The Elbe German Band takes its name from the Elbe River, Germany’s second largest river. Elbe was founded in 1995 by German musicologist, Herr Andreas Marx, who trained the band to play this music authentically. This year (2025) is our 30th year of performing together!
Who are we?
We use clarinets, brass, and percussion only, with a female vocalist (singing in German), and we strive to perform an authentic, Bavarian sound in the tradition of the original Oktoberfest.
What do we perform?
Performing waltzes, polkas, ländler, foxtrots, folk songs, German drinking songs, and some German pop oldies is our standard type of engagement. While we specialize in Oktoberfest music, we also perform 1920’s German jazz, which is perfect for a cabaret event, like that seen in the production Cabaret with Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey.
We have over 400 pieces of singable and danceable music, and we accommodate many requests. We can easily play a four-hour event without repeating a piece! We play our own recorded music during set-up/break-down and during our breaks, so the music and fun never stops. Elbe sets the Oktoberfest vibe, by wearing recognizable costumes, dancing with guests, and decorating the stage with Bavarian and German flags. Our vocalist uses a small sound system at indoor and small outdoor venues.
Where do we perform?
Elbe has performed for numerous breweries and German festivals, birthday parties, private parties, church fundraisers and fall festivals, non-profit fundraisers, corporate events, and much more. Selected festivals include St. Benedict’s Catholic Church-Richmond Oktoberfest (25+ years), Portsmouth (VA) Oktoberfest (15+ years), U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Gregg-Adams (15+ years), U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Belvoir (10 years), Alexandria (VA) Immanuel Lutheran Church (15+ years), and numerous smaller festivals and venues throughout Virginia.
The Elbe German Band 