THE CALLIOPE

The Winona Steam Calliope, of 1920's vintage, is a historic circus organ enjoyed by all ages. The colorful pipe-organ on wheels is owned by the Wilkie Foundation, created by Robert and Leighton Wilkie, natives of Winona, MN, and is under the control of the Winona Steam Calliope Association.

There are less than a dozen working steam-powered circus calliopes in the country, and the Winona Steam Calliope is considered to be one of the best. The Calliope's job with the circus was to call attention to itself and announce the arrival of the circus. Today the Winona Steam Calliope is seen at many parades and special events in the Midwest, and has traveled as far south as Louisiana and as far east as Connecticut.

Included in the entourage, is the Calliope Brass wagon. It houses a traditional Dixieland band, which attaches to the calliope undercarriage. Both the calliope and the band wagon are pulled by four large Belgium draft horses, a 1923 Dodge truck or a 1922 steam-tractor engine.

The engineer is Edwin Maus, a licensed steam boiler engineer, with 25+ years of experience operating steam driven equipment in parades, at special events and on his 360-acre farm near the rural town of Rollingstone, MN.

 

THE CALLIOPIST

A. Eric Heukeshoven, a longtime resident of Winona, MN, is a calliopist of exceptional ability. He has entertained audiences for over ten years, after taking over for his predecessor Denny Martin. He is a Lecturer in Music at Saint Mary's University where he has worked for the last 18 years. Previous to that he taught for five years at the College of St. Teresa, also in Winona, MN.

He teaches courses ranging from Music Composition, Trombone and Euphonium to Jazz Workshop Combo. He is in demand as a jazz pianist, composer and arranger and is affiliated with many professional organizations; ASCAP, American Composers Forum and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, to name a few.

Eric handles the 32 note calliope keyboard with ease, and plays crowd favorites like, "When You're Smiling", and "When the Saints Go Marching In". He's in tune with his audience and modifies the show depending on the event.

The New Orleans "Mardi Gras" festival is a favorite event for Eric. He is pleased that he can bring much-needed smiles to the faces of so many natives of New Orleans, who have suffered so much since Hurricane Katrina.


 

THE BRASS BAND

In 1994 the traditional brass Dixieland band was added. The talented ensemble sits atop a colorful band wagon designed to blend well with the circus colors of the Calliope. The musicians who play in the band are chosen for their rich knowledge of music and years of experience. They come from many towns and cities in MN and other regions of the country dependent upon where the Calliope travels.

The Calliope and the brass band have performed in New Orleans, LA since 1997 at "Mardi Gras". They have become a crowd favorite at the Endymion parade and continue to be invited back each year. Annually the Calliope performs throughout the Upper Midwest, traveling to places like Chicago, IL, Peru, IN and Deadwood, SD. They've entertained at the Minnesota State Fair, the La Crosse, WI Oktoberfest and many others. Twice they've traveled as far east as Bridgeport, CT for the P.T Barnum Festival. This well seasoned entertainment troupe with its unique charm and talented musicians is a crowd pleaser at any parade or outdoor event.

Get a sneak peak at the Winona Steam Calliope with a free concert on Sat., June 30 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Hunt Hill Farm. Call for information and to reserve your seat: 355-0300