Christy Hengel

Dec. 25, 1922 Wanda, Minnesota - Dec. 11, 2007 Sleepy Eye, Minnesota In the 1950s, Hengel played with the Six Fat Dutchmen and the Jolly Brewers, which toured extensively throughout the Midwest and traveled as far south as Texas. He also had the opportunity to play with Whoopee John Wilfahrt's band. After Wilfahrt's death, his musicians became the house band for the Soto Ballroom in Springfield, Minnesota, and from 1956 to 1960, Hengel teamed up with the group on weekends. Christy Hengel was primarily known for crafting Hengel Concertinas in New Ulm, Minnesota, which are still considered the best-made worldwide.