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The Rhinelanders are a Colorado based band specializing in International music and playing
a vast array of country, line dances, Latin, Tangos, Standards and rock music not to mention Polkas, Waltzes,Oktoberfest Music. This
popular group has an extensive national travel schedule that includes occasional inter-national travel.
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The fearless leader, accordian player and driving
force behind the Rhinelanders is Jerry Perchacz. Jerry has been playing accordian professionally since the 60s. Jerry has
a BS and MA in Business and Psychology with a minor in languages. He gained his appreciation of music from his parents who
both love to dance. Jerry spends his days managing the industrial packaging division of Pioneer Packaging. This company deals
in plastics, steel, glass and corrugated boxes. As Jerry would say "we have everything from A-Z" Some of his free time
is spent trying to come up with the perfect Poker hand. He was a Jack off in Blackhawk ( you know... one jack short of a
royal flush). He's still searching for the perfect shirt to prove it. We'd love your help- so if you know of a place where
he can get one please E-mail us ( address can be found on home page.)
Jerry's childhood was defined by sharing his
name with the family dog and the pet bird. His greatest claim to fame in his youth was hitting baseballs through the windows
of his elementary school with great alacrity. What a talent! If you were to take the tour du Jerry in Denver, you would find
grates on the windows of his elementary school. It's kind of like a Jerry monument. Nice aim Jerry!
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Speaking
of aim. Robin's isn't any better. Robin Braun spent her youth on a cattle ranch just west of Denver throwing rocks at cows
in unsuccessful attempts to herd them. She never could hit them. She wasn't any better with a bull whip. (No, she's not sadistic,
have you ever tried to herd a cow on a rocky mountain top?) However, she does have a degree in music. Her college studies
included her primary instrument as trumpet, and her secondary instrument as voice. She has a minor in Spanish and business.
How did that happen? The minor in spanish was the quickest way to get the degree. Her college advisor looked her in the eye
and said something to the effect of " What do you expect to do with this degree, go to Mexico and sell trumpets?" Lo and behold
she ended up playing trumpet with a mariachi band. she has always been active in the Jazz scene, but has finally found the
musical home and audience that she loves. Her immediate family consists of her beloved and recalcitrant dog Reebok . Bach
(as he is usually called is a an extremely willfull but great natured Border Collie- Springer Spaniel mix who is believed
by some to be more intelligent than Robin. Ask anyone (he has her wrapped around his little paw) If you were to visit ,
you would encounter a very cold wet nose ( This is Bach... not Robin) Reebok is known for his quick wit and deviant nature.
It is not unusual to find Robin chasing Bach around the yard screaming "Bach, Bach, Bach." as he streaks around the back yard
with the undergarment du jour that he (woops) got a hold of again... how does he do that? Robin still augments her playing
and dog chasing schedule to include private voice, trumpet and piano instruction at her studio. She also works with Cherry
Creek School district and her ongoing commitment to elementary band and orchestra instruction. She hopes you'll buy lots
of CDs and nominate the Rhinelanders Cd for a Grammy.
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Steve Ashton is
the Rhinelanders official time keeper. .... No he doesn't watch the Clock! ... He's the drummer!
Steve Graduated
from the Univerity of Colorado with a Bachelors in Music Education.
He is a dedicated Music Educator for the Cherry
Creek School District. Through his position with the district, he continues to teach and inspire budding new musicians.
Mr Ashton toured three Continents with the Continental Singers and Orchestra. In addition to his tenure with the Contintental
Singers, he worked with the group Renaissance out of Las Vegas.
This talented musician still augments his schedule
for yearly recording sessions in LA.
Steve's passions other than his wife and family are gardening! We'll post
his address soon you can vote!! ... Just kidding!!
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2008 replaced 2007as the busiest Oktoberfest season in the
history of the Rhinelanders. 2009 is shaping to be even busier thanks to all of you who continue to support us by not only
coming to our weekly club dances, but tromping to Albuquerque and so many of our other out of town gigs. Some of you have
even been known to risk bad gas (gasoline) and surly locals. We really appreciate you. Seeing your familiar faces in unfamiliar
places makes every place feel like home.
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A Snap of Steve.... or is that snaps to Steve. Thanks for all
that you do. You're a great addition to the Rhinelanders!
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We move forward to what picture is in our minds.
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I find the harder I work- the more luck I seem to have. Thomas
Jefferson
Don't surround yourself with yourself
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