The Kruger Brothers

The Kruger Brothers from Switzerland have been performing professionally since 1973. Almost thirty years later, after playing together in various formations throughout Europe, Uwe Kruger on guitar, and Jens Kruger on banjo, teamed up with bassist Joel Landsberg to form the band as it appears on stage today.

Kruger Brothers performances are exciting, calming, entertaining and spontaneous all-in-one, exhibiting their sheer joy in playing music. Although each of these musicians has earned high credit for his skills individually, it is the interaction of the three together which makes their music so uniquely special. Traditional American Folk and Bluegrass music would come closest to describing the band's style of playing. Add to that their personal musical development, along with their Classical European musical influences, and you have acoustic string music performed with a rich new flavor.

The Krugers have been appearing regularly in the U.S. since 1997 at such prestigious events as, Merlefest, Wayne Henderson Festival, Bangor Maine Symphony Orchestra, Rudy's Bluegrass in the Woods Festival, Walnut Valley Festival, Greyfox, Festival of the Bluegrass, Wings and Strings, IBMA, Festival for the Eno, Oklahoma Int. Bluegrass Festival, WEFest, as well as numerous other festivals. Hundreds of Arts Council and Theater concerts, plus appearances on national and international radio and television, have earned the Brothers the love of audiences and the respect of the music industry worldwide. Since moving to North Carolina permanently in the fall of 2003, the Kruger Brothers now look forward to concentrating their efforts on performing year-round throughout the United States.

Uwe Kruger, lead vocalist and guitarist with the Kruger Brothers has been performing since his early childhood days. He loves calling North Wilkesboro home and has met, fallen in love with, and married a true Southern lady - Rebecca. They make their home in Wilkes County. Uwe enjoys adding to his guitar collection, driving his Volkswagen Beetle, and spending time with his extended North Carolina family (he lived with the Shepherds for nine years!).






Jens Kruger has began playing multiple instruments early in life (harmonica, accordion, banjo, guitar, mandolin). He composes most of the instrumental tunes which are known to be touching and just beautiful. He hardly ever sings lead, but blends well singing harmony to brother Uwe. Jens, with his wife Christa (also a musician), have chosen to move their family (daughters Mirjam and Anja) to North Wilkesboro, North Carolina where they have built a new home. His daughter Mirjam is attending college in Raleigh and his daughter Anja is enjoying high school. Jens is a wonderful musician and superb family man. Also a successful composer, Jens wrote the symphony, Music from the Spring, which has been performed with orchestras including the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and the Thayer Symphony Orchestra.



Beginning from his early days growing up in New York City, Joel Landsberg was surrounded by varied musical influences. With a cultural mixture of musical styles ranging from Broadway to Classical, to Jazz and Rhythm and Blues, Joel began his bass playing career at the age of 12. In his limited spare time, Joel enjoys his work with the Wilkes Rescue Squad and is determined to expand his knowledge of the EMT field. Joel has recently purchased a home in Wilkes County.

Philip Zanon is affectionately known as the fourth Kruger Brother. Philip travels with The Kruger Brothers and expertly manages the sound at each concert and venue. Philip and his wife Sara moved with their son Ben to North Carolina. Their daughter Anna was born in North Wilkesboro in 2005 and their daughter Nora was born in 2008. When not on tour with The Kruger Brothers, Philip enjoys spending time with his growing family and working on their land. They have recently built a home in Wilkes County.