Boerne Village Band
The Boerne Village Band, founded in 1860 by German immigrant Karl Dienger, is the oldest continuously active German band outside of the Republic of Germany. In 1991 Mayor Patrick Heath revived the old Abendkonzert tradition in Boerne with a series of summer evening band concerts on Main Plaza. The free concerts were an overnight success and continue to gain popularity with each passing year. Hundreds of enthusiastic listeners attend each outdoor summer concert and 1000+ attend the yearly July patriotic concert.
Over the years the band has received community awards from the Boerne Area Historical Preservation Society, the City of Boerne, Kendall County, and the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce. In 1991 the Texas legislature honored the band for “keeping alive German music as part of our heritage.” In 1996 Germany’s most distinguished award for folk music, the Pro Musica Plakette, was awarded to the band by German president Roman Herzog.
In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the band (1860-2010), Mayor Dan Heckler and the Boerne City Council issued an official proclomation honoring the Boerne Village Band for its many years of dedication to the community.