Music & Dance News September / October 2022 Page 10
Dain ’ s Dutchmen continued
Dain in the Gibbon Polka days parade with his first concertina ( 1997 ) age 11
Dain , sparking excitement and interest in playing polka music without the costly investment up front .
“ Dad ( Fred Moldan ) taught himself how to play a few tunes on a concertina in order to show me what to do for the first few pieces I learned .” Grampa Seppie strongly supported this kind of musical involvement of his family . He was frequently talking about the happiness that concertina music spread at an event . He would often tell great stories about bands playing dances , huge crowds , how many couples met future spouses at dances , and the overall fun times had by folks , which led to a greater curiosity in the young players of Dain ’ s Dutchmen .
At many of these events , Dain and his Band met loads of supporters of the young polka playing farm kids . The dancers , enthusiasts , bands leaders , and organizers of events were all in attendance at various times , where Dain watched and learned what is necessary to dance , play and hold an event with a polka band in order to entertain people . Dain ’ s Dutchmen is an active member of the POLKA LOVERS KLUB ,
Da Dutchman ( right ) and Johnny Helget ( left ) doing somersaults while playing concertina entertaining the crowd at Musicfest near Lake Benton MN
MNMBOA , and MN MUSIC HALL OF FAME ORGANIZATION .
Dain participated in high school band playing clarinet , marching band bass clarinet , and was self taught on the tuba during pep band when the previous players had graduated . ( He just felt there had to be a tuba in the pep band !) Dain was also in high school musicals , and his younger siblings Lisa , Lori , Molly , and Marisa also participated in piano lessons , high school band , and polka activities schedules . After school years Dain continued dairy and crop farming while playing a full band calendar , which continues to this day .
“ Over the years of miles traveled , hours of playing and entertaining , farm chore help , and booking and organizing band related details from A to Z , it ’ s been precious to develop friendships and fill up on some great times and memories . We plan and hope be able to continue into the future ! I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who has danced and supported our group and existence from
bookings to our recordings and merchandise . A special thanks to mom and dad and family and our closest supporters and musicians who have filled necessary roles over the years . It has been these people who have validated our existence as a polka band and we wouldn ’ t be where we are today without all the support we ’ ve received over the years .
Remember : “ Stay Young , Go Dancing .”
To contact Dain ’ s Dutchmen :
Dain Moldan 28638 County Road 24 Sleepy Eye MN , 56085
Call or text : 507-227-0105
Search : Dain ’ s Dutchmen -or- Da Dutchman on Facebook
Dain and son Drayden Moldan ( 2 ) playing a tune at Sigel Ball Park summer 2022