High-energy tap dancers, percussion, live band and fun!
From the streets of Minneapolis to stages around the world,
B&TS is an audience favorite for all ages!

A MN Fringe favorite from 2004, '05 and '07.

"Utterly brilliant"
-New York Times

"Breathtaking footwork marked by speed,
grace, and pile-driving force"
-Camille LeFevre

"Explosive rhythm"
-Show Business Weekly, NYC

A MUST SEE show of the 2011 MN Fringe Festival!!!

Please connect with us on FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/bucketsandtapshoes

Rick Ausland
Role: Producer / tap shoes / buckets

Andy Ausland
Role: Producer / tap shoes / buckets / guitar

CJ Vanderpoll
Role: Drummer / tap shoes

Lightnin' Joe Peterson
Role: Keys / percussion

Matteo Stevens
Role: Bass / percussion

Varun Kataria
Role: Percussion

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A Joy to Watch
by Laurie Swenson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I love drums and I love tap dancing, so this was a no-brainer for me. I was so impressed with both elements of the show, over and over again. I did miss the drumming and tap dancing when the full band was playing, but I enjoyed it when the band members came up front. I liked how everyone got featured along with the brothers.

Can I see this again??
by Ashley Matheson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
What a talented pair, and the band added a lot to. I loved this show. It was entertaining the entire time and left me wanting to watch another few hrs of it. I loved how right from the get go it sucked me in. The comedy was a nice add too, but I would have had them speak durring these routines too, sometimes it felt a bit forced. But really it was a WOW show. I hope to see another one like it next year.

You Missed it but they'll be back
by Joe Luis Cedillo Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Saw last performance and you wouldn't think Buckets, Tap, Rock, Magic Tricks, and even a touch of Mozart could lead to infectious grooving in your seat, but this band had me from start. The brothers and their band are a great live band and it's non stop from the top to the end, we all even got them out for an encore. Had a really eclectic style and honestly did not know what I was walking into until it kicked off. The dance is fun and spectacular with the brothers displaying such a huge range and the band was equally as adept on their instruments as they were on their feet (watch for their homage to Drum line). They'll be back in fall so if you can you really must catch them.

awesome
by Katy Read Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
These guys are amazing and riveting. How do they even do it all?

Great energy but mixed feelings
by Kenneth Hanf Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Great energy. The tap was great and the percussion pieces were great. The drums and bass were overwhelming during the tap. Couldn't hear the tap dancing over the instruments. Also, the instrumental numbers were unnecessary. More tap, drumming, and other percussion pieces would have been better.

Rick and Andy do some awesome tap.

Drums don't need amplification
by Katherine Dugarm Follow this reviewer
Rating 0 kitties
I don't have a problem with drums and loud noises. I do have a problem with amplification in a venue designed for noise to carry. That just gets LOUD!

I was getting a headache, so snuck out after the second number.

No one like these guys
by Zelda Gregg Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Buckets is an experience. Have seen them before and again, was blown away. Are the brothers human? Can hardly believe the sheer talent and energy. Don't miss them!! You'll leave the theater on a beautiful high.

Always infectious
by Jason Dalrymple Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
In the interest of full disclosure, B&TS was one my first ever Fringe performances back in 2004. Since then, I've taken every opportunity I could to see them.

The Auslands are incredibly talented, filled with energy and zest that infects the audience from beginning to end. Their rhythm and creativity come out in the variety of performance themes that range from pop to classical music inspirations.

While the ensemble that provides backup has incredible talent as well, it was also the achilles heel of this year's show. At times, the band overshadowed the sounds of tap and had I not been sitting within the first couple of rows, may not have been able to fully appreciate the performance.

That said, you still can't go wrong with this show.

Always a Fringe treat
by Florence Brammer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I always be sure to see Buckets & Tap Shoes when they're in the Fringe. So many skills and so much stage presence! I do wish there had been more tap and less music toward the end. Still a really great show, though.

Buckets and Tap Shoes
by Jess Pants Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Man, they totally deserved the standing ovation they got tonight, and I wanted this to be my favorite show of the fringe, but there were a few things that didn't jive for me. The beginning felt a bit odd, the magic tricks seemed out of place, and there were several spots where the music drowned out the tapping. All factors considered, the show was OOZING with talent, if a bit disjointed. Seventeen kitties for the tap dancing, but three kitties for the flow of the show. I'm looking forward to seeing them again soon!

Uber talented, Uber produced
by Kirsten Stephens Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
This is a very high energy show with some great talent on display. These guys drum, tap dance, play guitar, sing, do magic... what else could you ask for? Less backup. There were significant portions of tapping completely drowned out by the band. And tapping isn't very interesting if you can't hear it. I found myself wishing I had seen these guys back when they really were just buckets and tap shoes. Nevertheless, a great performance and a good end to the day.

So much fun!
by Jason Rojas Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I had such a great time. The whole crew is so talented and fun to watch... especially the Ausland brothers. I do wish it was more dance and drumming than music. I felt like towards the end I was at a summer music festival rather than a fringe show. Don't get me wrong, I liked the music, but at fringe I want to see dance and theater not jam music. It did get me thinking that there should be a "Fringe" for music in this city.
As for the brothers... come see them- I bet they will have you laughing, clapping, and maybe even playing along.

High Energy Gig
by Bill McTeer Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Welcome to an all-percussian, all-singing, all-tapdancing band gig. If you are very, very nice, you might even get a chance to become part of the band on stage. This is a fun show with a lot of energy and friendly audience interaction. A good time show.

Rompin' stompin' fun
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
The brothers Ausland make joyful noise! They bring a lot of loud rock music to up the ante - earplugs might be a good idea. Family-friendly show!

OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!!
by Cody Sorensen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I will now review this show like this:

AMAZING!!!

TOUR DE FORCE!!!!

CAPTIVATING!!!!!

NON-STOP AWESOMENESS!!!!!

SPECTACULAR!!!!!

INSANELY FUN!!!!!!

A MUST SEE!!!!

*I feel bad for whatever performance is going on right underneath them in the Experimental Theater at Rarig.

Buckets and Tap shoes
by Bernard McGarrigle Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Once again these delivered a musical romp. Haven't seen them in a couple years and enjoyed the magic tricks. Wish the guitar player would turn down the ramp - piercing in the space size at the UoM theatre. K. McGarrigle

More tap variety, more buckets please...
by Suzanne Sharrock Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
Couldn't hear the tapping - would've like more tapping. Some of the drumming (stick work, esp.) was pretty creative. Needs a little more variety. After about 20 minutes, it just seemed to repeat more of the same. Come on guys, you've done this (and I've seen this several time) before. Add a little more variety in the tapping, more bucket fun, and...something new! Turn down the volume later in the show, too. Still, overall, glad I went - I'm a huge tap fan, so will take all I can get!

My feet were tapping the whole time
by Brooke Hart Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I always go to see this group at the Fringe, because they are incredibly energetic and talented, and wonderfully fun. I was sorry that they didn't play more than one song on the buckets, and that the female who used to be with them no longer is (she was a great tap dancer, too), but it was still a wonderful show. Great way to end the show, too, by handing out "instruments" to the audience and having those people join them on stage for the final number. Illustrated that music really is by and for everyone and we can all take pleasure in taking part. Hope they keep winning the fringe lottery every year so that we can keep seeing them.

Bring Back the Buckets!
by Lisse Regehr Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I had no idea what was going to happen with this show, but was so excited and pleased with the opening number where the guys beat all over the buckets and cowbells and tap dance away. I suppose it would've been a bit much to ask for a whole show all like the beginning, but that would've been incredibly awesome! The guys had a band join them after that number and they never went back to their buckets...I was really hoping they'd end the show the way they began it. WHen the band was playing it was really hard for me to hear the lyrics of the songs...I'm sure they were good:) I was very impressed with the dancing. This is a great high energy, fun show!

Thunderous Fun
by Benny Lake Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved the powerful, loud, hyperly energetic cast, band and atmosphere. I'm an old guy, but not too old to enjoy young, spitfire energy. Thinkin' I might strap on my old taps and take a go.

A high-energy dance show that WOWED
by Gregory Abbott Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved the show years ago. This performance reinforced why I did. The performers are simply amazing. Was the quickest 45 minutes I've been too because it was non-stop energy. I do have to agree with one other reviewer though -- bringing back the buckets for one last round would have been good.

Outstanding
by Chris Gennaula Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
From beginning to end, rhythmic joy.

I had no idea what I was in for...
by Dave Christians Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I had a break between my Fringe schedule so I decided to check-out B&TS on the fly. Whew! And I am I glad I did. I saw their opening show. The brothers have great on-stage chemistry and charisma that the audience just eats up. Not only is the tap dancing superb but you add in the full band of very talented diverse instrumental musicians and it cranks the show up at least five levels. At one point I thought to myself: "Wow. This is something you could see on a cruise-line or in Vegas!" Great show!

Get your energy here!
by re gurgitate Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A fun evening of tap and rhythm. I'm not sure that the magic added anything to the proceedings and the volume levels can take away from my appreciation of the tap dancing, so a 4 kitties this time.

Flying feet!
by Fringy Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
If you've been to a fringe show that has you a bit groggy, get your energy back at Buckets and Tap shoes. I agree with another reviewer; more buckets! I enjoy the simplicity and inventiveness of tap and the buckets are a great percussive addition. So, simpler numbers and less/quieter band would raise my kitties.

More Buckets Please!
by Richard Shields Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Once again a great production by the Ausland's. Your body will move and you will feel renewed. Lots of taps, but we seemed short on buckets this year in terms of stage time.

Love these guys!
by Carolyn Caba Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
These guys are a must-see for any fringe schedule. They really put together a well-rounded show with not just dance, but some awesome band numbers as well. By the time they were done, the show was so full of variety that I couldn't believe that it was only 45-50 mins or so.

My only suggestion is to mic the stage, since some of the wild/crazy/fabulous tapping was drowned out by the band.

1 word - Phenomenal!
by Andrea Tonsfeldt Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Just go see them! Engaging, energetic, theatrical and precise! A full of awesome production!

Something for everyone
by Charles Steffey Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
High energy artists combine music, dance and even magic into a surprisingly eclectic performance.

Terrific again!
by Richard Jackson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I'd seen this act before, but found myself no less enthralled by them. Kinetic dance and percussion propel this highly entertaining performance. Note* I sat under the balcony and felt occasionally blown out by the loudness of the band.

WOW
by Darlene Lewis Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I saw the show several years ago, it was great. Now it's even better. If you like watching happy feet, this is a must see show.

fun, energetic and loud
by John Munger Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Rick and Andy Ausland have some of the fastest and crispest taps you can find anywhere. They’ve toured extensively in recent years and it shows. But that’s a double-edged reality. On the one hand they have achieved a relaxed professionalism that’s casual and welcoming. On the other hand, it sometimes gets a bit too casual and the pacing stutters briefly. That’s what happens when you’re so damn good that you can do it, and do it well, almost off-hand. I like the interjection of humor and I have doubts about the “magic” tricks. If you’ve never seen the Auslands, for gods sake catch this show. If you have seen them, know that there’s some old, some new, a more complex delivery (not all of which works yet), and the same reliable fantastic tapping, rhythmic musicality, and engagingly energetic stage presence. “Mozart” is a masterpiece.

Energy and Talent
by Zannah Martin Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Who's got rhythm? All of this talented cast! They tapped out amazing rhythms with their feet on the floor and with sticks on buckets, on drums, on drum sticks, on poles, on the floor. In one short hour they drenched their shirts, out performing themselves with every riff. Only quibble for those of us who damaged our hearing decades ago -- the final number raised the decibels to the painful level. Glad Fringe gave you a boost in 2004.

Energy and talent galore!
by Jim Ciccone Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This show is a must see at this year's fringe festival. The two lead entertainers are multi-talented, dancing, playing the buckets, and guitar, and engaging the audience in a rowdy good time. There is a section of audience participation where you get to rythmic clapping -- a little follow the leader fun. Definitely check out this dymanic duo and their cohorts in foot tapping, soul lifting, laugh inducing fun!

Savion Glover, times 2 + band
by Chet Taylor Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The Ausland Brothers once again amaze with their talent, energy, and showmanship. Don't expect to see tap dancing in the mold of Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. This is funked-up tapping at its best. If you haven't seen them before, they are a MUST SEE. And even if you have seen them before, work them into your schedule if at all possible.

Enjoyable rhythms of all sorts
by Adric Turlough Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
If you like inventive percussion, tap dancing, or any other rhythm related stuff then you'll like this. Or at least I did. The magic did seem a little out of place, and the pacing of of the show was a bit off sometimes. A note: if you can't stand over-powering noise then it can be a little much at times (but I might have just been to close to the speakers). That's the only reason it got 3 kitties instead of 4.

Perenially good stuff
by David Trudeau Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Just a lot of high energy drummin' tappin' and jazzin' with a sterling ensemble backin' up the Ausland Brothers. Audience participation great fun, makes you want to go home and start stickin' on an old 5 gallon bucket. I love these guys.

almost lives up to the hype
by Robyn Hendrix Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
i think maybe i had heard too much buzz about this group over the years and ended up feeling slightly underwhelmed, not because they didn't do a good job, but it felt slightly disjointed to me. The drumming/tapping was great, the music didn't really do much for me. not sure why, maybe i was just too tired and not in the right mood for this one this day.

High-energy goodness!
by Quincy Conrad Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Rick and Andy Ausland and the rest of the Buckets and Tap Shoes crew are amazing. They know how to entertain and wow their audience with great skill a love of what they do. They give a high-energy show from start to finish, from bucket drumming to tap dancing to funky music.

This show is a must-see!

Bring it!
by Shannon Young Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
As in, bring your energy!! This show is a must-see, especially for the little you inside that wants to move! It has everything: funk rock, tap dance, comedy, magic, drum corps beats, stepping, and homages to MC Hammer himself. Do not be a meek Minnesotan! Feel free to participate, clap your hands, cheer, show appreciation after solos, and shout out your admiration for the incredibly multi-talented young men on the stage who are sweating, drumming, tapping, playing their hearts out for this amazing performance. (Front row sitters, you have been warned!) Bring everyone you know!

My Fave So Far
by Patricia Lindgren Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Love, love, love this show every time it comes to Fringe. Get to it early. It will be sold out later.

Hard to sit still
by Levi Weinhagen Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
There's something great about seeing people who are great at something do it well. That's what Buckets & Tap Shoes is all about. Really enjoyed it. And my 5 year old was dancing in the aisle.

OMG! THIS IS A MUST SEE SHOW!
by Alan Farnham Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Hands down must see if you can stand the awesomeness of a loud and highly energetic show. I think of Gregory Hines and Stomp when describing this show. These guys hold nothing back. One had to change shirts half way through as the first was soaked with sweat. FYI - do not sit in the front row if flying sweat bothers you. Man can they tap dance and get an audience worked up. Shows like this are the reason I come back to the Fringe every year.

non-stop energy talent show on the road!
by Amy Sheppeck Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
These guys make you wish you had kept your tap shoes and kept with those music lessons! Clever and engaging from the first moments to the last ensemble number! The energy level never drops and the brothers Ausland get to showcase their wide range of talents with aplomb. Take the kids and enjoy the ride. They will be the Riverdance of Minneapolis...you'll pay big bucks when they sell their DVD on PBS and tour the world for Holiday shows!

Loud and Proud!
by Minrod Mier Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
They've done the Fringe Four times? And I missed it until now!?

Well done, gentlemen. A fun, entertaining and LOUD LOUD LOUD production.

"You got my Drum Line on my Tap Dancing troupe. No, you got your tap dancing troupe on my Drum Line - and put in some stupid magic tricks!" Is that incongruous? Of course it isn't, it's the Fringe!

The amazing beat combined with fun songs and strange moments make for a fun show. Go and enjoy.

Is this what white people feel like?
by Cato Brutus Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I was thoroughly confused by the amazing tap, dance and music performed by the hard-working members of Buckets and Tap Shoes. I couldn't help feeling self-consciously Minnesotan:

Am I supposed to be watching carefully and clapping politely for the non-stop tap dancing?
Or getting out of my seat and shaking my ass during the funk band songs?

In the end, I settled for sitting back and letting myself be sonically assaulted by six incredibly talented performers. Here's hoping their mic'ing problem is fixed for their next shows.

By the way, when did Andy Ausland get so cute?

Teach Your Sons to Tap!
by Fringe Fan Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
This is a fun show! It is the perfect event to take your son to if you want to convince him that TAP is for COOL GUYS. These brothers demonstrate that tap is for ROCK STARS.

Great stuff
by Publius McGee Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Hard to go wrong with these brothers. They've stepped up their "show" as opposed to making it dance/drum-centered, which is both good and bad (what was with the "magic tricks"? very out of place). But, really a lot of fun overall.

oh, you *think* you've seen 'em...
by Mark Browning Milner Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
this is the first time i've caught the ausland brothers, and i was completely knocked out. but each time i started to tell somebody they'd say, "oh yeah, i caught them *x* years ago", but would be taken aback when i said, "yeah, but now they've got a four-piece funky-butt band to accompany and be joined by the boys." how these six guys manage to get so much high-energy entertainment from buckets, taps, instruments, magic, and way-cool attitude belies belief. do. not. miss. this. show.