Pretzel Express Band

The Pretzel Express Band (PEB) is an instrumental trio of musicians trained in classical, jazz, and world music. Their focus is not only on traditional German American Oktoberfest repertoire but also on arrangements that challenge the stereotypical sound of the "oompah" band. An objective of the band is to showcase the virtuosic skills of each member through interesting arrangements of a variety of music.

"Gee," Stefan, and Mike were the original members of the "Hammerstein Musik Bavaria" band that was featured in a Wienerschnitzel Oktoberfest commercial in 2016. After leaving the band, they continued to work together and came up with the band name based on the title of one of the polkas they would play called "Pizza Express Polka." Obviously, "pretzel" replaced "pizza."

When necessary, additional vocalists, musicians and MCs may be added to PEB if an event requires a larger band with someone to lead songs or make announcements. Specific vocalists are subject to availability.

Whether in a backyard Oktoberfest, restaurant as background music, or a concert in a performing arts center - the Pretzel Express Band looks forward to performing for you!

Danke!

"Gee" Rabe

Accordion

Ms. Gigi "Gee" Rabe, also known as "L.A.'s Accordion Diva," holds an M.A. degree in Ethnomusicology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a B.M. degree in Performance with an emphasis in Commercial Music from California State University (CSU) Long Beach. She completed her Ph.D. course work in Ethnomusicology at UCLA. She has been a lecturer in music at CSU Northridge since 1995.

An accordionist since 1975, Ms. Rabe has won major awards for her performance, including the Accordion Federation of North America's virtuoso (Western classical) and virtuoso jazz competitions in 1984 and 1985 respectively.

Her main projects are fronting her retro lounge band "Gigi and her Atomic Hipsters" and her alternative polka trio "Pretzel Express Band." She is also one of the creators of "Pajanice." She is a member of AFM 47, ASCAP, SAG-AFTRA, and NARAS.

"Gee" Rabe's Website

Stefan Kac

Tuba, Composer, Arranger

Stefan Kac is an award-winning virtuoso classical and jazz tuba player originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota and is currently based in Los Angeles. He is a graduate of CalArts (MFA - Performance & Composition) and the University of Minnesota (BM in Tuba Performance). He has worked with the Minnesota Orchestra, Kennedy Center, International Tuba Euphonium Association, American Composers Forum, Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute, and plays at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

Stefan Kac's website

Mike Deutsch

Drums and Percussion

Mike Deutsch began playing drums and percussion in 1990 and in 2006 he graduated from CSU Northridge earning a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance where he studied drum set, orchestral percussion, and hand percussion. Currently, Mike works as a musician in the Los Angeles area collaborating with orchestras, musical theater, chamber music, and recording studios.

Television and Film credits include live TV appearances on Fox’s “American Idol” season 10 and 11, ABC’s premier of “Duets,” Nickelodeon’s 2014 Kids Choice Awards, the Voice and “Dancing with the Stars” In the studio, Mike recorded vibraphone for title theme to CBS’s “How to be a Gentleman” drums for “Castle,” and marimba for the Lewis Del Mar hit “Painting(Masterpiece).”

Mike has been honored to perform in live events with such as John Williams with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, Video Games Live, League of Legends World Championships, and Pete Townshend and Quadrophenia Live.

Mike Deutsch's website