About the S-Bahn band
Accordionist and singer Richard Tyce founded the S-Bahn Band in Vancouver in the early 90’s. The S-Bahn specializes in Oktoberfests, which include “Fall Crawls” where the band tours the Oktoberfest circuit – from Leavenworth WA to Mt. Angel OR, Whitefish Montana and even as far as New Braunfels TX.
Why the name “S-Bahn”? S-Bahn is the commuter train that connects cities in Germany with their suburbs.
S-Bahn connects people, which is what Oktoberfest is all about.
The S-BAHN is:
Richard Tyce – Singer, Accordion & Keyboards
Nicknamed “The Wizard” by his fans because of his signature hat, Richard Tyce has been performing professionally since the age of 13, when he started his first band. Credits include singing with the Canadian Opera Co, Vancouver Opera, London Ontario Symphony and many others. He has performed at festivals like Victoria Accordions by the Sea and Rocky Mountain Accordion Festival, and mounted 3 concerts with the Solstice Symphony Orchestra Vancouver, B.C. This included not only singing and accordion playing, with full 50 piece orchestra, but production, text translation, music and lyric writing.
Richard is a true performer and engages his audience with a large vocal range and fast fingers. Come see the S-Bahn show and see Richard putting these talents to work.
Jim Hopson – Trombone, Tuba, Alphorn, Bass guitar & Vocals
Jim Hopson is a rare musician who adapts effortlessly to any style. He plays the entire low brass family, including the Swiss Alphorn, In fact, his Alphorn is a must see at S-Bahn shows! An in-demand multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger, his versatile performances cross all genres with tours and concert appearances (live & recorded) on four continents.
Jim began his musical training at age 3. He completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Trombone Performance (with distinction) at the University of Victoria, studying with the Canadian trombonist Ian McDougall and was a finalist in the University’s Concerto Competition. He moved to Vancouver in 2007, where he is now a first-call session musician for bands and orchestras. His work has been featured on numerous albums, TV shows, and films with two studio albums to date: ‘West Coast Nights’ (2015) and ‘Generations’.
Alex Flock – Guitar & Vocals
Alex Flock is an in demand guitarist and session musician based in Vancouver, BC. Award winning (Canadian Guitar competition finalist ’12, ’15), he maintains an active performance schedule both as solo performer and in a variety of bands. His versatility has lead him down many musical paths, including backing up Tony Barton in the Johnny Cash “Ring Of Fire” tribute act, grooving along side the funk outfit “The Electric Monks” and donning lederhosen with the S-Bahn Band every fall for the “Fall Crawl’ throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Playing with S-Bahn is always an adventure as the group traverses an eclectic set list consisting of everything from traditional german music to classic rock and roll sing-alongs. Alex contributes now to S-Bahn originals, which are in the works in the studio. No matter the setting Alex puts gives it his all, leaving a memorial experience for all.
James Bartz – drums, vocals
James Bartz has been playing with the S-Bahn since 1996, contributing to the band’s growth in a huge way over the years. James is the featured drummer in the S-Bahn CD “Making Tracks with the S-Bahn”, and no one works harder than James when he belts out his live version of “You Shook Me” – a must hear.
When James is not spending time with family or the S-Bahn band, you may find him working on his custom cars, or driving his Miata powered Opel on the winding highways of the Pacific Northwest.