The Chicken Dance Band, with Günther von Cluckenstein
Every Appalachian Freunde Polka Band show has the Chicken Dance. It opens our second set. At some shows, Günther von Cluckenstein, our 8-foot inflatable chicken, joins in.
Who is Günther von Cluckenstein?
Günther is an 8-foot inflatable chicken costume and the band's mascot. He is also the main voice of our social media. Crowd moments with Günther draw more views than our plain stage videos. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @AFPolka.
How does Günther join a show?
Günther likes a surprise. At some shows, the band comes out from behind the stage with Günther for the Chicken Dance. Here is what one Fest Meister wrote:
As a retiring Fest Meister after 13 years, I have to say it's extremely rare to see an Oktoberfest crowd Blown Away with something new. In fact, I haven't been surprised since the liter steins were full of German beer at Nashville's hoist in 2019. Until last Saturday. Adam and the Appalachian Freunde Polka Band somehow emerged from behind the stage as a complete surprise with an 8 ft inflatable chicken costume for the chicken dance, no curtain, no dressing room. Also, this power polka trio played for a full 45 minutes while the crowd dispersed during the end of our event. Utterly professional and a remarkable amount of Fest sound from all eras out of three people. Wunderbar!Chris Vox, Hendersonville, NC
Günther joins some shows. If you want him at your event, ask us about him when you book. He has danced in the street at Uwharrie Brewing in Albemarle, NC.
Why does the Chicken Dance work at an Oktoberfest?
The Chicken Dance is one of our crowd favorites, next to Ein Prosit and Country Roads. We play it at the top of our second set, so guests who arrive after the first set still catch it. Our shows are for all ages, and we dance with the kids. Watch a Chicken Dance video on our press page.
What else gets the crowd moving?
The Chicken Dance is one part of the show. Ein Prosit, the German toast song, comes around in every set. The show also has cowbells, sign cards, a stein hoist and a conga line. Sing-alongs include Country Roads, Sweet Caroline, Edelweiss and In Heaven There Is No Beer. See the songs on our sing-along page.
Where can we book the Chicken Dance band?
We play breweries and taprooms, church Oktoberfests, country clubs and festivals. We bring our own sound system and add lighting when the event needs it. We need two outlets on one 20-amp circuit, and we arrive about 2 hours before the start to load in. Check open weekends on our calendar, read our guide to booking an Oktoberfest band, or see the booking FAQ.
Chicken Dance questions
Does every show have the Chicken Dance?
Yes. The Chicken Dance opens our second set.
Will Günther be at my show?
He joins some shows. Ask us about him when you book.
How big is Günther von Cluckenstein?
He is an 8-foot inflatable chicken costume.
Is the Chicken Dance good for kids?
Yes. Our shows are for all ages, and we dance with the kids.
Where can I see the Chicken Dance?
Our press page at afpolka.com/press has a Chicken Dance video. Günther also posts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @AFPolka.
More about the band
Ready to book?
Tell us your date, your city and your event. Adam Bennett, our manager, handles bookings.