Video 1: Nathan Neuman’s winning composition “Pass It On”
Video 2: Nathan’s 3rd place song – “The Next Step”

Nathan Neuman is the winner of the International Polka Association 2020 Young Songwriters contest with his song “Pass it On”. Nathan’s song “The Next Step”, co-written with Alli Lange, won 3rd place. The duo originally began writing the song 2½ years ago, but never finished or released it, when they were advised they could enter it in this competition.

Nathan shares, “The IPA songwriting contest was really fun also because I got to teamwork with other musicians! Alli Lange and I wrote this song “The Next Step” for our 2nd album (our first was “When I’m Dancing with You”– themed about when we first met) two and a half years ago but was left incomplete and unreleased until we heard we could enter it into the contest. Any unreleased songs could be submitted! I believe it was the best of the 4 that I was a part of. There are too many “met a girl at a dance” songs already, but I think our lyrics are clever. The song came in 3rd place. Alli did a great job singing. And the most clever of all, I just noticed we are both on steps in these pictures! Michael Retka I’m sure will come up with an inside joke concerning which steps I’m at! He knows all the churches.”

Nathan began his performing career as a young teenager in bluegrass music playing guitar with fiddling sister Alicia. When given the family concertina at age 15, he developed a great interest in polka music. He started his own polka band at 17 with high school friends and has performed across Minnesota and in the surrounding states for church festivals, receptions, dances, park concerts, and senior homes. His band is featured nationwide on RFD TV’s Mollie B. Polka Party and CCX Media’s Polka Spotlight.

His instruments of choice: Chemnitzer concertina and chromatic button accordion. He didn’t stop there, learning all other types of bellowed instruments, trumpet, tuba, drums, upright bass, and piano. His favorite part about polka music is the people he meets along the way; the happy beat brings out positivity in each community. Nathan performs a wide variety of old sing-a-longs, ethnic folk songs (in German, Polish, and Ukrainian), classic country, 50’s/60’s, novelties, and originals.

Nathan said, “‘I’m looking forward to the Oktoberfest performances coming up. Come on out for some German fun!
Oct. 2nd – Brainerd Eagles dance, 7-11
Oct. 4th – Oktoberfest at Grand Lake Grill (Eddie’s on Grand Lake) south of Rockville, 3-7

Nathan’s specialties are Dutchman and Polish style polka music, but his versatility extends to country, swing, and 50’s/60’s. Popular venues are dances, Oktoberfests, church festivals, weddings, private parties, and nursing homes. He plays solo or also can bring a duo band (drums or piano).

You can contact Nathan at (320) 345-1925 or e-mail at nathan.concertina@gmail.com

Congratulations to both musicians from Accordions Worldwide.