Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Klaber.
The Franz Klaber Orchestra is Hamilton, Ohio’s oldest band! Although the FKO is a popular band at Oktoberfests and other German functions, the band has never been strictly German in nature. The original Franz Klaber Orchestra was founded in 1930 and led by Franz Klaber, a German immigrant from the Saxony region of Germany, who taught himself to play stringed instruments even before he had an instrument. He used to fasten a string to a windowsill and pluck out tunes! He taught himself to play mandolin and violin and later, the saxophone.
The first version of the Franz Klaber Orchestra consisted of a five-piece band of fellow German Americans that played a lot of German folk songs at gatherings and festivals of the Deutscher Hausverein, the local German Society. Franz Sr.’s vision was a band that mixed popular music with traditional German songs. Franz’s daughter Mary Ann sang in the band, and Bill and Franz Klaber, Jr. both joined the band while they were in junior high school.
At the age of 24, Franz took over the band when his father died in 1963 (and played a gig the very next day after Franz Sr.’s untimely death). Franz Jr. took his father’s musical passion and built upon it, leaving his own indelible mark by expanding the band its repertoire and instilling an enthusiasm and showmanship that is truly unique. Under his leadership, the band played in Disney’s EPCOT Center! While he was at the helm, the band affectionately became known as the Klaberheads. It’s a name that is used for the band as well as the fans!
In 2006, he suffered a stroke and, through his unbelievable determination and courage, was able to make a comeback and resume performing with the band. Through physical therapy, he was able to recover from his paralysis and regain his speech and the ability to walk. He even regained the ability to play his trombone and sing! While he was recovering, he turned over the group to his daughter, Erika Klaber.
Erika has continued with her father and grandfather’s vision and has put her own imprint on the group as well. At her father’s urging, she began to play her steel drum in the band. No one could have imagined how well this beautiful instrument would blend with German music! With a Master’s degree in Music Education and Ethnomusicology, Erika has been able to expand the musical repertoire, even adding some original music to the line-up.
The fourth generation of Klabers are making their mark as well. Erika’s daughter, Emily Muench (23), has been an active member of the band for nearly a decade. Several of Franz and Bill’s children and grandchildren have been apprentices and active members as well. This past season Erika’s sons John-Wallace (13) and Franz Horton (11) have begun their apprenticeships! John on the accordion, sax, and guitar and Franz on percussion and vocals.
The Klaberheads have not only kept a family tradition alive but have helped keep German Heritage alive musically in Southwest Ohio. Because of the foundation Franz Sr. laid down and Franz Jr. helped build upon, the Klaberheads have expanded their operating territory and have performed at Oktoberfests in Cincinnati, Columbus, Minster, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Lexington, Maysville, New Braunfels, TX. Knoxville, TN. Nashville, TN. St. Charles, MO. Ruidoso, NM., Mt. Angel, OR, and most recently Chandler, AZ, and West Palm, FL.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When my dad took over after his father’s death, there were many members of the band that didn’t want to recognize his leadership. They actually copied the music without permission and started their own band.
2020 posed the biggest challenge. All of our gigs were canceled. We had to find new ways to reach people.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I believe one of the biggest components that sets our band apart from others in our genre is our multigenerational members. My 84-year-old father singing with his grandchildren–ages 24-11 is so very special.
I’m so proud of our product. We mix and mash traditional German music with popular music, which in turn makes the older Germans in the crowd happy and draws the younger ones in. We take pride in our level of audience participation, making sure that all ages are having a good time.
We specialize in entertaining with the use of props, costumes, and signs. Many of our band members are professional musicians, and although we don’t take ourselves too seriously, we do take our job of providing an evening of excellent music very seriously.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’m most happy when I’m stage performing. I love to look out in the crowd and see the look on people’s faces when they recognize a popular song or see the interaction that is happening on the stage. Music is universal and brings people together. That’s very evident on a dance floor. It’s healing and its vibration that resonates with everyone. To know that the music I’m playing is providing happiness to someone else is such a great honor and fills me with joy. Not to mention I get to play music with the parents, husband, and children!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.klaberheads.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/klaberheads
- Facebook: Facebook.com/klaberheads
- Youtube: YouTube.com/c/TheKlaberheads
