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meet the band

Erika Klaber

Erika Klaber

Band Leader, Steel Drum

Erika practically grew up on stage, joining the family band in 2001. Now the leader (since 2006), she brings her whole crew - parents, husband, kids - to create a unique sound with a touch of steel drum!

Robb Horton

Robb Horton

Guitar, Vocals, Sax, Logistics

Robb joined the band in 1986 at a very young age. He is the primary arranger and IT specialist for the Klaberheads, and also serves as the band's official logistics and travel agent.

Rich Begel

Rich Begel

Trombone, Rubber Chicken

Rich joined the Klaberheads in 2021. A trombonist with the Dayton Philharmonic since 2003, he also teaches low brass at several colleges, runs multiple music ensembles, and directs the band at the Dayton Regional STEM School.

Jim Schengber

Jim Schengber

Bass Guitar, Vocals

Jim has been playing bass and singing vocals with the Klaberheads since around 2005. He's an exceptional musician with an extensive music background.

Franz Klaber

Franz Klaber

Vocals, Trombone, Mascot

Franz Klaber, who joined the band in 1953, took over leadership in 1963, transforming it into the Klaberheads. Despite a stroke in 2006, he continues to entertain audiences with his showmanship.

Angie D'Ercole

Angie D'Ercole

Accordion, Keys, Graphic Designer

Angie began her musical journey on the accordion, winning many local awards as a child. Now, she plays both the accordion and keyboards with the band and serves as the graphic designer.

Jeff Porada

Jeff Porada

Saxes, Clarinet, Brake Drum

Jeff has played with the Klaberheads for several years, adding tenor and bari sax, as well as clarinet, to the Oktoberfest sound. His musicianship and onstage antics have made a significant impact at their shows.

Rob Paddock

Rob Paddock

Percussion

Rob, a freelance drummer based in Dayton, Ohio, specializes in Big Band, Jazz, Classic Rock, and Musical Theatre. He has an extensive background, including performances with the U.S. Air Force Band and numerous local and regional groups.

Emily Klaber

Emily Klaber

Vocals, Cowbell, Marketing

Emily is a fourth-generation band member. Since 2012, she has played a crucial role in performing, managing merch, and serving as the band's marketing coordinator and social media manager.

Ed "3D" Frey

Ed "3D" Frey

Trumpet, Tambourine

Ed “3D” joined the Klaberheads in 1964 and has been with the band for 60 years, with a brief leave for military service. He rarely misses a gig and hasn’t aged a bit in all that time!

Brian West

Brian West

Trumpet, Cowbell

Brian, lead trumpet player, is highly sought after in Southwest Ohio, performing with numerous orchestras and ensembles. He enjoys golf, watches too much TV, and owns Park-N-Go Airport Parking.

Support Staff

Support Staff

Sound, Merch, & More

We couldn't do it without our support staff. They sell merch, run sound, and anything else that we need help with.

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