Entertainment
Click here for music samples from the 2010 German Fest entertainment.
Golden Sixties Band
The beat is back in town! Always a favorite with audiences, the sound and show of the Golden Sixties Band has become more modern, but the music is still the same. Be inspired by the most beautiful songs of the sixties, including favorites by the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, CCR, Smokie and German Evergreens - of course, sung in German. Discover the charm of timeless music and prepare to relax and enjoy. Adults and kids of all ages will love to step back in time with the Golden Sixties Band!
Armin StÖckl
The "shooting star" of German hit music, Armin Stöckl’s spontaneity, versatility, charisma and unique voice captivates audiences around the globe. Highlights of his young career include winning "Best Pop Singer" in the "German Rock & Poppreis 2008;" national and international chart victories; concert tours in Bolivia, France and the US; and the honor of hosting the popular worldwide music magazine "Startreff." Whether he's singing poignant ballads, pop songs or oldies, Armin Stöckl is a true audience favorite.
Geschwister David
This group got their start at a young age when their guitar teacher introduced them to a gospel choir. Educated in classical and gospel, they found their true love in folk music, and took third place with their hit song "Eins zu Null für die Liebe" at the 2009 Alpen Grand Prix, an annual folk music competition in South Tyrol. They can frequently be seen on German television.
Claudia & Alexx
In May 2006 this young singing couple wowed the jury and a TV audience of 6 million at Germany’s most popular televised music contest, "Grand Prix der Volksmusik." This extraordinary start to a very fast career brought the two young friends right into the middle of the German and Austrian show business. Since 2006 Claudia and Alexx have released three albums and toured Germany with some of the country's most well-known entertainers.
In the spring of 2010, Alexx chose to leave the duo and focus on his studies – German Fest welcomes Claudia’s new singing partner, who gives the duo a fresh sound to their wonderful music!
Regina Thoss
Regina Thoss' commercial breakthrough came in the International Song Festival of the Baltic Sea countries in Rostock when she won with the song "The first night of the Sea" by Gerhard Siebholz and Wolfgang Brandenstein. Other national and international festival awards followed, including "Best Performer" at the 16th International Song Contest in Castlebar, Ireland. She is a frequent guest on major TV and radio shows, and has even hosted her own programs. Her comic talent is contagious. To date she has produced more than 200 songs and has performed in more than 30 countries. Her warmth, charm and unparalleled warm voice has made Regina Thoss a star worldwide.
Francy B.
Francy B.'s musical talent was apparent from a young age. This award-winning singer, dancer, trumpet player and model recorded her first single at the age of 15, and is often mentioned with the likes of Gloria Gaynor, Wyclef Jean and Jermaine Stewart. From 2005-2007 she completed a summer festivals tour through Germany, and since 2007 has been travelling the world with the popular pop and disco group Boney M.
Biba & die Butzemänner
Biba & die Butzemänner, the most successful party-rock band out of Thüringen, combines wit, charm and natural musicianship for an inspiring live German rock-and-roll show you won't want to miss.
Dobie Maxwell
Originally from Milwaukee, Dobie is one of the top touring comedians in the nation. His slick ranting style and knack for saying what a lot of people are thinking has earned him a loyal and growing fan base. Dobie is both a seasoned comedian and the instructor of his own comedy how-to series that has sold nationwide. He’s worked with notable comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Jeff Foxworthy, is always attracting new fans, and is said to never do the same show twice!
Bobby Friss
Bobby Friss has been playing high visibility shows throughout the United States for the past two decades, bringing his music and humor to more than a million people. With 120+ shows a year, Bobby’s philosophy onstage is to do almost anything to keep his audiences watching and talking about the show for years to come.
The band is the real deal behind Friss’ stage antics, and carries the show while Bobby entertains onstage and in the crowd. World renowned guitarist Jerry Riggs is the heart and soul of the BFB. Riggs’ solo album and songs on films ‘Night Shift’ and ‘Heavy Metal’ led him to a 10-year stint with Pat Travers, before joining Friss in 1993. Longtime drummer Leroy Myers has picked up several Jammy Awards for best drummer, and bassist Dean Mickey has been Bobby’s musical director for over a decade.
Flipping Coins
You won’t want to miss this exciting cover band featuring the music of Journey and Survivor among others!
Johnny Hoffmann
Johnny Hoffmann und die Herzbuben has been a very popular band in the Milwaukee area for years. Johnny is the lead accordionist. Joining him is Erwin Frank, a fine musician who loves to join in with his own accordion. Rick Steinke, Peter Steinke & Hansi Pfalz play a variety of wind instruments; you never know which instrument they’ll grab next! Tony Schedlbauer always makes sure that everyone stays on the beat with his fine percussion skills. Finally, Willie Wessels and Kevin add their melodic voices to the mix. Grab a cold beer and enjoy some traditional, good old-fashioned German music!
Dorf Kapelle
Capturing the traditional ethnic style of the typical European Village Band, Dorf Kapelle has thrilled audiences at major festivals, stage performances, dances and concerts throughout Wisconsin. Formed in the summer of 1988, this group of fine musicians is dedicated to the reproduction of European wind music which includes polkas, marches, waltzes and specialty selections performed in the ethnic style of its origin. The band's use of highly skilled professional and semi-professional musicians, using imported and special musical arrangements, results in an unparalleled musical and entertainment presentation to audiences.
The Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band
What began in 1942 as a group of friends who loved to play the music of their national origin has evolved into a renowned musical organization called The Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band. Many of the band members are related to each other--brothers, grandfathers, fathers, sons, uncles, cousins, brothers-in-law and sons-in-law. The band is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon! The Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band, now in its seventh decade, celebrates and shares the sound of traditional German music for all those who wish to listen.
Blaskapelle Milwaukee
Blaskapelle Milwaukee is one of the newest and youngest performing groups in Milwaukee, consisting of 18 of the finest young musicians from around the Midwest. Playing in the European Blasmusik style and modeling after the finest bands across Europe and the United States, Blaskapelle Milwaukee is currently working on their next CD which should be released around the time of this year’s German Fest!
Peggy Mueller and Friends
Peggy Mueller loved music at an early age, studied classical piano from age seven, and learned to play the button box accordion by ear from her father. She has played in Germany, Austria, and Singapore and has been performing at German Fest since 1989! The group plays authentic Bavarian and Austrian folk and folk-style music for dancing and listening, appealing to young and old. While they play, Peggy Mueller and Friends both include and encourage participation by members of the audience!
Copper Box
With a slammin’ button accordionist and multi-instrumentalist, Danny Jerabek, and his other half, Michelle Jerabek, on baritone and tenor sax, vocals, guitar, washboard, etc., backed by a great rhythm section, Copper Box is a force to be noticed! The talented group draws inspiration from many types of Americana, roots music and beyond, resulting in a distinctive musical melting pot that is easy on the ears and good for the soul. Performing many originals, this band has been touring through the US promoting their highly acclaimed 5th CD release, “In the Summertime!” Copper Box is highly recommended if you like to dance and/or listen to music that makes you feel good—and that it does! Performing more than 140 shows a year, their style is “like a Texas Tornado that went through New Orleans and landed in Wisconsin.”
Smith and Harley
Smith and Harley, a rugged 'American Southern Rock/Country Music Duo' consisting of Ron Smith (vocals / energy) and James Harley (vocals /instrumentalist / guitar), is making waves with their own high energy, rugged brand of music. With a modern blue collar attitude, Smith and Harley brings forward the Outlaw sounds reminiscent of Skynard, The Allmans and Waylon Jennings, but with their own unique Southern Rock flavor that combines the genres in an exciting way.
Alpensterne
Alpensterne is one of the most unique and musically diversified groups performing today. The combined musical talents of Jim Strehlke, Bruce Bradley, and Kevin Johnson add up to more than 100 years of entertainment experience. With authentic German singing and yodeling, the group performs some of Germany’s most loved folk songs and is a true crowd pleaser!
The Jerry Schneider Band
The Jerry Schneider Band was formed in June of 1967 and brings more than 40 years of polka, waltz and big band entertainment to German Fest. The band has a large library of German selections as well as some Czech polkas and waltzes. Most of the tunes are sung in one-, two- and three-way harmony plus many instrumentals.
Austrian Express
Playing German music with an Austrian beat, the members of the Austrian Express are regulars at Milwaukee’s German Fest.
Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt
In the years since their origin, Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt has grown to a polished performing troupe of dancers and musicians consisting of three age groups. In the Lütten group, children ages 6 through 8 participate in story-telling and games about their ethnic heritage, and learn simple dances and songs in German. The Backfische, ages 9 through 13, learn more complicated dances and choreography, as well as developing poise, stamina and discipline. The main performing group consists of the Jugend (ages 14 through 20) and Erwachsenen (21+), and performs in a variety of venues around southeastern Wisconsin and the Midwest.
Kurt Von Eckroth
Kurt Von Eckroth is a zither player (or a zitherist, if you will), principally playing old world music reinterpreted for the instrument. This music includes pieces from Vienna, Bavarian and the Rheingau as well as some New-World favorites.
Pretzel Park
Playground and ongoing activities, entertainment and make-and-take projects throughout the weekend, including:
| Saturday 12:30 – 1:30pm | Discovery World – Water on the Move |
| Saturday 3-4 pm | Discovery World – Air Mazing |
| Sunday 1-2 pm | Discovery World – Water on the Move |
| Sunday 5-6 pm | Discovery World – Air Mazing |
Children’s Stage
Friday
6:00 Hilltop Singers and the Magnificent Strings
Saturday
Noon – 3:00 p.m. MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
- Milwaukee Recreation, Plus Size Exercise, Instructor: Richard Rolbiecki
- Milwaukee Recreation, Tae Kwon Do, Instructor: Sara Rieselbach
- Milwaukee Recreation, Zumba, Instructor: Erica Lewandowski
4-5:00 Hilltop Singers and the Magnificent Strings
5-6:00 p.m. MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
- Audubon Drumline, led by Michelle Mueller
Sunday
1:30-2:15 Hilltop Singers and the Magnificent Strings
2:30–3:30 p.m. MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
- Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA)
- Xalaat Africa Drum and Dance for Life
4-5:00 Hilltop Singers and the Magnificent Strings
