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Bio
Das Ist Lustig means "That's Fun". They play German, Austrian, Czech, Dutch, American folk and variety music. The show is full of beer garden variety music and great surprises. It's the only German style folk show that can be completely interactive with the audience. The show is never scripted, rather carefuly built by reading audience's response. Guests are invited to play bells, try their hand at the boombas, or play various other hand held instruments. With wireless instruments and mics, some of their performance is on the dance floor, and in the audience. Simple fun folk dances and at your table dances suitable for all ages are lead on the spot. The duo can also set the instruments down, and perform a few traditional German and Austrian folk dances, even a Schuhplattler. Accordion, vocals, yodeling, singing saw, Schuhplattler: Ross is a Houstonian born from German descent who studied accordion under Lynlee Alley, Steve Habemacher, Terry Cavanagh, and Bill Palmer. He majored in music (with a minor in voice) at the University of Missouri at Kansas City under Joan Cochran Sommers, graduating in 2000. He toured Europe several times with the UMKC accordion orchestra, and sang in Carnegie Hall. He speaks some German, and when he sings, the ladies swoon. He plays two different accordions in the shows. A Titano for a truly traditional sound, and a Roland V Accordion adding a wide range of instrumental sounds and styles to the show. Before joining the band, Ross played solo at private parties and German club events. Tuned Austrian cowbells, vocals, yodeling, Autoharp, Holzernes G'lachter, Boombas, Washboard, and a collection of other percussive toys: Valina is a Houstonian born of Dutch / German descent, has 35 years experience performing on the stage for audiences of all types, speaks Dutch, some German, and can do a rowdy German accent. She fronts for the band, invites guests to play cowbells, sing along, and leads audiences with folk dance instructions. Her vocals have been described as "effervescent". Her performance style is energetic. Before joining the band, she performed with Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express (where she earned the nick-name "ricochet"), rabble roused at German themed corporate events, and worked as emcee for several German festivals beginning in 1998. Valina still emcees for the Addison Oktoberfest, The Tomball German Heritage Festival, Robert's Cove Germanfest, Tomball German Christmas Market, and the Galveston Oktoberfest. Tuba: Kerry Jones joined Das Ist Lustig in 2011, immediately adding to the band with some great bass licks on the tuba. Kerry has been playing tuba most of his life - he played with Alpenfest in the late 1980's. His musical prowess and subtle sense of humor is an excellent addition to the band. When Kerry isn't available, Ray Grim from the TubaMeisters, and Eurofest Band plays with them. Drums: Michael Morris is their drummer of choice. Michael also plays drums with The Alex Meixner Band, The Temple Jazz Orchestra, and many others. His steady beat, wacky personality, and clean vocals add a nice twist to the Das Ist Lustig experience. When Michael isn't available, Eric Miculka of the Europfest band from San Antonio plays with them. Dancing Frauleins, Bobbi, Susana and sometimes Rachelle, Marijke, or Michelle assist making the atmosphere truly a party. Bobbi is a long time polka dancer, singer and Americana fiddle player. Her fiddlin' antics work very well with the accordion, and she adds a little Texas music into the show. Susana is very energetic and a highly skilled dancer of many styles, including folk, Argentine tango and polka. She has many years experience leading audiences and guests at parties in dancing and fun. Rachelle, Marijke and Michelle just love polka music and dance. Their friendly demeanor is inviting to even the shyest of guests. Das Ist Lustig is fun as a duo, but why not go for the whole schnitzel? They offer a great dance and show band complete with tuba, drums and dancing frauleins. With upbeat polkas, romantic waltzes, audience interaction, dancing frauleins, controlled chaos and sassy humor, this band will charm every guest. Give them a try at your next event. You and your guests will be glad you did! Ross and Valina of Das Ist Lustig are also available for solemn gatherings. For price and availability, call or e-mail: (area code 713) 598-8317 or valinapolka(at)yahoo.com |
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Previous Shows and Past Performances
Das Ist Lustig had their Debut as a duo at the 2007 Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio, Texas, where they taught the Seven Step Polka, the Blacksmith dance and had groups of people playing in the Austrian cowbell choir. Since that first performance, they've entertained, and continue to entertain for the following: Addison's Oktoberfest 2008 - 2010 Alpenfest "Oktoberfest Viel Spass Tour" (various locations) Germany 2011 Bar Munich 2011 Bernhardt Winery (Fall Concert Series) Oktoberfest 2011 Brenham's Maifest 2008 - 2011 Charivari Specialty Restaurant Oktoberfest dinner 2011 Choctaw Oktoberfest 2011 Christ Lutheran German Sausage Dinner 2008 - 2012 Deutsche Samstag 2010-2011 Deutsches Haus Maifest / Volksfest 2012 Friesenhaus Restaurant 2007 - 2011 Galveston Oktoberfest 2011 Great Day Houston (Houston's channel 11) 2010 Hans Bier Haus Oktoberfest 2008 - 2010 HAPI Studio German Mardi Gras party 2011 HAPI Studio Springfest 2012 HAPI Studio Summerfest 2010 - 2011 Heritage Tomball retirement community Oktoberfest 2011 Hofbrau Beer Garden Panama City Beach 2011 Holland Club Wine and Cheese Party 2009 - 2012 Houstonfest (high school German contest day) 2010 - 2012 Houston Astros Oktoberfest Pre-game party 2011 King's Biergarten in Pearland 2011-2012 Kleinfest 2011 - 2012 OTC Reception / Koninginnedag celebration with Netherlands Consul Houston 2012 Muenster Germanfest 2008 - 2012 Mollie B Polka Party Taping in Ennis Texas 2012 Oasis Lifestyles retirement community Christmas brunch 2007 - 2011 Ole Moulton Bank 2009 Robert's Cove Germanfest 2009 - 2011 Scotty and Friend's Restaurant 2010 - 2012 Schulenburg Art and Wine Walk 2010 - 2011 Southern Knights retirement community Oktoberfest dinner 2010 - 2011 Sports Off Center (as house band, Houston's channel 55) 2008 - 2009 Texas Renaissance Festival in the Arborhaus Biergarten 2009 - 2011 The Dutchman Social Club 2007 - 2008 Tomball's German Heritage Festival 2008 - 2012 Tomball's German Christmas Market 2007 - 2011 Tomball Night 2007 - 2008, 2010 - 2011 Tomball Sister City Oktoberfest for German Exchange students and alumni 2010 - 2011 Westfest 2008 - 2010 Woodlands Oktoberfest 2009 - 2011 Wurstfest in New Braunfels 2007-2008 Birthday parties Family reunions Wedding anniversaries |
