabek in action Wednesday.

"They kind of sounded different to me, and I liked it," Lauren said.

The Jerabeks are the husband-and-wife team leading Copper Box, a high-energy band from Oshkosh whose sound has been dubbed squeezebox rock.

The duo introduced different instruments and musical genres to Lauren and 360 other students at Lakeview Elementary School during two miniconcerts.

The performances were sponsored by the Lakeview Parent Teacher Organization and Performing Arts for Youth as a means to broaden the students' appreciation of music.

Danny played a button accordion (button box), cornet, penny whistle and kazoo, and Michelle played a guitar and saxophone. They had students clapping their hands, slapping their knees and bobbing their heads to the "Clarinet Polka," "Irish Jig" and "Mardi Gras Mambo."

The younger students even flapped their arms and wagged their tails to the familiar "Chicken Dance." They knew the song from hearing it at the roller rink.

The biggest hit among students, though, was when Michelle played the rhythm of a zydeco song by stroking spoons across a washboard hung from her shoulders. The percussion instrument captivated the audience.

"That was a completely new thing for me," fourth-grader John Zwick said afterward. "I thought that was kind of interesting."

"It was cool," fifth-grader Katie Sukanen said. "I wish I could play the washboard."

Michelle encouraged the students to get their own washboard to play.

"Your mom and dad are going to love it!" Danny said.

Filed under:

Mad Toast LIVE in Madison, WI

September 28, 2009

Mad Toast Live in Madison, WI on Tuesday, Sept. 29th!  Join us at The Brink Lounge.

Filed under:

Back from Utah...it's Oktoberfest time!

September 22, 2009

We are back from Utah---we played at the Snowbird Resort for Oktoberfest.  It is a very beautiful area!  We had time to take the ski lift to the top of a mountain---wow!  It was very cold!!  We even met some fans from Wisconsin there!

We also had a great time at the 6th Annual Plymouth Oktoberfest (WI)!  This is a fun one to mark on your calendar---it gets bigger every year and they've got great food & beer to go with the music! 

We looking forward to Appleton (WI) Oktoberfest 2009 this Saturday.  We play at 1pm on the corner of College Ave. & Superior.  -------And don't forget, Dheinsville Oktoberfest this Sunday (north of Germantown)!  We start at 3:30pm. Check the TOUR DATES for more information.

 

Filed under:

Copper Box On You Tube

August 18, 2009

and from Waterfest 2009:

Filed under:

On the Radio..The Wolf 99.5FM Wednesday Morning

July 21, 2009

We'll be on The Wolf 99.5FM Wednesday, July 22nd at 8AM with Rob & Louise in the Morning.  It will be part of the Rob & Louise Movie Prize Giveaway--where listeners have to guess the name of the movie that we attempt to act out!

We'll also be promoting our NEW CD--"In the Summertime"

Filed under:

Polka music on AOL

July 08, 2009

Any polka fans want to listen to and blog about polkas, check out this link:

http://www.aolradioblog.com/2009/07/05/polka-music-new-radio-station/

Filed under:

In the Summertime has arrived! Get it NOW!

July 08, 2009

Get your copy at a LIVE show or send a check ($17 includes tax, S&H) or money order made payable to:

Copper Box

PO Box 3966

Oshkosh, WI 54903

Email us:  info@copperboxsite.com if you have any questions or concerns.

***We have Ladies' Black Tank Tops with the razor back featuring the NEW Copper Box CD, "In the Summertime" artwork on the front in color.  Available in S, M, L, XL only.  Please send a check or money order for $23 (includes tax, S&H) to Copper Box at the address above.

Filed under:

CBx: The Pink Floyd Polka LIVE video on YouTube

June 19, 2009

Filed under:

Take Back the Lake

June 18, 2009

Copper Box's music featured on a indie film, "Take Back the Lake"...airing on WI television.

Take Back the Lake, a film showcasing how water quality is impacting Manitowoc County.

Take Back the Lake is a film about one man's exploration of how water quality impacts a community on Lake Michigan. In the film, we hear from Mark Kuether who returned from over 3 years in Florida to his home Wisconsin and found how disturbed the water quality has become.

Experts and local residents talk about their experiences surrounding the water including beach use, drinking water, and recreation. Remarkable underwater footage is seen on how discolored and polluted Lake Michigan became after the June 2008 Midwest floods. Other discussion focuses on how controversial the Wisconsin DNR has become, paying too much attention to lobbyists in Madison, and operating as a bureaucracy instead of a true scientific agency.

The most notable milestone is Brian Backhaus and his decision to bicycle solo across the country while raising money for Silver Lake Park. A park which once sat along side the most polluted lake in the state of Wisconsin, particularly in terms of phosphorus.

Local residents and experts agree that more action needs to be taken to ensure water quality remains a clean, stable resource for their children and theirs for generations to come. They also find it's the individual who needs to speak up and do something to make a change. While many quickly point out lack of ambition from the county board to get more involved on contamination problems of Lake Michigan, others are mindful of basic things all can do to raise awareness and help everyone understand the value of water quality and Lake Michigan.

Take Back the Lake will be playing on Time Warner Channel 4 in Valders beginning later in the week of May 10'th, and will be playing in the city of Manitowoc on Comcast Channel 20 later this month. Catch Mark Kuether speaking with the Breakfast Club on WCUB radio at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday May 13 for all the details on the movie and where to catch a screening.

Questions and inquiries can be directed to mark@ourspaceshipearth.net

For more information: www.takebackthelake.com

Filed under:

CBx Takes Home 2 Awards...

May 04, 2009

CBx WINS "Americana Artist of the Year" and "People's Choice Award" presented by WAMI (WI Area Music Industry).  Although we were on our way to New Orleans...our friend and new marketing manager, Amanda Damaschke was there to accept the awards.  We recieved the text messages on our phone as we were waiting for our plane.  (Thanks Amanda.)

A huge THANK YOU to our fans & our groupies (all you 'box heads') for coming to show after show--we love you!!  Thank for supporting LIVE music --we NEED you!

Filed under:

Congratulations for WAMI nominations...

April 13, 2009

Danny Jerabek has earned a WAMI nomination for "Specialty Instrumentalist of the Year" and Copper Box has been nominated for "Best Americana Artist" for 2009.  Congratulations!

*Want to VOTE for "People's Choice Award?"  It's your LAST CHANCE and you do NOT have to be a member to vote.  Log on to www.wamimusic.com and click VOTE.  Thanks for supporting LIVE music in Wisconsin!

 

 

Filed under:

The Hype Machine - Copper Box

March 19, 2009

.... we’re long overdue in introducing you to Copper Box.

Straight outta Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and fronted by the husband-and-wife team of Danny and Michelle Jerabek, this band takes a lot of influences, tosses them into the blender and comes up with a distinctive sound. It’s mostly rock, Zydeco and polka, but there’s also some blues, country and Tejano.

The Jerabeks are veteran performers. Their considerable skills were honed in their families’ polka bands, which they joined as kids. Think of the accordian replacing the Hammond organ, yet sounding a bit like it, and you get an idea of Danny’s skills. Michelle plays sax, flute and guitar and is a terrific singer. They’re flanked by bass player Kevin Junemann and drummer Jason Van Ryzin, and it’s tight.

Copper Box — CBx for short — is no novelty act. It’s been around for seven years and four albums. Tonight, CBx is headlining at Shank Hall, one of Milwaukee’s best clubs for Americana/roots music. Two weeks from tonight, CBx opens for kindred spirits Brave Combo at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, Illinois, another great club in the same vein.

Summer in Wisconsin, of course, brings plenty of outdoor gigs. They’ll be as busy this summer as last summer, when their publicist sent me some mp3s. They offered the whole CD, but I said, nah, I’ll just get it at one of their shows in Green Bay. And then, of course, I never saw them. I hope to make up for that this summer.

No reason for you to miss out. Enjoy a little bit of Copper Box, a delight from our corner of Wisconsin.

copperboxcd

"Need A Little Squeezin" and "Apple Of Your Eye" Copper Box, from "Need A Little Squeezin" 2008. (Also available on iTunes.)

The title tune is a slide blues-rocker written and sung by Michelle. The latter is a Zydeco-meets-jazz number written and sung by Danny. It reminds me a lot of the Iguanas.

These are the first two of 15 cuts on the CD, which was released about a year ago and by all accounts gets pretty close to their live sound.

Speaking of which, enjoy this video. Copper Box covers Creedence’s “Born on the Bayou,” recorded last July 4 at the Sawdust City Days festival in their hometown, Oshkosh.

Filed under:

Copper Box On Twitter

March 06, 2009

Join us and find out what we are up to everytime we post an update.  Log on to www.twitter.com/copperbox

Filed under:

Facebook

February 03, 2009

Join us on facebook---we have a page set up for you to connect with CBx fans.  Come & visit--go to www.facebook.com and search for Copper Box.

Also---check out CBx at the Stone Toad on Jan. 30th- www.youtube.com

And---check out our "human groundhog" event on www.thewolf.fm with Rob & Louise in the morning on 99.5fm "The Wolf!"  There are some pictures and video clips on their website.

Filed under:

Danny & Michelle on 99.5FM-Wednesday

January 25, 2009

Danny & Michelle from Copper Box will be joining Rob & Louise on WPKR on Wednesday, January 28th in the (8am) morning  99.5FM.  Listen in!

Filed under:

Front cover of 2009 Green Bay Visitor's Guide

January 12, 2009

Front cover of the 2009 Green Bay, WI Visitor's Guide--photo of Michelle from Copper Box performing at outdoor concert on the square in Green Bay.  You can get a copy at any business in Green Bay, WI and surrounding areas.

Filed under:

Copper Box in Milwaukee, WI

January 05, 2009

Copper Box

8pm Saturday, Shank Hall  $8

The accordion is perhaps one of the least-appreciated musical instruments.  Yet a guy as tough as James Ellroy (whose novels include ultra-hard-boiled classics like "L.A. Confidential") has an ear for it, and if you're living in Milwaukee, you're at least going to learn to tolerate it.

Copper Box makes this easy.  Hailing from Oshkosh, this group features Danny Jerabek, a true accordion virtuoso who translates the vivid physicality of the instrument into an idiomatic style that includes elements of rock, Zydeco, blues and (natch) polka.

His wife, Michelle Jerabek, sings with him and also plays flute, guitar and sax.  With bassist Kevin Junemann and drummer Jason Van Ryzin, they swing from originals to unusual covers-including a Pink Floyd polka-with style and humor.

Copper Box's latest album is "Need a Little Squeezin' " -an agreeable sentiment.

-Jon M. Gilbertson, Special to the Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI)

Filed under:

CBx in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

January 03, 2009

"...Copper Box makes this easy (to listen to the accordion).  Hailing from Oshkosh, this group features Danny Jerabek, a true accordion virtuoso who translates the vivid physicality of the instrument into an idiomatic style that includes elements of rock, Zydeco, blues and (natch) polka.

His wife, Michelle Jerabek, sings with him and also plays flute, guitar and sax.  With bassist Kevin Junemann and drummer Jason Van Ryzin, they swing from originals to unusual covers-including a Pink Floyd polka-with style and humor.

Copper Box's latest album is "Need a Little Squeezin' " -an agreeable sentiment.

-Jon M. Gilbertson, Special to the Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI)

Filed under:

The SCENE: Women Who Rock

November 10, 2008

The SCENE (Northeastern WI's News, Arts & Entertainment Newspaper) did a November 2008 feature on several women musicians...one of them being Copper Box's own, Michelle Jerabek.  You can pick your own copy of the SCENE at various restaurants, shops, gas stations throughout NE WI. or go to www.scenenewspaper.com for more information.

Interview with Michelle Jerabek  by Jim Lundstrom (The SCENE) 

The night after her second child was born in May 2003, Michelle Jerabek was back on stage, performing with Copper Box, the popular band she founded with her husband, Danny.

"We were opening for Buckwheat Zydeco, one of my favorites," she said.  "I was like..'Ah, I really want to play .'  Dan was like, 'No, take care of yourself.'  They had a practice to try and do the show without me.  I thought maybe that would be best.  Let them take it for one night.  But I really wanted to play that show, so the day after Maria was born, I checked out of the hospital and played the gig.  They at least carried my horn for me."

Can anyone say "trouper" ?

Both Danny and Michelle Jerabek have been on stage since they were youngsters.  Both came from musical families and both traveled with their families' polka bands at a young age and eventually became members of those bands.

"We grew up as farmers and musicians," Michelle said.  "We'd bale a load of hay and while waiting for the next load to come, we'd have a drink and play on the porch.  My family would have music playing every day, and when the family got together they were jamming on instruments.  I was going along with Grandpa's band (The Bill Thull Orchestra) each weekend to the dances.  My mom said we were dancing before we could walk."

Sometimes Danny's father, Tuba Dan, would fill in with Michelle's grandfather's band.

"I was probably 6 years old when we first met," she said.  "Our families knew each other.  We saw each other at some of the shows, but we never really got along or talked at that age.  When I was going through high school, we met up again and we just got to be really good friends."

Michelle had earned a scholarship in high school to study physical therapy, which she was doing when at age 19 and a college freshman she and Danny decided to get married.

"I just couldn't stand studying the stuff--the bones in your hand, the muscles-while Danny had music going on in the next room.  That made it really hard," she said.  I thought maybe we could try music.  To tell your parents, I'm going to be a musician after giving up one of the top scholarships in high school, and I'm going to get married at 19, well.  Sometimes they do say, 'You could have had the benefits of a therapist and could be making some big money, have health insurance and all that other stuff.'  But my family is supportive.  They are happy that I am happy.  That's the main thing.  Lord knows, if you're doing music as a career, you're doing it for the love of the music pretty much."

[photo of Michelle wailing on the baritone sax while husband, Danny squeezes along during a gig at Shattuck Park in Neenah.  Drummer Jason Van Ryzin is in the background]

"Shortly after being married in August 1997, the couple dropped the other shoe on their respective families.

"A few months after we got married, we decided to break off from our parents' bands and start our own," she said.  "I was going to college and working a part-time job and playing with my dad's band on weekends.  Danny was working in Appleton, WI.  We lived in Slinger at the time and he had an hour and 45 minute commute.  He played with his dad's band on the weekends.  So basically, we didn't see each other.  We got through Oktoberfest season and we realized...we haven't seen each other for the past two months.  At that point we had to make a change.  We didn't want to upset any side of the family and decide which side would gain two people.  So we just decided to break it off on both sides and do our own thing."

In December 1997 their new band, K!CK, was born.  K!CK played high-octane polka with modern sensibilities.  In 2002, K!CK became Copper Box, a band that rocks as well as it polkas, enabling them to play more originals and more venues.

Michelle said the band is a smooth-running machine because the roles are well defined.  Danny serves as front man and Michelle is side woman, as well as booking agent and bookkeeper.

"In the past 11 years now we've been working together and being married as well.  I think we work well together," she said.  "Danny has some great, great leadership qualities.  If you have two people leading the same wagon, it's not going to work.  So I try to let Danny do his thing and add my little two cents in.  We try to leave everything in the band and when it's family time, leave the band out of it as much as possible.  I think we make a good team, and that's important, otherwise we wouldn't have a band together."

But there's also the responsiblity of finding balance between being a mother of two girls while leading the unconventional life of a member of one of the most popular bands in northeastern WI. 

"Every weekend they know we're not going to be around at night," she said.  "They really want to come along more often.  We don't bring them to most of our shows, just because they're not at that age yet.  Our oldest would be fine, but together they're still in that in that picking fight mode.  We don't want that happening.

"A couple of times the girls have said, "Why don't you guys find different jobs?' I think abou that sometimes.  It would make things easier if we had health insurance and regular jobs.  At the same time, we're home during the regualr week and we try to make any time we spend with them be quality time.  I spend as much time as I can with the kids and still find ways to tap my musical inspiration and keep things fresh."

Filed under:

WI Polka Hall of Fame Award

November 10, 2008

Michelle Jerabek was awarded at the 2008 WI Polka Hall of Fame banquet for the "Side Person of the Year."  (SEE PHOTOS in the PHOTO GALLERY)

"I would like to thank:

Copper Box --Danny, Jason & Kevin--for all your hard work and talent

Shaylee & Maria --(our daughters) for your love and for letting us do something that we love to do, even when it demands more out of all of us

Family -- for helping with babysitting and your love & support

Fans -- for listening, traveling to shows, and supporting Copper Box

Babysitters -- for being there for us and Shaylee & Maria

--without ALL of you, I wouldn't be able to have a job/career that I love--being a musician."

Filed under:

Indie Music Stop interviews CBx

October 29, 2008

Indie Music Stop does an interview with Copper Box.

"If you are looking for some original sounding music, then do I have the band for you!" -C.W. Ross from Indie Music Stop

To read the interview, click on www.indiemusicstop.com and go to the November 2008 issue.

Filed under:

Copper Box...

October 23, 2008

The Northwestern: Weekend Section - October 2008

...Rocking with favorite Oshkosh sounds tonight...cruise into the staple downtown joint to catch dynamic "swamp rock" foursome, Copper Box light up the stage with foot-stomping grooves like "Tijuana" and "Hey Baby, Que Paso."

Boasting contagious beats and catchy lyrics, Copper Box comes pocketing originals off April 2008 release "Need a Little Squeezin'" and a slew of favorites from earlier albums like "Backyard Party..."

www.thenorthwestern.com

by Sarah Owen

Filed under:

Now available on iTunes

September 30, 2008

We are sold out of Sunny Days albums and will not be reproducing them, however, you can NOW buy it on iTunes!  Visit the iTunes Store today and search for Copper Box....you can download our CDs right away!  Go to  www.apple.com/itunes/whatson and search the store for Copper Box.

Filed under:

What's Your Favorite CBx Song(s)?

September 29, 2008

What is your favorite CBx song(s)?

We are taking a poll....join the message board or email us at info@copperboxsite.com and give us your feedback on your favorite song that CBx does LIVE or a song from the CDs...it could be a cover song or an original. Tell us why.

Filed under:

TX trip, new things, old things

September 04, 2008

We made it back from TX...performed at Westfest in West, TX---and a big thanks to you BOXHEADS that flew down to experience Westfest.  I would like to say...someday it would be nice to have a truck bus with a driver to handle the road.  After we played the show we high-tailed it back to WI..20 hours and only stopping for gas and bathroom.  It's really not healthy to be doing that, but we did get back in time to tuck our kids into bed and take them to their 1st day of school the next morning.  It was great to see them so excited!

As for our CBx softball team---we finished 2nd place, but Danny had to end the season with a bang and slid into the base...only to find out he got blood poisoning and then broke out in hives on his leg a few weeks later from an allergic reaction.  But---he made it through all the shows!!  Way to take one for the team!

On a new note: Michelle was nominated for "Sideperson of the Year" by the WI Polka Hall of Fame 2008.  She was the first woman to win this award in 2002.  

We'll be kicking off the Oktoberfest season this weekend!  Raise it....Ein Prosit!!

 

 

Filed under:

CD Review by Wildy's World

July 02, 2008

Review by Wildy's World on Jul 02, 2008 - Rating - 4 (Really Like Them)

Copper Box - Need A Little Squeezin'
2008, Copper Box

If you want to know how to make a party go mad with delight, you start with the band. You can go the traditional straightforward rock route, but if you want to appeal to a broad array of attendees you've got to have some variety in the sound. So you take elements of Rock, Country, Zydeco, Pokla, Klezmer and even some Jethro Tull-inspired flute playing and you mix them up into one musical super group. Or you could just pick up Need A Little Squeezin', the dynamic and wonderful new CD from Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s own Copper Box.

I'm guessing you'll likely never see Copper Box on MTV-2 or VH-1, but this is an incredibly entertaining band nonetheless. Need A Little Squeezin' works because it is firmly ground in the fundamentals and styles of music that has pleased crowds for ages, but has a modern edge and energy to it similar to the life Brian Setzer breathes into his music.

The title track, Need A Little Squeezin starts off the album with a bang, with the wonderful (and sorely under-represented) vocals of Michelle Jerabek. Her voice has a true Nashville sound with just a hint of a rock edge to it, and is much more interesting than a lot of the bland voices that float out of Nashville these days. This is followed up by Apple Of Your Eye, which has some of the best Ian Anderson-inspired flute playing this side of, well, Ian Anderson.

Need A Little Squeezin' avoids the whole Lawrence Welk sound that I always envision when I see an accordion (although Hopeless Lover definitely rides the edge). What you get instead is a vivacious presentation of new songs in the Zydeco vein, or snappy, modern interpretations of the occasional classic (Jambalaya). Copper Box has created a musical framework that should (in theory) do for Zydeco what Setzer did for small-band swing a number of years ago. Need A Little Squeezin' is a rollicking good time, and will cause spontaneous smiling and dancing at any sensible party. It's a must-hear.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Filed under:

CD Review by Indie Music Sampler Podcast

July 01, 2008

Review by Indie Music Sampler Podcast on Jul 01, 2008

Rating - 4 (Really Like Them)

I have to admit - it's not very often you'll hear an accordion on my program but this group is irresistible. "Need A Little Squeezin'" was featured on episode #102 of Indie Music Sampler. I love the way this group take a little from several genres and turns it into something you can't quite put your finger on.

Filed under:

CD Review by Ed's Mixed Bag

June 28, 2008

Review by Eds Mixed Bag on Jun 28, 2008

Rating - 5 (Love Them!)

Copper Box;
It's out,!! episode #142 of the Ed's Mixed Bag podcast with your track, "Need A Little Squeezin' " & thanks for the excellent intro and ID. I'll be back here to Ariel to grab another track by you guys!! Thanks, again.

Podcast Rating - Definitely - Will add this track to a future podcast

Filed under:

CD Review by Mondo Blu

June 19, 2008

Review by Mondo Blu on Jun 19, 2008

Rating - 4 (Really Like Them) - Boisterous, Carefree, Cheerful, Confident, Earthy, Elegant, Energetic, Freewheeling, Fun, Lively, Party, Stylish, Fun

Just finished listening to this CD and really enjoyed it. It covers so may different styles and it's also a lot of fun! Here are the tracks I'll be playing from this weekend 20/06:

NEED A LITTLE SQUEEZIN' - JAMBALAYA - GYPSY DANCER - HEY BABY, ¿QUÉ PASÓ? - TIJUANA - SCHTUMPFER'S CUMBIA - ZYDECO CHA CHA CHA - PLEASE PASS THE SCHNAPS - PURPLE BOA - REDHEADS HAVE MORE FUN - ZYDECO BOOGALOO - HOWARDS GROVE PARADE.

Keep up the good work and above all, keep having fun!

Filed under:

CD Review by Indie Music Stop

June 18, 2008

Review by Indie Music Stop on Jun 18, 2008

Rating - 5 (Love Them!) - Energetic, Fun, Lively

Hi Guys,

Great CD. I just got done reviewing it for on my site.

Here's the direct link to it:

http://cwonline.110mb.com/upb/upb2.2.1/viewtopic.php?id=37&t_id=1

I gave it a 9 out of 10. Really fun, refreshing, unique sounding music.

Thanks,

From,

C.W. Ross
Senior Writer
cw@indiemusicstop.com
Indie Music Stop
http://www.indiemusicstop.com

Filed under:

CBx welcomes Ariel Publicity to the PR team!

May 05, 2008

We'd like to welcome Ariel Publicity to the CBx promoting crew.  Ariel Publicity will be in charge of promoting the new CD, Need a Little Squeezin' via cyber PR (internet radio programs, ezines, etc.).  Welcome to the team!

Filed under:

Copper Box comes alive in latest CD

May 01, 2008

Need a Little Squeezin', Copper Box

Copper Box knows how to get an audience grooving.  Once the Oshkosh-based band starts laying down its infectious groove, the dance floor is filled before youcan say, "Hey Baby, Que Paso."

It doesn't hurt that the husband-wife frontman/woman team of Danny and Michelle Jerabek are talented, enthusiastic multi-instrumental veterans of the stage, both having grown up in their respective families' polka bands.

Combine the Jerabeks with an equally talented and enthusiastic rhythm section in the form of Kevin Junemann on bass and precision stickman Jason Van Ryzin on drums, and you have a band that demands to be seen live.

While Copper Box has released several CDs, I confess that I felt something essential was always missing from those earlier recordings, as if the band's vital essence could never truly be captured on recordings.  Wrong!  Need a Little Squeezin' is as close to a live Copper Box set as you're ever likely to get.

As Michelle notes on the Copper Box website (www.copperboxsite.com), this is the first time the band didn't record itself.  Need a Little Squeezin' was recorded at Marc Golde's busy Rock Garden Studio in Appleton, with Golde and Danny Jerabek engineering.  

This recording should become a showcase in Glode's long list of recordings because it sounds great and ably displays what a band candowhen the members can concentrate on the work at hand--i.e., making music-rather than worrying about recording production values.

Nine of the 15 tunes were penned by Danny, including a new arrangement of his previously recorded, "Apple of Your Eye" (from the first Copper Box CD, Roots), with Michelle contributing jazz flute that elds beautifully with Dannys melodic button box.  The title tune, a slow-burning blues that opens the CD, was written by Michelle.

The remainder of the songs include Hank Williams' Cajun-flavored "Jambalaya," Clifton Chenier's "Zydeco Cha Cha," Buckwheat Zydeco's "Zydeco Boogaloo" and a rousing, heartfelt version of "Please Pass the Schnapps" by late Happy Schnapps Combo founder, Jim Krueger.

Throughout the CD, Copper Box shows the members' wideranging influences, from Tex-Mex ("Hey Baby, Que Paso" by AugieMeyers and Bill Sheffield of the Texas Tornados and Danny's own "Tijuana") to CTI-era jazz ("Red Heads Have More Fun").

One of the brightest moments in the album closer "Howards Grove Parade," Danny Jerabek's tribute to second line brass bands of New Orleans, with Danny blowing a sousaphone, Michelle on sax and Van Ryzin on the marching snare and Junemann resonating on a marching bass drum.

The band is joined by frequent live show collaborator Jeff Roblee on percussion (tracks 4,5,8,9,14), Moon Gypsy, Chris Wagoner on lap steel (title track) and violin (track 13) and fan and sometime roadie Kevin "Schtumpfer" Hemb on stumpf fiddle (tracks 10, 15).

If you don't know what a stumpf fiddle is, check Copper Box live.  They always get a few stumpf fiddlers, especially at what has become an annual gig for them and the Jerry Schneider Band, at the WI Microbrewers Festival at Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton, WI on Sunday May 18th.

To get a copy of Need a Little Squeezin' you've got to catch Copper Box live somewhere, or send a check or money order for $18 (that includes S&H) to Copper Box, P.O. Box 3966 Oshkosh, WI 54903.  Or order online at www.copperboxsite.com.

 

Filed under:

CBx walks away with 3 WAMI nominations in 2008

April 29, 2008

Congrats to all WAMI nominees. We found the winners posted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinnel. CBx was up for 3 WAMI nominations in 2008...(looks like we've got some work to do!)

Mulvey, Hindsight take home WAMIs

By DAVE TIANEN
dtianen@journalsentinel.com

Posted: April 29, 2008

Milwaukee singer-songwriter Peter Mulvey was named solo artist/performer of the year, and Appleton's Hindsight was named band of the year at the 28th annual Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards show held Monday night at Turner Hall Ballroom.

Another Appleton act, Corey Chisel and the Wandering Sons, took the WAMI for best CD for its disc "Little Bird." The WAMI for best song went to local band Fever Marlene for "Red Fire."

Annie Denison won best female vocalist, and Michael Sean was named best male vocalist; both are Milwaukee-based. Cedarburg's House Blend took the award for new group.

In a voting rarity, Green Bay's Fahrenheit 420 and Milwaukee's Bellevue Suite tied for the rock group prize.

Veteran jazz musician and educator Manty Ellis and Waukesha's BoDeans were inducted into the WAMI Hall of Fame.

Four People's Choice Awards for best band/artist were also announced for the four quadrants of the state. The Southeast winner was Oak Creek's Ronnie Nyles, the Southwest winner was Bascom Hill of Madison; the Northeast winner was Spin and the Northwest award went to Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys.

Other WAMI winners

All are from Milwaukee unless otherwise noted:

  • Americana/rockabilly: Liam Ford Band
  • Big band: All-Star SUPERband
  • Bluegrass: .357 String Band
  • Blues: Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys
  • Christian/gospel: Chad James (East Troy)
  • Classical group: Present Music
  • Contemporary jazz: Chris Crain
  • Country: Geoff Landon & the Wolfpack
  • Cover band: Johnny Wad (Green Bay)
  • Folk/acoustic: The Moon Gypsies (Madison)
  • Pop/adult contemporary: Ronnie Nyles (Oak Creek)
  • R&B/soul/hip-hop: The Figureheads
  • Specialty/nostalgia: Beatallica
  • Traditional jazz: Paul Spencer Band
  • World beat/reggae/ska: The Invaders
  • Bassist: Mike Spellman
  • Drummer: Joey Zak
  • Guitarist: Alex Wilson
  • Keyboard player: Joe Hite
  • Reeds/brass: Andrew Spadafora
  • Specialty instrumentalist: Tommy Greywolf
  • Web site: www.houndstoothblues.com by Hounds Tooth.
  • Print media: Shepherd Express
  • Producer: Marc Golde (Appleton)
  • Radio station: WYMS-FM (88.9)
  • Stage production: Eliminator Audio Productions (Dousman)
  • Studio: Smart Studios (Madison)
  • Venue: Milwaukee Ale House.

What do you think? Go to CBx MESSAGE BOARD or enter comments below.

Filed under:

The Northwestern/Entertainment: WAMI Awards Show

April 24, 2008

Local bands enjoy boost from WAMI awards

By Sarah Owen of Weekend

When his countrified rockabilly band shared a stage with Sheryl Crow at WE Fest 2007, a three-day camping and music festival in Minnesota, lead singer Andy Lubahn knew a certain trophy probably helped land them the gig.

At least, toting a few nods from the Wisconsin Area Music Industry didn’t hurt.
Lubahn’s group, Andy’s Automatics, is no stranger to recognit2ion from the state’s version of the Grammy’s, as it’s been dubbed by many an Oshkosh musician. But when Weekend paid a call to the man behind songs like "Betty 5-0," he hadn’t yet heard of the act’s 2008 nom for Best Americana/Rockabilly group.

"We went down two years ago and actually played (the WAMIs); this year we’ll probably have to attend because none of us went last year when we won," Lubahn said, offering a raspy laugh.

On hearing his competition includes Neenah band blueheels, Lubahn was instantly revved up, and feeling generous.

"Really? Well, let it be known they’ve got my vote. That band is just phenomenal," he said.

Sharing the love among musicians is part of the community aspect the WAMI awards invokes this time of year, as it readies to gather artists from all genres, from all across Wisconsin.

"I mean, it’s the one time of year all the bands can get together and hang," Lubahn said. "It is your chance to see just about everybody in the state whose working hard playing music."

Also getting a nod this time around are Oshkosh’s own Janet Planet (jazz artist/group), Road Trip (rock/pop), Scotty Meyer (reggae) and swamp-rock veterans Copper Box (roots, rock, Americana), who recently released new album "Need a Little Squeezin."

Lead singer Michelle Jerabek and crew got involved in WAMI about three years ago, and she said it’s been a prime way to network with the likes of area producers, other musicians and just trade insider info.

"To communicate with other bands and promoters is very important for the livelihood of our music, and music venues," Jerabek said. "The industry’s been changing so much just in the last 10 years."

Handfuls of Fox Valley favorites – such as Boxkar, Corey Chisel & The Wandering Sons, Fahrenheit 420 and The Wildbirds – also are up for awards in multiple categories for 2008. The fact that the Fox Valley Region tends to rake up noms is a good sign for the local scene, artists say.

"It’s hard to compare (WAMIs) to other states, since we don’t live anywhere else, but there’s certainly a music community in Wisconsin," Jerabek said.

"And this is a lot of volunteers coming together to try and represent Wisconsin as a whole, to have some kind of recognition, which I think is important."

For artists and music fans first making the trek to Milwaukee for the awards, expect a good show and to be entertained.

On tap to hit the WAMI stage Monday night is East Troy artist Chad James, Green Bay’s Fahrenheit 420, Appleton-based Funk Trunk, Brit-poppers Fever Marlene, reggae act Kojo and more.

Milwaukee artist Mandy Ellis and Waterfest favorite BoDeans also will be inducted into the WAMI Hall of Fame Class of 2008 this year.

"It’s pretty cool," Lubahn said of the event. "They put a lot into it."

Award categories and nominees:

  • Group: Hindsight; Bellevue Suite; Molitor; Skillet; Northern Room.
  • Solo Artist/Performer: Ronnie Nyles; Greg Waters; Tom Vollman; Ryan McIntyre; Peter Mulvey.
  • Female Vocalist: Chrissy Dzioba; Ronnie Nyles; Annie Denison; Deirdre Fellner; Debbie Johnson; Lisa Hannon.
  • Male Vocalist: Michael Wendland; Lamont Richardson; Michael Sean; Corey Chisel; A.J. Laird.
  • New Group/Artist: House Blend; The Buskers; Greg Waters and The Broad Street Boogie; Twelve.Ounce.Prophet; Grey Leaf.
  • Song: “Barbaro”, Deb Lopez and Ronnie Nyles; “Violet”, Fahrenheit 420; “Red Fire”, Fever Marlene; “Change Your Mind”, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons.
  • Americana/Rockabilly: Blue Heels; Liam Ford Band; Andy's Automatics; Uptown Savages; Twang Dragons.
  • Big Band: Swing Nouveau; Mr. Lucky Swing Syndicate; All-Star SUPERband; The Pat Crawford Big Band; Ladies Must Swing.
  • Bluegrass: The Liberty Bluegrass Band; Salt Creek; Above The Town; .357 String Band; Nob Hill Boys.
  • Blues Group/Artist: Reverend Raven and His Chain Smoking Alter Boys; Big O and the Shakers; Alex Wilson; Back Alley; Perry Weber & The DeVilles.
  • Christian/Gospel Group/Artist: Skillet; Chad James; United Voices of Praise; Gary Clausing; Tammy Ann Winn.
  • Classical Group: UWM Symphony Band; Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; The Skylight; Bel Canto Chorus; Present Music.
  • Contemporary Jazz Group/Artist: Helen Exner; Kevin Crocker Jazz Quartet; Janet Planet; Chris Crain; Fell Boyz.
  • Country Group/Artist: Grand Union; Nashville Pipeline; Chasin' Mason; Tracy Stefans; Geoff Landon & The Wolfpack.
  • Cover Band: The Toys; Sonic Circus; Half Empty; Mt. Olive; Road Trip; Johnny Wad.
  • Folk/Acoustic Group/Artist: Bazooka Joe; Willy Porter; Jeffrey Miller; Alaria Taylor; Moon Gypsies.
  • Pop/Adult Contemporary: Streetlife; Copper Box; The Eddie Butts Band; In Black 'n White; Ronnie Nyles.
  • R&B/Soul/Hip-Hop Group/Artist: Mary Davis; Midnight Groove; Kid Millions; The Figureheads; Element C. Everest.
  • Rock Group: Fahrenheit 420; Bellevue Suite; Spiral Trance; Boxkar; The Mighty Short Bus; The Wildbirds.
  • Specialty/Nostalgia Group/Artist: Funk Trunk (Appleton); Beatallica; Light Up; The Glam Band; Mark Shurilla & The Greatest Hits.
  • Traditional Jazz Group/Artist: Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen; Steve Lewandowski; Pat Crawford Jazz Quintet; Jamie Breiwick; The Paul Spencer Band.
  • World Beat/Reggae/Ska: La Clave; Unity; Something To Do; Kojo; The Invaders.
  • Bassist: Sam Kidd; Chris Trotier; Mike Spellman; Rick LaJeunesse; Chris Steelman; Ken Sigul.
  • Drummer: Paul Spencer; Tommy Capponi; Todd Hellman; Tony Keller; Scottie Kallenbach; Joey Zak.
  • Guitarist: Alex Wilson; Chris Dame; Steve Lewandowski; Scotty Meyer; Bryce Lehman.
  • Keyboard Player: Jim Sodke; Johnny Palecek; Sam Steffke; Kevin Machan; Paul Reichert; Joe Hite.
  • Reeds/Brass: Karl Landwater; Mary Rodgers; Dave “Smitty” Smith; Andrew Spadafora; Steve Cooper.
  • Specialty Instrumentalist: Russ Greeley; Tommy Greywolf (OMRO); Danny Jerabek (OSHKOSH); Beth Wisniewski; Edwin Seoda.
  • Group/Artist Website: www.ronnienyles.com, Ronnie Nyles; www.copperboxsite.com, Copper Box; www.houndstoothblues.com, Hounds Tooth; soniccircus.tripod.com, Sonic Circus; www.twangdragons.com, Twang Dragons.
  • Print Media: Shepherd Express; MKE; Appleton Post-Crescent; Maximum Ink; The Valley Scene.
  • Producer: Marc Golde; Deb Lopez; Pat Lilley; Justin Perkins; Gary Tanin.
  • Radio Station: WMSE-FM 91.7; WYMS-FM 88.9; WHQG-FM 102.9; WAPL-FM 105.7; WJZX-FM 106.9.
  • Stage Production: On Stage Audio; Clearwing Productions; SRS Sound; Eliminator Audio Productions; White Noise.
  • Studio: Rock Garden Studio; Nexus Recording Studio; Firebird Recording Studio; Smart Studios; Renwood Messenger Studios.
  • Venue: Mill Creek; Caroline’s Jazz Club; Milwaukee Ale House; The Tap Haus; Kelly’s Bleachers II.
  • People’s Choice category for Artist/Band of the Year: winners selected from four regions of Wisconsin:
  • Southeast: Milwaukee and surrounding counties; north to Sheboygan and Fond du Lac, west to Watertown, south to the state line.
  • Southwest: Madison and surrounding area; north to Sauk County, east to Watertown, south and west to the state line.
  • Northeast: The Fox Valley, including Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, and Door County.
  • Northwest: All other areas of the state.

Sarah Owen: (920) 426-6671 or sowen2@thenorthwestern.com.

Filed under:

Need a Little Squeezin'

April 17, 2008

The NEW CD is out and available NOW!!  Buy it at a LIVE show

2) Snail Mail:  Send a check or money order made payable to Copper Box for $15 plus S&H ($3.00)  TOTAL: $18 and we'll send it to you direct within 7 business days.  Copper Box  PO Box 3966 Oshkosh, WI 59403.

OR buy a copy from the Copper Box store. Need a Little Squeezin'?  ---Polka-Rock-Zydeco ....an hour of music!  Get it in your collection.

Filed under:

2008 WAMI Award Nominees

April 04, 2008

The nominees are in

By Shepherd Express Staff

Group: Hindsight; Bellevue Suite; Molitor; Skillet; Northern Room.

Solo Artist/Performer: Ronnie Nyles; Greg Waters; Tom Vollman; Ryan McIntyre; Peter Mulvey.

CD: “Fahrenheit 420”, Fahrenheit 420; “Country Rock Star”, Tracy Stefans; “Little Bird”, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons; “Civil War”, Fever Marlene; “Tell Me Why”, Alex Wilson.

Female Vocalist: Chrissie Dzioba; Ronnie Nyles; Annie Denison; Deirdre Fellner; Debbie Johnson; Lisa Hannon.Male Vocalist: Michael Wendland; Lamont Richardson; Michael Sean; Corey Chisel; A.J. Laird.

New Group/Artist: House Blend; The Buskers; Greg Waters and The Broad Street Boogie; Twelve.Ounce.Prophet; Grey Leaf.
Song: "Barbaro”, Deb Lopez and Ronnie Nyles; “Violet”, Fahrenheit 420; “Red Fire”, Fever Marlene; “Change Your Mind”, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons.

Americana/Rockabilly: Blue Heels; Liam Ford Band; Andy’s Automatics; Uptown Savages; Twang Dragons.

Big Band: Swing Nouveau; Mr. Lucky Swing Syndicate; All Star SUPERband; The Pat Crawford Big Band; Ladies Must Swing.

Bluegrass: Liberty Bluegrass; Salt Creek; Above The Town; .357 String Band; Nob Hill Boys.

Blues Group/Artist: Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin' Alter Boys; Big O and the Shakers; Alex Wilson; Back Alley Band; Perry Weber and the DeVilles.

Christian/Gospel Group/Artist: Skillet; Chad James; United Voices of Praise; Gary Clausing; Tammy Ann Winn. Classical Group: UWM Symphonic Band; Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; Skylight Opera; Bel Canto Chorus; Present Music.

Contemporary Jazz Group/Artist: Helen Exner; Kevin Crocker Jazz Quartet; Janet Planet; Chris Crain; Fell Boyz.

Country Group/Artist: Grand Union; Nashville Pipeline; Chasin' Mason; Tracy Stefans; Geoff Landon & The Wolfpack.

Cover Band: The Toys; Sonic Circus; Half Empty; Mt. Olive; Road Trip; Johnny Wad.

Folk/Acoustic Group/Artist: Bazooka Joe; Willie Porter; Jeffrey Miller; Alaria Taylor; Moon Gypsies.

Pop/Adult Contemporary: Streetlife; Copperbox; Eddie Butts; In Black-n-White; Ronnie Nyles.

R&B/Soul/Hip-Hop Group/Artist: Mary Davis; Midnight Groove; Kid Millions; Figureheads; Element C. Everest.

Rock Group: Fahrenheit 420; Bellevue Suite; Spiral Trance; Boxkar; Mighty Short Bus; Wild Birds.Specialty/Nostalgia Group/Artist: Funk Trunk; Beatallica; Light Up; Glam Band; Mark Shurilla.

Traditional Jazz Group/Artist: Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen; Steve Lewandowski; Pat Crawford Jazz Band; Jamie Briewick; Paul Spencer Band.

World Beat/Reggae/Ska: La Clave; Unity; Something To Do; Kojo; The Invaders.Bassist: Sam Kidd; Chris Trotter; Mike Spellman; Rick LaJeunesse; Chris Spielman; Ken Sigul.

Drummer: Paul Spencer; Tommy Caponi; Todd Hellman; Tony Keller; Scottie Kallenbach; Joey Zak.Guitarist: Alex Wilson; Chris Dame; Steve Lewandowski; Scotty Meyer; Bruce Lehman.

Keyboard Player: Jim Sodke; Johnny Palecek; Sam Steffke; Kevin Machon; Paul Reichert; Joe Hite.Reeds/Brass: Karl Landwater; Mary Rodgers; Dave "Smitty" Smith; Andrew Spadafora; Steve Cooper.

Specialty Instrumentalist: Russ Greeley; Tommy Greywolf; Danny Jerabek; Beth Wisnewski; Edwin Seoda.

Group/Artist Website: www.ronnienyles.com, Ronnie Nyles; www.copperboxsite.com, Copperbox; www.houndstoothblues.com, Hounds Tooth, www.SonicCircus.net, Sonic Circus;www.twangdragons.com, Twang Dragons.

Print Media: Shepherd Express; MKE; Appleton Post-Crescent; Maximum Ink; The Valley Scene.Producer: Marc Golde; Deb Lopez; Pat Lilley; Justin Perkins; Gary Tanin.

Radio Station: WMSE-FM 91.7; WYMS-FM 88.9; WHQG-FM 102.9; WAPL-FM 105.7; WJZX-FM 106.9.Stage Production: Onstage Audio; Clearwing Audio; SRS Sound; Eliminator Audio; White Noise.Studio: Rock Garden; Nexus; Firebird Recording Studio; Smart Studio; Renwood Messenger.

Venue: Mill Creek; Caroline’s; Milwaukee Ale House; The Tap Haus; Kelly's Bleacher's II.

Filed under:

CBx on WGBA-TV...APRIL 1st

April 01, 2008

Check out the video on NBC 26's website.

http://www.nbc26.com/today/17189496.html

CBx promoted their NEW CD---Need a Little Squeezin' 

RELEASE DATE SET: April 11th at LIVE SHOWS ONLY.

 

Filed under:

Previous | Showing 26 - 50 of 136 entries | Next