Schmalzler on Kabel Eins today

A great big thank you to Werner. If it had not been for him, Hilde and I would have forgotten to record the Kabel Eins show Abendteuer Leben today at 22:50 Germany time.

Some of you may remember that a TV team from ProSeben in Germany was here in Milwaukee for a special that they were recording of the Schmalzlers, who were at German Fest this year. I am anxious to see what they put together.

Those of you who can record German television like Shift TV, be sure to set your recorder to Kabel Eins today, September 16, at 22:50. I don't know if there will be a repeat of this show.

2008 Grand Prix der Volksmusik Finalists

I just finished listening to a live broadcast of the Grand Prix der Volksmusik from Sudtirol in Algund, Italy. They were the last ones to hold there preliminary contest that determines the 4 finalists that will be going to Zurich, Switzerland on August 30.

Check out the final standings of each country that is participating listed below.

Sorry to say the Schmalzlers are not in the finalists, but they will be coming to the Milwaukee German Fest in July 2008. However, many people in Milwaukee and the people who attended Ted Hierl's Cruise last year will be happy to see that the Schaefers made it to the finals. If you would like to hear the interview that the Schaefers gave to the Stimmung Stunde back in 2005, click here -1, 2, 3, Video.

Of course, my favorites are the brother duo, Vincent & Fernando. They were the first entertainers that gave the Stimmung Stunde an interview and you can still hear that interview by clicking here - 1, 2, 3. Here is a link to Maria Olliges' fan club page, who was the Talent Coordinator for the Stimmung Stunde and still ver active in the Volksmusik world.

If you would like to see what this year's contestents look like and in many cases sound like, click on the links below. Which one do you think will be the grand prize winner this year?

Austria

Udo Wenders --- Der Letzte Zug, Cara mia

Die Klostertaler --- Heimat is dort wo die Berge sind

4 Holterbuam & Die Mayrhofner --- Tiroler - Steirer Musimix

Stodertaler Gaudi-Express --- Volksmusik mus es sein

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Germany

Captain Cook --- Ich den so gern an meine Mutter

Die Schaefer --- Glaube ist...

Michael Klostermann/

...Die Jungen Orig. Oberkrainer --- Vom Egerland bis Oberkrain

Dorfrocker --- Und ab geht die Luzzi

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Sudtirol

Sauguat --- Der Schaefer vom Schnalstal (Disqualified) .

Bergfeuer & Judith --- Liebe ist ein Kind der Freiheit

Vincent & Fernando --- Glaube an Gott

Geschwister Niederbacher --- Die Alte Madonna

Bergdiamanten - Ein bisschen Gottvertrauen

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Switzerland

Oesch's die Dritten --- Die Jodel-Sprache

Kapelle Oberalp, Domingo Rey &

...Los Brillantes Paraguayos --- Lueg a moi

Christian Duss --- Komm ich zeige dir dei Sterne

Manuela Fellner & Urs Meier --- Lauf dem Glueck nicht hinterher