Hans Heukeshoven
Percussion
Hans Heukeshoven is a versatile percussionist who plays drums and vibraphone for the family-based H3O Jazz Trio based in Winona, Minnesota. He balanced his love for music by double-majoring in percussion performance and computer science at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, subsequently working as a successful software engineer while remaining an active performer and music teacher.
The H3O Jazz Trio
The group started organically in 2011 when Hans, his younger brother Max (on bass), and their father Eric Heukeshoven (a composer, pianist, and professor) were asked to play a private pool party. Since then, they have become a staple of the southeastern Minnesota music scene.
The Style: The trio performs a wide variety of jazz styles, blending classic standards with unique arrangements and original music.
Community Impact: They host popular monthly "Jazz Jams" at venues like Island City Brewing Company, where local musicians are invited to play along. They have also raised over $75,000 for various local non-profit organizations through these charity jam events.
Recorded Albums
Hans has recorded two major studio albums with the group:
TafelJazz (2023): A collection of 12 original "songs for an occasion" composed by his father, Eric. The title plays on Tafelmusik (traditional German banquet music). Hans contributed drums and vibraphone to the tracks, which were mastered by a Grammy-winning audio engineer.
Combo Carols (2025): A creative holiday album that mashes up famous Christmas carols with legendary jazz standards in swing, bossa nova, and Latin jazz styles.
Family Collaboration
Music is entirely a family affair for Hans. Beyond playing alongside his brother and father, his mother, Janet Heukeshoven (a music professor and flutist), frequently joins the group as a special guest performer