Traditional German-American Entertainment
A dynamic duo with a big Bavarian sound — polkas, waltzes, yodeling and Oktoberfest favorites, plus crowd-pleasers from across Europe — Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary and beyond.
Euro Express Band brings authentic German-American heritage music to festivals, dances and parties all over the country. Front man John Gunther sings and yodels, and conservatory-trained Val Sigal dances across the keys of his Roland accordion.
Two musicians, decades of experience, and a repertoire that runs from Bavarian beer-hall standards to the songs your grandparents danced to — every show is built to get the whole room singing along.
Front Man · Lead Vocals & Yodeling
John has been singing and playing since the age of 12. A self-taught musician, he picked up the drums at 9 by watching the drummer in his father's band — and has played professionally around the country for over 50 years, keeping both the time and the crowd moving.
Accordion
Born in Siberia and raised in Russia, Val was educated at the prestigious Ural State Conservatory and holds a Master's Degree in World and Classical Music Performance. His nimble fingers dance across his signature Roland accordion, carrying listeners to faraway lands — French, German, Italian and American alike.
From our 2026 calendar — bier stubes, breweries and Oktoberfests across Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.
N116W15863 Main St, Germantown, WI · 4:00–7:00 PM
Camera Park, 101 E Fullerton Ave, Glendale Heights, IL · 6:00–10:00 PM
2750 S 27th Street, Clinton, IA
6751 W National Ave, West Allis, WI · 12:00–2:30 PM & 4:00–6:30 PM
Camera Park, Glendale Heights, IL · 1:00–5:00 PM
1932 W College Ave, Appleton, WI · 12:00–2:30 PM & 4:00–6:30 PM
Next up is the 2026 Christmas season, and the 2027 calendar is filling in behind it. Holiday and Oktoberfest weekends go first — lock in your date while it's open.
Check Your DateEvery stop on this year's calendar — bier stubes, breweries and Oktoberfests across Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Dates marked Duo are John & Val as a two-piece.
N116W15863 Main St, Germantown, WI · 4:00–7:00 PM
Camera Park, 101 E Fullerton Ave, Glendale Heights, IL · 6:00–10:00 PM
2750 S 27th Street, Clinton, IA
6751 W National Ave, West Allis, WI · 12:00–2:30 PM & 4:00–6:30 PM
Camera Park, Glendale Heights, IL · 1:00–5:00 PM
3300 N Rocky Beach Rd, Johnsburg, IL · 5:00–8:00 PM
1932 W College Ave, Appleton, WI · 12:00–2:30 PM & 4:00–6:30 PM
Planning ahead? The 2026 Christmas season is booking now, and the 2027 calendar is open — check your date.
When the Oktoberfest tents come down, the Christmas season begins. Through December 2026, Euro Express trades the beer-hall set list for German carols — Stille Nacht, O Tannenbaum, Leise rieselt der Schnee — alongside American holiday favorites, all with the same sing-along spirit.
Outdoor markets and town tree lightings — carols, glühwein weather, and a crowd ready to sing.
German-American club Christmas parties and Nikolaus evenings, with the songs members grew up with.
Office parties, family gatherings and restaurant holiday nights — festive without the fuss.
The band's album, all fifteen tracks — press play. The CD is $15 at shows.
Want to take it home? The album is $15 — pick up a copy at any show.
Our 2024 promo video — two minutes of polkas, waltzes and Oktoberfest favorites under the fest tent.
Euro Express Band · 2024 promo video · 2:01
One band, sized to fit your stage and your budget — Euro Express can perform as a duo, trio, quartet or quintet, from a corner of the beer garden to the full festival hall.
Our home turf — from Chicago-area fests to stages across the country, all season long.
A first dance, then a floor full of polka. We bring the party your grandparents will approve of.
German-American clubs, Danube Swabian societies and aid societies are family to us.
Private and corporate events of every size.
Regular favorites at bier stubes and German restaurants around Chicagoland and Wisconsin.
Pictures from Euro Express' live events, taken and sent in by friends & fans — pictures are always welcome from the festivals we play around the country. Click a photo to see it larger.
The Euro Express Band is based out of Chicago, Illinois. The band plays German-American heritage music — Bavarian music of the kind heard at Oktoberfest celebrations — with a repertoire drawn from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary and beyond.
During Oktoberfest season, Euro Express performs at festivals and for private and corporate events and parties, including the Oakland Park Oktoberfest, the German American Club of Antioch, the Society of Danube Swabians and the American Aid Society of German Descendants in Chicago.
The band is also available for weddings, family reunions, anniversaries, birthday parties and festivals — performing as a duo, trio, quartet or quintet to fit the stage and the celebration.
Looking for photos? See the gallery above.
To request information or book a show, contact John Gunther directly. Tell us your date, your town, and what you're celebrating — and whether you'd like us as a duo, trio, quartet or quintet. We'll bring the music.