German Ethnic Events

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If you didn't know already ...there are some great
German Klubs / organizations in Kansas City!
Scroll around and check them ALL out!

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Germania Klub...those folks who bring you Karneval (Coronation Ball for Prinz and Prinzessin, several trips to other klubs in/and out of state and Maskenball) dinners, poker night, The hilarious Elferrat / MANNERBALLET, the funloving Sofisticated Omas and the BEST place to eat, drink and watch the Snake Saturday Parade in North Kansas City (1611 Swift ). See below for more information

The German American Citizens Association (GACA)...those folks who bring you the Kappenabend (crazy hat dance), Maifest, Oktoberfest, dances and dinners and poker night; http://www.gacaofkc.org/; See below for more information.

The Kansas City Turners...The oldest German Club in Kansas City Founded February 14, 1858 with the motto of:
"A Sound Mind In A Sound Body"
Athletic activities: Adult Bowling league, Tumbling and Dance for children; Dance recitals; Dinner/dances; Pool Parties
Mental activities: Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournaments; Monthly Poker Game Night; chess matches, online games: Game Room
Social activities: NASCAR Watch Parties; Sunday NFL Watch Parties
http://www.kcturners.org/; See below for more information

German American Edelweiss Society, KCKS ; Edelweiss KC
A social club that holds a meeting once a year to schedule events
Yearly dues are $15.00 per family and $10.00 per single with a one time $10 initiation fee
Various activities sponsored by the club may have additional fees
No clubhouse, but some of their events take place at:
St Mary's-St Anthony's Church
615 N 7th St, Kansas City, KS 66101
Get directions
Bob Wissman - President (913) 371-6041; AWISSMAN@kc.rr.com
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Hannover-Kansas City Sister Cities:
The Sister City Association of Kansas City is an international citizen’s diplomatic organization. We support and promote cooperation and understanding for innovative programs in commerce, tourism, education, and cultural awareness. - Hannover, Germany, is represented in Kansas City by the Hannover Committee of the Sister City Association of KC(www.kcsistercities.org/germany.htm ) chaired by Traute Kohler. For more information, please, contact by e-mail: tkohler@ku.edu

The Kansas City German Language Meetup Group: Meet and mingle with fellow German Speakers near you! Come to a German Language Meetup to practice speaking, build vocab and finally figure out those verb conjugations. All ages and levels willkommen!
Founded: Feb 17, 2006
Membership dues: $1 a month (at meeting)
KC German Language Meetup Group ; Ute: cutieute@yahoo.com

German Food in KC:
Rheinland
Werners

German Clothing:
www.bavarian-superstore.de
German Fashions: International Fashions by Ingrid, 4710 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625; Get directions; (773) 878-8382; http://www.fashionsbyingrid.com/
Berglandtrachten

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Events!!!

Nov 7-GACA Kristkindlmarkt; Turner/GACA Klubhaus at (Map): 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course); 9am-3pm; Experience all the traditions of a German Christmas; German Arts and Crafts fair - Come enjoy a day of Christmas shopping in a German atmosphere. Traditional cuisine; Children's activities; Enjoy a drink, a snack or a meal! Space for over 50 vendors! Booth spaces: Jennifer McKee, 913-780-6736; jenmckee@juno.com; Richard: 816-797-3383; GACA Banquet Hall: 816-322-4202; Vendor form
1pm- the Liederkranz Singers will be performing Christmas carols for your enjoyment-other music throughout the day

Nov 7-GACA Membership Meeting, Turner/GACA Klubhaus, 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Map; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course); 4pm -?; Run for one of the open positions by calling Jennifter McKee: 913-780-6736; Mel Miller (the prez) will not be running for re-election.

Nov 8-The Miracle of Leipzig (Das Wunder von Leipzig) German Film Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Wall, Turner/GACA Klubhaus at (Map): 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course); ; 1pm (90 minute film); $5 at the door and drinks available for purchase; To observe the 20th anniversary of German Reunification, The Hanover Committee of the Sister City Association of Kansas City is showing the documentary about the peaceful demonstration that proved to be the pivotal event leading up to the reunification of Germany. Leipzig was supposed to have been the "example" that East German authorities would set to suppress the growing freedom movement. A demonstration was being planned on October 9th, 1989, and everyone prepared for bloodshed: hospitals, police, emergency personnel and the demonstrators themselves -- but 70,000 people with candles in their hands and the mantra of non-violence in their heart proved stronger than machine guns and tanks. The stage was set: the Wall between East and West was no longer just crumbling, it began to fall and take the Iron Curtain with it.; award winning directors Sebastian Dehnhardt and Matthias Schmidt reconstruct the dramatic events of October 9th and10th, 1989. Eye-witnesses from both sides of the conflict along with citizens of Leipzig describe their experiences during these decisive weeks: their hopes and fears, their courage and despair, their sense of solidarity and conflict during a time when people risked life and limb for liberty. A powerful testament to what is possible when peace minded individuals seek freedom from oppression; Traute Kohler: tkohler@ku.edu

Nov 9-GACA Board Meeting, Turner/GACA Klubhaus, 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Map; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course); 7pm

Nov 9-The Miracle of Leipzig (Das Wunder von Leipzig) German Film Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Wall, Mission Theater, 5909 Johnson Dr.; Mission, KS; 7pm (90 minute film); $5 at the door and drinks available for purchase; To observe the 20th anniversary of German Reunification, The Hanover Committee of the Sister City Association of Kansas City is showing the documentary about the peaceful demonstration that proved to be the pivotal event leading up to the reunification of Germany. Leipzig was supposed to have been the "example" that East German authorities would set to suppress the growing freedom movement. A demonstration was being planned on October 9th, 1989, and everyone prepared for bloodshed: hospitals, police, emergency personnel and the demonstrators themselves -- but 70,000 people with candles in their hands and the mantra of non-violence in their heart proved stronger than machine guns and tanks. The stage was set: the Wall between East and West was no longer just crumbling, it began to fall and take the Iron Curtain with it.; award winning directors Sebastian Dehnhardt and Matthias Schmidt reconstruct the dramatic events of October 9th and10th, 1989. Eye-witnesses from both sides of the conflict along with citizens of Leipzig describe their experiences during these decisive weeks: their hopes and fears, their courage and despair, their sense of solidarity and conflict during a time when people risked life and limb for liberty. A powerful testament to what is possible when peace minded individuals seek freedom from oppression; Traute Kohler: tkohler@ku.edu

Nov 10- GACA Ladies Auxiliary, Turner/GACA Klubhaus, 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Map; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course); 2pm

Nov 10-Germania Board Meeting, Germania Klubhaus, 1611 Swift in North Kansas City

Nov 13-Narranabend "A Fools Evening" for the Karneval Season, Germania Klubhaus,1611 Swift in North Kansas City, MO 64116; 6pm; bring a dish or snack to share;
Questions: Hank Stitt (816) 303-9936

Nov 14- The Coronation Ball -The beginning of Karneval season in Kansas City at the Park Place Hotel, 1601 Universal Ave, KCMO; Map this Hotel ; Front Street exit off I-435 (Missouri side), then go West to Universal Ave, then North; 6:30pm-midnight; Buffet dinner 6:30-8pm; $40, includes a wonderful meal, featuring German specialties, a commemorative and colorful Karneval Booklet; Several cash bars will be available, featuring German beer as well as standard cocktails and wine; Music by Herb Eberle and his band; Dress: Formal, dressy, Suits or sports jacket are appropriate wear-this is not a costume ball!
"Karneval" being the German version of Mardi Gras - Unlike the French or Brazilian versions of Mardi Gras, the German version begins in November, with the coronation of a "Prinz" and "Prinzessin" (prince and princess); will feature dinner, dancing, song, music, color, characters and hoopla!
The scepter will be in the hands of:
Seiner Tollität Harrison I (Harrison Billy) and Ihrer Lieblichkeit Ilona I (Ilona Wilken)
The William E. Gruening Award (to be given at Coronation or Maskenball): A very special award is given to an American-born person who has made significant contributions in the promotion of German culture, heritage and traditions in the USA; the greatest honor that the Karnevalsgesellschaft of the Germania Club can bestow upon a person; named after the first president of the Germania Club's Senate who provided significant support to the Germania Club's civic functions. He and his wife, Jean, lost their lives in the Hyatt Regency Hotel accident
Make Reservations for Ball by Monday, November 9th with Gretel: 913-888-6040 (advance purchase only)
Hotel reservations: (816) 483-9900 (800-821-8532) Mention Germania Club for a special rate.

Nov 18-Poker Night, Germania Klubhaus, 1611 Swift in North Kansas City

Nov 19-Germania Klubhaus Cleaning Day, Germania Klubhaus, 1611 Swift in North Kansas City

Nov 22-Germania Club Annual Meeting and Election of Directors!! Germania Klubhaus, 1611 Swift in North Kansas City; 4pm

Dec 6-Children's Christmas Party, Turner/GACA Klubhaus, 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Map; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course); 2-4pm; Richard: 816-797-3383; GACA Banquet Hall: 816-322-4202
Please Bring Non-perishable food/health items to the party
All items and monies will be donated to the local food pantry!
Canned food, cereal, baby food, boxed meals (hamburger helper, etc), peanut butter, soup, toilet paper, soap, deoderant, shampoo, etc.

Dec 31-Turner - GACA - NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION, German American Klubhaus at (Map): 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course); 816-322-4202; http://www.kcpolkas.com/

Feb 6-St. Louis Winterball

Feb 12-Narranabend "A Fools Evening" for the Karneval Season, Germania Klubhaus,1611 Swift in North Kansas City, MO 64116; 6pm; bring a dish or snack to share; Questions: Hank Stitt (816) 303-9936

Feb 13-Germania Maskenball

June 5-Spring Recital of Dance/Tumbling class


FRIDAY EVENINGS: Dinner: Turner/GACA Klubhaus, 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Map; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course); Clubhouse opens at 5pm for drinks, dinner 5:30 to about 8:00pm; Full bar including German beer on tap for $2.50 (higher at special events - we have to pay the bills!); Pooltable, darts, pinball and socializing for the adults; http://www.kcturners.org/

click on Regular menu to the right---------------->>
Dinner Specials:
The chef for these is a native German who owned restaurants.
All dinners come with potato or noodles/spaetzle, salad, vegetable and dessert:

FRIDAY EVENINGS: Dance (Tap and Ballet) & Tumbling training for youth; Turner/GACA Klubhaus, 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Map; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course); The fee is $10 a month per child/adult - due the first Friday of the month; contact Jaime Michaelree: 816-878-3232; jtazdevil@aol.com ; http://www.kcturners.org/
Two age groups:
6:30-8:30pm classes for children 2-8 years and Tweens (age 8 and up) each Friday night. Participants practice tumbling, tap and ballet/Jazz each week..

8:30-9:30pm Hip Hop Exercise class for adults

Kim is willing to teach adult Tap/Ballet/Jazz if there is an interest. If you have any suggestions, contact Jaime.

FRIDAY (once a month): Texas Hold’em, Turner/GACA Klubhaus, 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Map; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course); Jamie: 816 444-7820; http://www.kcturners.org/

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Germania Klub

Klubhaus: 1611 Swift in North Kansas City, Phone 816-421-4287

On November 4, 1994, the Germania Club "Klubhaus" officially opened and gave our organization not only a social and cultural meeting place for all of our members, but also an opportunity for the club to fulfill our charter obligations for our members and within our community, better than ever before.
All official meetings, as well as monthly dinners and various other activities are held at the Klubhaus and are open to all members.

Our goal: To promote consciousness and appreciation for the German heritage, to further the social interests of its members and to create a strong bond of friendship among the members.

Yearly dues are $25.00
Please feel free to ask questions! Call Carlene 816-337-8280; carlenegillespie@yahoo.com
Various activities sponsored by Germania Klub may have additional fees

Events:

"Karneval" being the German version of Mardi Gras: Unlike the French or Brazilian versions of Mardi Gras, the German version begins on November 11, with the Coronation of a "Prinz" and "Prinzessin" (prince and princess). It then culminates in a grand masquerade ball ("Maskenball") held on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday.

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The Kansas City Turners and
The German American Citizens Association (GACA)

Klubhaus: 512 Bong Ave, Belton, MO 64012; Map; Directions: I55th St. west to Kensington, south to Bong and west to the Klubhaus (Just east of Eagle’s Landing Golf Course)

Our goal: to keep German Athletics, Traditions and Customs alive in the USA while having a good time.

A member of either club gets to enjoy all the activities sponsored by the two clubs.

The Kansas City Turners:
"A Sound Mind In A Sound Body" ; http://www.kcturners.org/
family-oriented social organization, which is looking to grow its membership, and we would love to have you and your family;
It is easy to become a member. Currently there are no fees to join the Kansas City Turners, but all KC Turners members have to belong to the American Turners.

Yearly dues are $25.00 per family and due by Jan. 31 each year.
To join the American Turners, contact Jean Zarker, membership chair, at 816-373-0986 or email her at zarkerjean@aol.com.
Various activities sponsored by KC Turners may have additional fees

German American Citizens Association (GACA): For the dinner/dances, Kappenabend (crazy hat dance), Maifest and Oktoberfest; A Tax Exempt/NonProfit Organization

Yearly dues are $25.00
Please feel free to ask questions! Call Mel 816 444-4224 or email mpmiller7@kc.rr.com
Various activities sponsored by GACA may have additional fees

The NEW Klubhaus!

Two German Clubs, the Kansas City Turners and the German American Citizens Association (GACA) formed a partnership and bought the old Air Force Bowling Ally and remodeled it. Formally, its name is the Turners-GACA Family Development Company. Unfortunately, two weeks before it was to open, on Friday the 13th, March 2004, it burned to the ground. We rebuilt it and it is now all new and open.
Occupancy capacity: 565
Square feet: 11,400
Stage: 12 feet deep and 48 feet wide
Dance floor: 24 feet by 48 feet built by members (Planned is an oak hardwood floor close to 4,000 square feet)
Full bar and kitchen in the lounge area
A nonprofit organization - Nonmembers do need to sign in as a guest
The hall will also be available for rent. Call Richard 816.797.3383 or Mel 816.444.4224

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Polka Band / Dancer List
(in alphabetical order)

Alpenrose Band
Josef Diethelm
300 White Street, SE
Watertown, MN 55388
952-955-2717
jodler@soncom.com
http://www.alpenroseband.com/
Excellent band, very entertaining

Betty Jo Simon and the Alpine Spielers
913-888-4706
Plays midi accordion and specializes in ethnic music.
Has alpine horn player; Likes to get crowd involved

S. V. (Schuhplattler Verein) Blautaler
Kansas City's Original German Dancers
http://www.blautaler.org/
Authentic traditional dances and clothing including lederhosen,
Hats with feather and the ladies in beautiful dirndls (dresses)
Shoe, thigh, hand slapping Alpine dances
Shows feature alpine bells, woman "flying", musical saw, yodeling as well as the familiar intricate figure dances where the men
Novelty dances: bench dance, miner's dance, whips, stick dance, maypole.

Brian McCarty Band
1200 SW Madison
Lee's Summit, MO 64081
816-246-0895
http://www.kcpolkas.com/
Good beat for dancers and has loyal following

Don Lipovac Orchestra
1840 North 41st Terrace
Kansas City, KS 66102
913-287-2081
Can play a wide variety of music; Has loyal following; Other polka band leaders and musicians across American hold Don in high respect.
U. S. Accordion Champion in 1958 and represented U.S. in Brussels, Belgium at the World's Fair.
Polka Hall of Fame Award in 1992 at Iron World in Chisholm, Minnesota;
Slovenian, Croatian, Ballroom, etc;

Ed Grisnik
913-299-4795
Croatian band and plays variety

Die Festhaus-Musikanten
Gary Richmond
913-432-2851
http://www.festhausmusikanten.com/
German style brass band dedicated to the performance of German folk music
authentic polkas, marches, waltzes, schottisches, and landlers
playlist includes Rosamunde (Beer Barrel Polka), In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus, Liechtensteiner Polka, Schneewalzer and many more
music from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Czechoslovakia

Die Lustigen Musikanten
Terry and Marilyn Loehnig
20 Scharnhorst
LaneMcKittrick, MO 65041
573-486-2108
Native Germans; Authentic clothing; Yodels
Excellent Buttonbox player, their nephew, now in his twenties, had recordings when a teenager. Ask if he will be playing

Matthias Wagner
Work: 816 420-3072
Native German; Plays everything; Tunes into audience and observes their reaction to the music to see what they like. Plays to the crowd. Plays keyboard and sings; sounds like a small band; Also a composer.

The Naggabazis
They live in Germany... and well worth the air-fare!
website: http://www.noggabazis.de/
email:
Josef "Sepp" Pielmeier
sepp@noggabazis.de
Anton Tony Multerer
done@noggabazis.de
Hans Korherr
hanse@noggabazis.de

Pat Auberry Band
Pat or Anna Auberry
3812 Secluded Meadow Dr.
Byrnes Mill, MO 63051
636-677-2621
4 piece; Excellent sound; Guitar

UFF-DA
Mark Karasek
815 N 35 St, Omaha, NE
402-551-8106 or 402-932-8107
Stan Galli
5130 S. 20th St. or
8042 Maywood St. Omaha, Nebraska 68017-2929 Omaha, NE 68127-3730
Excellent small band

Willie Kirst German Band
807 S. Turner
Independence, MO 64056
816 796-8581
Willie grew up in Bavaria; entertaining!






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Feathers??? What Feathers?!? It's a Karneval tradition - and a parody of the aristocracy. They come from an african variety of pheasant - and are very expensive! Please do not fold, spindle or mutilate! You will see lots of them at Karneval festivities...The Prinz wears 3, a past prinz wears 1, a past prinz who holds an elected office in the klub wears 2