Jerry Schlag 

Jerry Schlag is an accordionist and started on the accordion at the age of ten. He has been playing for dances and shows since the late 1950s when he started with his father’s orchestra. He has played with many different groups throughout the years. He is a chartered member of the Norsk Høstfest Accordion Club and has played in 9 accordion competitions and has judged 3 of the competitions at the Høstfest. 

He has performed at many night clubs throughout North Dakota, for different trashing shows, arts in the parks, frozen finger festival, Norsk Høstfest, German Festival in Fargo, Wells County Fair, North Dakota State Fair, Sakura’s Japanese Restaurant in Minot and More. He plays about 100 performances a year at local and out of town nursing and retirement homes. He has performed for about 16 years on Amtrak and played for 16 years twice monthly at Four Bears Casino.  

In 2006 Jerry was inducted into the Dakota Music Association Hall of Fame in Aberdeen, South Dakota. From 2005-2017, he performed with the JMB Band which recorded 11 CDs. He has now recorded 7 CDs of his own. JMB Band does not exist anymore as Bud and Myron have passed away. Jerry now plays a lot of solo performances or performs with some of his former accordion students. 

Karen Stevens 

Karen Stevens Learned to play the accordion at age 51. She was fortunate to take lessons from Jerry Schlag. Soon she was joining his group, playing at assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and various events. She belongs to the Norsk Høstfest Accordion Club. Karen says playing the accordion is a great hobby. She says the best part is watching an audience enjoying some of their favorite music. 

Marla Rose 

Marla Rose began taking accordion lessons from Jerry Schlag when she was 50 years old. She took lessons seriously, but did not seriously believe she would be playing 15 years later. She has had many hobbies, but playing the accordion is by far her favorite. She says it is truly enjoyable to share their music at the many nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community senior centers, and churches where they play throughout the year.