Bio-Credentials

 

Pete Wagner started the organization in 1954. It swiftly became the most prolifically hired band in the Tri-state area. Paul Wagner, Pete's son, has guided the second generation of the band since 1986. Trained on standards and Dixieland, pursued other musical genres for fifteen years beginning in 1968. First, toured Europe extensively with a soul/rock band. Then, honed big band and dance combo skills during a three year army band stint. Formed and led a funk/rock group which was showcased for many years at all the prominent area nightclubs. Joined the Pete Wagner organization in 1983. Continued to broaden experience by mastering Showtunes, Swing, Light Jazz, Blues, Irish, German, Italian, Jewish, and other ethnic types and tunes.

The band has maintained its appeal for over fifty years by focusing on the client's requisites. For example, DJ capability is available to supplement live music with recorded tracks.

The Pete Wagner Band has performed for thousands of functions. Exclusive affairs include: wedding receptions,private and corporate parties, anniversaries, reunions, fund-raisers. Public performances include:big band dances, conventions, political rallies, Oktoberfests, Cincinnati Reds games, Bengals super bowl parties, River Downs Racetrack, Tall Stacks, festivals and park concerts.



The following highlights noteworthy performances:

The Pete Wagner dance bands and combos have played thousands of wedding receptions,parties,and affairs entertaining many including 5 Presidents: Kennedy, Nixon, Reagan, Bush and George W. Bush.

The Pete Wagner Big Band has played big band dances at Coney Island's Moonlite Pavilion for almost 4 decades. It has played at countless city and park concerts, plus hundreds of parties. American Financial Corp. has hired the Pete Wagner Band for 21 years to perform at its annual Christmas party. The band has performed along side national headliners. Some of the many stars include Chicago, Faith Hill, Wayne Newton, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Ritchie, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr, Micheal Buble, and Kenny G.

The Pete Wagner Dixieland Band was the last to play at Crosley Field, the first and last to play at Riverfront- Cinergy Field and 2003 Opening Day at The Great American Ball Park. The group has entertained at every Tall Stacks and has been strolling around River Downs Race Track for more than 30 years.

The Pete Wagner Band played at the George W. Bush fund-raiser in Indian Hill. Gov. Bob Taft extended his and the President's gratitude for making the event successful. The organizers were ecstatic over the band's spirited performance. Click on the thank you note below to enlarge.

After playing alongside Chicago at the American Financial Group Christmas Party, Paul had his picture taken with Chicago the band.

The Pete Wagner German Schnapps Band has played at Covington's Maifest and Oktoberfest as well as Oktoberfest Zinzinnati since its inception.