80 years of oompah: Family’s brass band brings lively tunes to Naperville Oktoberfest

In 1945, Ed “Bro” Wagner started a brass band called Ed and the Jolly Gang, playing all the German favorites of the day in ethnic clubs and neighborhood joints around Chicago.

By the 1980s, Bro’s son Ed Wagner had stepped in as band leader and trumpet player. Renamed Ed Wagner’s Brass Band, they continued to perform at cultural events, Oktoberfests and more throughout the Midwest.

More than 80 years later, Ed Wagner’s Lustige Blaskapelle (Brass Band) is stronger than ever and Ed’s sons, Matt and Eddie Wagner, are part of the lineup, playing baritone and tuba, respectively.

That generational history will be on full display when they bring their German, Austrian and Czech tunes to Naper Settlement’s Oktoberfest.

The fest runs from 5-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Naperville history museum campus at 523 S. Webster St.

Matt Wagner said the band shows no sign of slowing, and in addition to his direct family, there’s also a pair of father-son clarinet players whose father/grandfather was an original member. With his own young nieces and nephews “showing interest,” he said, “we’re hoping to pass it on to a fourth generation.”

Depending on the day, there are between nine and 12 members of the old-time oompah band that knocks out old favorites like “Beer Barrel Polka,” “The Happy Wanderer,” “Edelweiss” and “Egerland Heimatland.”

“Ours is the only band like it in the Chicago area as far as instrumentation and sound and that authentic brass band feel that you would get if you were in Europe,” Wagner said. The current singer even speaks fluent German.

“It means everything, being able to keep my grandpa’s legacy,” he said. “He passed before I was born … and this is a great way to feel a connection to him. To keep the heritage going as well means a lot and to be able to pass it down. Seeing my nieces and nephews coming up with it and enjoying it — words can’t describe it.”

In addition to music, Oktoberfest features a variety of German beer and cuisine, children’s activities and the popular stein-holding contest, spokesperson Denise Wilt said.

“We’re looking forward to a great event,” she said. “People can grab their lederhosen and head on over to Naper Settlement. It’s been a fan-favorite event of the community.”

Each year’s fest is little bit different in terms of what’s offered and this year’s will feature nine beer options as well as wines and a hard cider, Wilt said.

“A few of them are actually beers that are served in Munich, Germany, so we always say our beers are very authentic,” she said. “This year, we have a new beer that was brewed in Bavaria (called) Oberdorfer Festbier.”

There also will be plenty of bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, chicken schnitzel sandwiches, German potato salad, Black Forest chocolate cake, apple strudel and apple cider doughnuts for sale.

Music is always an Oktoberfest favorite and this year will be no different. On Friday, Ed Wagner’s Lustige Blaskapelle takes the stage at 5:30 p.m. followed by ZZ Top tribute band Eliminator as the headliner.

Fool House, a 2025 favorite, returns with their “Wow! That’s What I Call ’90s” tour from 8-10 p.m. Saturday. Before that, the oompah and polka band Freeze Dried plays at 3 p.m. followed by country cover band Whiskey Romance at 5:30 p.m.

Children’s activities

Kids are a big part of Oktoberfest, and there are activities planned with them in mind on both days, Wilt said. Pinot’s Palette will be offering painting, and there will be inflatables from Chasers Laser Tag.

“We’ll also have some lawn games as well,” she said. “Oktoberfest is family-friendly. People love that they can bring their kids.”

One of the event’s favorite attractions is the beer stein-holding contest, which kicks off at 5 p.m. Saturday and is open to men and women. Contestants hold a full stein of beer with an outstretched arm for as long as they can. In addition to prizes, the winners take home bragging rights, Wilt said.

“We get people who come back every year for it,” she said. “It’s always fun to watch.”

The goal is to offer a little “slice of Germany right here in Naperville and enjoy Naper Settlement’s charming, historic grounds,” she said. “We have the traditional German Oktoberfest feel with a modern twist, which I think people really have enjoyed.”

Tickets are $25, $15 for kids 4-12, and free for kids younger than 4 and Settlement members. For details, go to napersettlement.org.

Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.