The History of the Lake Wobegon^® Brass Band

The Lake Wobegon^® Brass Band was founded by Gordy Nilsen, Dave Peterson and Ric Perkins at the Anoka Coffee Shop on a Saturday morning in early 1992.  Gordy and Dave had attended the 1991 North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) National Contest in Iowa and returned inspired to turn their dream of a Brass Band "right here in River City" into reality.  Neil Clasen was invited to join "The Board" and Charles Olson was asked to become conductor and music director. 

Music was borrowed from the Sheldon Brass Band in Red Wing, MN.  Potential band members were contacted, and the first rehearsal was held on February 29, 1992, at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.   Monthly rehearsals followed during the spring, and in June the band hosted a Yamaha-NABBA Brass Band Workshop.  Dr. Paul Droste, President of NABBA and conductor of the Grand Champion Brass Band of Columbus, was guest conductor and clinician.

In the interim, hometown hero, Garrison Keillor, was contacted regarding the band assuming the name of his "hometown."  He responded, "I'm happy to give my permission.  The only condition is that you will let me know when the band is formed... and that at some mutually convenient time, you'll play at a picnic for me.  Good Luck."

The Lake Wobegon^® Brass Band is now a proud member of NABBA.  We have been happily rehearsing and amazing ourselves since September of 1992

The Lake Wobegon^® Brass Band is co-sponsored by
 Anoka-Ramsey Community College
and the Anoka Brass Band Association.

  LAKE WOBEGON^® is used by permission of Garrison Keillor and Minnesota Public Radio.  
The Lake Wobegon^® Brass Band has no official affiliation with "Prairie Home Companion."