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Oregon Santa Claus come early to
Oak Shade Hall in Oregon. Ohio, where the Toledo Schwaben Verein presented a
Holiday Gala with artists from Austria and Germany on Sunday, December 9,
2007.
President Herman Schmalzried and his entertainment committee were a little
worried that the winter weather, which made the roads slick and decorated
trees with frosty crystals, would prevent guests from distant addresses
coming to this special holiday program. Their fears were alloyed when guests
starting arriving promptly at noon. Only a few tables showed empty chairs,
and most of these were from guests, who bad made reservations from
outofstate areas. A typical Swabian dinner was served at 1 pm, Oak Shade
Hall was nearly filled to capacity, when the last pork roast, spätzle and
sauerkraut menu, with Kuchen and coffee, was served at 2:45 pm.
Wolfgang Ribbert from North Royalton, Ohio and Gisela Lewis from New Jersey,
promoters of programs featuring German artists, had arrived early and were,
welcomed by President Schmalzried. The musicians set up their equipAustria.
This wellbalanced group of five musicians, are each capable of playing two
of the instruments (trumpet, accordion, guitar, clarinet and tuba) making up
the band. Their musician spokesman, Erich Kleindienst, told amusing jokes
between numbers. The band gave a spirited rendition of Ich bin ein Styerbua"
a polka followed by a medley of In München steht ein Hofbräu Haus."
Kleindienst introduced a surprise artist of the evening, Simon Redler. This
19year old professional carpenter from the Allgäu region in Bavaria was a
substitute for a performer, who was unable to come with the group. The
moment, Simon played his first song on the accordion, he had won the hearts
of everyone in the audience. A pleasing baritone voice often accompanied
such numbers as Allgäu Boarischer" Musikantenwelt" Frech Aufg'spielt" and
Beim Holzhacker." This young accordionist/singer deserved the hardy applause
that he received.
Kleindienst introduced the next performers, who hail from the Spreewald: Das
Duo Herzblatt. This engaging couple wound through the audience singing, Komm
auf ein Bier." They sang mostly from the floor, encouraging the audience to
schaukel" to such songs as Kleiner Gitano" Ich möcht mit dir ein Luftschloss
bauen" Ein Tag zum glücklich sein" and ending the first part of their
performance with Hände zum Himmel, Händ zur Hölle."
The Mooskirchner Band returned to the stage with Guten Morgen" featuring
three trumpeters. This number was followed by more jokes from Kleindienst.
The band then played familiar songs such as Fliege mit mir in die Heimat"
Bergvagabunden" Herrlich die Berge..." and Heimat oh Heimat." Trumpeter
Charlie was featured with Silberfäden." The entire ensemble completed the
first part of the program with Hoch auf dem gelben Wagon."
A
15minute intermission allowed guests to stretch their legs and go to the
buffet for Gehacktes auf Rogenbrot"
The second part of the program was mostly given over to Christmas music. The
Mooskirchner Band played Schlittenglocken" Du bist mein Licht"
Weihnachtszeit" Jetzt ist der rauhe Winter da." Kleindienst read a poem:
Weihnacht im 46er Jahr." The band completed its program with the lullaby
Heidichi Bumbeidchi."
Simon returned to the stage with Leise rieselt der Schnee" "Boehmische
Träume" and the ever popular Schneewalzer." His final number of the evening
was certainly the wish of the audience: Komm bald wieder"
The Duo Herzblatt made their second appearance of the evening tastefully
attired in Christmas dress. They charmed the audience with Winter Wunderland"
Lasst uns froh und munter sein" Morgen Kinder wird's was geben." They
completed their program with Fröhliche Weihnacht" and Hirtenlied."
For the finale, the entire ensemble appeared on stage leading the audience
in singing, Stille Nacht."
The Holiday Gala allowed the area Germanspeaking community to take a
sentimental journey back to the Heimat for those not with German
backgrounds; it allowed them to experience a little of German culture, which
is rich in Christmas traditions.
Roy F. Lessing |
