German band features young musicians
Starlights to visit Henderson, Fargo,ChicagoBy FRITZ BUSCH — Journal Staff Writer
Article Photos
NEW ULM - A six-piece traditional Bavarian band from Germany featured several young musicians Friday in the August Schell Bavarian Tent at Bavarian Blast.
Eighteen-year-old drummer Thomas Gooss of Stuttgart, Germany and the Starlights band said he has enjoyed his first visit to America.
"I like the mentality of the people here. They're very friendly and easy-going," Gooss said.
American food is another highlight for him.
"It's very sweet, full of honey and sugar, much more here than in Germany," he added.
Starlight, which specializes in marches and waltzes, includes a bass saxophone, trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, accordion and drum set.
Arriving in America yesterday, the band will perform at summer festivals including Henderson Sauerkraut Days, in Fargo and the Brauhaus in Chicago.
"I hope to meet lots of Germans in Chicago," Gooss said.
The Starlights often perform in and around Stuttgart and Cologne in Germany.
First-time Blast-goers included Judy and Lee Krumbach of Parker, S.D. who came to the fairgrounds with their children and grandchildren from Sleepy Eye.
"I just love German food, especially German potato salad," said Judy Krumbach.
She added that she and her husband often attend German Fest each September in downtown Sioux Falls, S.D.
On Saturday, Bavarian Blast music begins at 10:45 a.m. with The Monument Brass in the Comcast Polka Tent. Other bands will perform at 11 a.m. in the other two festival tents.
Sunday's Grand Parade is scheduled for 12:30 to 2 p.m.
For more information, visit www.bavarianblast.com/
Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.
