Back Room Boys
The Back Room Boys is a Jazz and Polka Band based in Calumet, MI who play a mix of old-time Finnish polkas, waltzes, humppas, and schottisches; American traditional jazz and swing, “mainstream” polkas and waltzes drawing from American, Slovenian, and Italian sources.
The Back Room Boys are led by Oren Tikkanen. Oren has been playing old-time Yooper dance hall music for the past 50+ years, mostly as an accompanist of 2nd generation Finnish American musicians including Ed Lauluma, Helmer Toyras, Will Kilpela, Elvi Jokinen, Les Ross Sr., and Al Reko (with whom he recorded 4 albums as producer and accompanist). As the founder of the Thimbleberry Band and co-founder of the Back Room Boys, he taught, and continues to teach musicians Yooper dance hall traditions in playing old tunes and songs he had learned from the previous generation. He’s also played in recent Finnish immigrant Pasi Lautula’s “Pasi Cats” as the mandolinist and banjo player for some years.
Meet the Back Room Boys at the 2026 UPFF!
Musical Performance – Back Room Boys
FRIDAY – 6:00pm-8:00pm at Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery, 145 Jackson Cut Alley in Marquette
Dance Workshop & Performance – Back Room Boys
SATURDAY – 3:30pm-5:00pm in Ballroom IV
FREE!
