HOLLAND, Mich. — Tulip Time is hosting the Crescendo Band from the Netherlands. The bicycle show band will perform for the first time in the United States this weekend.
These musicians will wow the crowd playing their instruments while riding a bike, and all their shows are free. "I play with one hand. And on the other hand, I was using a sliding trombone. Some drummers they use a wheel." said Fokko Tolsma, leader of the Crescendo Band.
Their trip to perform in the U.S. is more like a family reunion, because more than 100 years ago the father of a Grand Rapids man started the band in the Netherlands. Fokko Tolsma, the band's leader is Henry Baron's cousin. "Yes, it is a family reunion. And I'm so happy because the founder, Mr. Jeen Baron, we can see his family."
Crescendo comes from Opende, Holland playing hits like "Sweet Caroline" weaving in and out of formation playing tubas, trombones, drums and more. The band has changed a lot since 1922 when Jeen Baron started the band after WWI. In 1973, the band started playing on bikes.
"It's been really a main connecting point for us, you know, having been separated from that family. Having moved here, going back, Crescendo really became kind of the glue that brought us back together, because my Dad had started that," said Henry Baron, son of Jeen Baron, creator of Crescendo band.
Baron added, "it's going to be an extraordinary experience you have to have all the Barons, as many of us can make it, and we'll have actually have relatives of mine playing in the band and performing. And I'm sure wowing the audience that will come. It will be very satisfying to me. And that's when you wish, 'Dad, can you see this? Can you believe it?'"
It's been a Crescendo dream, to visit the U.S. about half of its members, who are aged 16 to 60, have never crossed the Atlantic.
"One full week in the in Holland, Michigan. We need to see even Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. Maybe we can go by boat on the Michigan Lake," said Tolsma.
He continued, "the roots from the Netherlands are in Holland, Michigan, and now the roots are coming to you. We are so happy."
Crescendo Band will play this weekend long at Tulip Time, all performances are free. May 12 the band will play at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. at Ray Smith Stadium. On Saturday May 13, the band will play at 11 a.m. at Ray Smith Stadium, join in the fun during the Volksparade at 2 p.m. and again at the Stadium at 7 p.m. On Sunday May 14, the band will play its final concert at Ray Smith Stadium at 11 a.m.
This original story aired in January when Tessa DiTirro was given access to speak with the band about their upcoming trip.
