Hobbies and Interests
Getting to Know Mike
I have all the usual "nerd" hobbies, like reading, sci-fi, computers, occasional
electronic projects, etc. Mostly, computers are more of a tool than a hobby.

I've done a little rock climbing in Europe, occasionally do stained-glass and wood
projects, and seem to be always working on some piece of my farm equipment..

I go contra dancing once in a while, and like to go out and listen to live music,
especially jazz. I try to work out at the gym once a week or so, and I do Aikido twice
a week.
I have always liked hiking out in the woods. I own 250 acres in Lyndeborough, and
often go hiking, cross-country skiing, or show-shoeing with my two golden retrievers.
I come from a long line of accordionists. My grandfather and his brother played the
"schwyzeroergeli" (a small Swiss diatonic accordion) for dances and weddings.
My father and several of his brothers and sisters played the "Swiss Hop" dances
in Louisville, KY.

I started in the band with drums and accordion, and have been playing ever since. I
worked my way through college playing weddings and anniversaries with my Dad,
playing Oktoberfests with my own group, and doing singing telegrams with the
accordion.

Currently, I play with King Ludwig's Bavarian Band , and I also have a little Swiss
group that plays for the NH and MA Swiss clubs. I played at the Bavarian Grill on the
Milford Oval (now the Pasta Loft), and played for three years at Piccola Italia in
Manchester (until March 2006), and for special occasions at the Inn at Danbury (Miss
Oktoberfest contest coming soon!) To play a music clip, click here or here. Here are
some pics:
Mike Kaelin, accordionist
Oktoberfest at Martha's
Exchange in Nashua
Playing at a "stubete" at Restaurant Roessli in
Appenzell, Switzerland, November 2005
My dad Gilbert and my uncle Elmer playing accordion, my
brother Tim on piano, the "Polkettes" in the front, my
college buddy Tony Simpson in the back on guitar.
Piccola Italia in Manchester
Mike's Accomplishments in
the New Hampshire House