Daniel Stursa
Hall of Fame – 2025
Dan Stursa is a concertina musician from Owatonna, Minnesota. His musical journey started when he was eight years old, taking accordion lessons at Hanson Music Studio. In 1971 at age 17, he began concertina lessons from Ambrose Kodet (World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame) in New Ulm in the home of Christy Hengel. Soon after, he formed the Dan Stursa Band.
The band’s origins trace back to their debut performance on a KRFO Radio fundraiser, which led to 40 band engagements in their first year alone. The band consists of family and friends, and it has been an important part of the Czech music community in southern Minnesota for 50 years.
Dan’s musical talent has provided the band with an extensive repertoire making them a popular choice for local dances, weddings, anniversary parties, festivals and more. With his Czech heritage being an important part of his life, Dan has even taken Czech language classes to make certain his Czech vocals remain authentic. Dan and his sister have also arranged several songs for use at Polka mass church services, engaging the faith community through music. He has also provided community service through his music by performing for many charitable and fundraising events throughout southern Minnesota.
Over the years, Dan has shared his musical talent by proving instruction to several aspiring musicians, including his daughter. These instructions have not only included lessons, but also musical instruments on loan, and opportunities for the students to perform in public with the band. Dan has shared his musicianship through the band’s recordings and live performances on regional radio stations. He has also volunteered time to demonstrate the chemnitzer concertina to elementary students in Minneapolis.
Dan has been a passionate advocate for the chemnitzer concertina and his Czech heritage for over 50 years. He is widely recognized and appreciated in the community for his band and his solo performances.