Kevin Altenburg Biography
Kevin Altenburg was born December 28th, 1968 on the north Side of Chicago and was adopted by Ron and Terry. At the age of three Kevin’s family moved to the suburbs of Milwaukee where many a family visit was spent at his Uncles Jake and Tommy, who both played concertina. At age seven, Kevin took lessons from various local musicians, such as Bill Franczyk, and Don Gralak. At 13 years old Kevin made his first recording, a 45 rpm record on the HG label.
Kevin played with his own band until age 17 when his parents moved to Lisle, IL, where he was introduced to the Chicago style of polkas through playing with local groups such as Joe Walega, Jerry Tarka, The Windy City Brass, Lenny Gomulka, Tony Blazonczyk and Chicago’s Milwaukee Avenue. He even did a stint with notable Chicago DJ Jonathon Brandmier as part on the “Ja Hey Der” polka ensemble featured at many major concert venues in the Late-80’s. Along the way, Kevin rounded out his musical abilities by playing bass guitar in country, blues, R & B and Jazz groups.
In the early nineties, Kevin and Mike Maduzia threw all caution (and a couple of six packs) to the wind to start a polka band that reflected the influences of a more Americanized audience, an idea that has gained momentum ever since.
Kevin now lives in Minooka Illinois with his wife Julie, daughter Melanie, and sons Jack and Bradley.