Flickr Find: Art’s Concertina Bar


Art’s Concertina Bar
uploaded by Five-Boro Camphone
We’ve mentioned Art’s Concertina Bar in Milwaukee here before, but for those (like me) who haven’t yet made the pilgrimage, Flickr user Five-Boro Camphone has a cool photoset taken at the bar. Proudly dubbed the “Only Concertina Bar in the USA”, the walls are lined with mementos and photos featuring the owner, Art Altenburg, his music, and this history of concertina and polka music. The bar also holds Art’s collection of nearly 60 concertinas. There are live bands and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as a “Concertina Jam Session Nite” on Thursdays. Definitely a “must see” for any accordion lovers passing through the Milwaukee area.

4 Comments:

  1. does anyone know of an instrument called and ACCORDINA ? i am looking for a used accordina. it’s a free reed instrument that is a cross of an accordian [ right hand buttons ] and a harmonica.

    HELP !!!

  2. Tom, I’ve heard of them, but never seen one in person. eBay is probably your best bet. You could also ask over at Squeezytunes — he has a knack for finding bizarre instruments.

  3. Hi,
    I’m the new owner of the concertina bar, now called Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall. The Polka Jam is now on wed. nights.
    Here is the new website…..www.beer-hall.com
    Also, I have lifted that stupid ban on playing only concertina’s there. Bring you accordion, button boxes ect. I have even gone on the radio to let people know that if you can play polka on a toilet bring it down.
    Did a lot of cleaning and positive tweeking. Now an even funner place!
    Hope to see you soon.
    Sto Lot!!
    Andy

  4. Thanks Andy! I had heard that the Hall is in good hands — one of these days, we’ll pile everyone in the car and make a trip out to see for ourselves.