Band Information

The Velvet Brass is a distinguished dance band that specializes in music of the “big band era.”  The band consists of four members playing trumpet, saxophone, keyboard, and drums. The band plays music in several styles, including big band swing, light jazz, soft rock, Latin, classic rock, Dixieland, and old time. The Velvet Brass is the band of choice for dances, weddings, anniversaries, receptions, conventions, concerts, and birthday parties.

Contact John “Duffy” Morton, at velvetbrass@gmail.com or call 320-424-0514.


The Sammy Jensen Orchestra has been enjoyed by dancers at the Lakeside Ballroom for as long as anyone can remember.  It was first organized by Sammy in 1939 and then reconstituted after members returned from WWII.   Sammy sold the band to Irv Peterson in 1981. Irv has expanded the playing area of the orchestra and the group has been heard throughout the Midwest as well as south to Texas and west to California. In addition to being a successful band leader, Irv operated a music store for 30 years. The orchestra has received several awards including being selected by the National Ballroom and Entertainment Association as one of two bands to play on their 1989 Big Band Caribbean Cruise, and being inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 1998. The orchestra has recorded a CD. Contact Irv Peterson at 507-532-3665.


Julie Lee and her White Rose Band was started in 1995, and is based out of Fargo, ND. The band has worked all the corners of the Midwest and in the Southwest. The four-piece group features clarinets, saxes, trumpet, keyboards, and accordion. The music features a wide variety of styles, from country, big band and '50s, to old-time waltzes & polkas, with a focus on good “dance” music. Depending on the venue, the band can play more on the country side, big band side or old-time side, whatever is required. The band was chosen as the 2009 Minnesota Ballroom Operators Association ”Band of the Year.” 

Contact Julie Lee at julielee@whiterosebasnd.com   Website: www.whiteroseband.com  


The Upper Mississippians Jazz Orchestra was founded by Dennis Block in 1996. He brought his music library with him from Connecticut, where he and friends played the music of the Jazz Age. Since then, the orchestra has expanded its repertoire which includes swing, foxtrots, waltz, Latin, and polkas, all with the emphasis on danceability. The group plays on summer Sundays at Zhateau Zorbas on Little Sand Lake north of Dorset, Minnesota.

Contact Dennis Block at 22933 Glider Trail, Park Rapids, MN 56470.


Doc’s All Stars grew out of Glenn Flint’s Alexandria Stage Band, which was started in 1967. Initially the band played 3 or 4 times a year at the Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood. Members handed out or mailed out tickets to their friends and paid $1.00 at the door. The current leader, Paul “Doc” Engebretson, who graduated from Glenwood High School, has been with the band since 1968. Doc’s All Stars is an all-occasion band that plays the dance and show tunes from the big band era.  Contact Paul Engebretson at docsallstars@charter.net.


Myron Sommerfeld and His Orchestra continue to perform the Music of the Stars to the many folks who love Swing and Ballroom Dancing.  The band has recently performed on two 58 day South American cruises on board the Regal Empress and is now in its fourth winter season playing the resorts in the Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona, area.  The band still headquarters out of Valley City, ND, and during the summer plays for special events in North Dakota and Minnesota. More information at http://www.nbea.com/mso.htm

Don Riggs More information at http://www.nbea.com/drbb.htm