Carol Butt
Band Leader, Accordion, Vocals

 

Carol's Bio:
    Carol started playing the accordion at the age of 12.  She did have some musical influence from her family.  Her mother played the piano and organ, her grandfather - Joe Koehler - played the concertina.  Although her dad did not play an instrument he always enjoyed music and would encourage her to pursue her desire to play.  She took accordion lessons from Ray and Gloria Maus at Maus Music Studio in Thiensville, WI.
    After high school, Carol became a member of the "Mike Yttri and the Music Mates" band.  After a couple of years, an acquaintance and musician name John Matuzalem encouraged her to start her own band.  He gave her a lot of guidance during the early years of "Carol and the Keynotes".  His help and support was and will always be something that Carol grateful for.  During the early years, the band played at venues like Etzel's Country Inn, Doe Perkos, and The Black Wheel as well as numerous weddings, anniversaries and private parties.
    Over the past 25 years, "Carol and the Keynotes" have been playing your favorite polkas and waltzes along with some country and rock.  The current band members who have been with her for over the past 15 years are Dennis Herriges on drums and vocals and Steve Nothem on banjo/guitar and vocals.
    Carol's husband Bob has been very supportive.  He has his own love of music and has a very extensive collection of LPs, 45s and CDs for a variety of music types.  Her 17-year-old daughter Christy has developed her own musical interests.  She has played the alto saxophone since the fifth grade and has been a member of the Grafton High School Band for the past four years.
    Overall, music is a very important part of Carol's life and she hopes to continue to keep playing for at least another 25 years!

 

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