Group has audience dancing in their seats

By DAN IVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM ­ The Melody Sextett had audience members dancing in their seats with their unique blend of music during Heritagefest Friday.

Melody Sextett is a group from Wurtzburg, Germany, which plays a variety of musical styles including German folk, traditional German and even country western.

"We play a lot of different music," lead singer Gerhard Roth said. "We can even play music for young people." Roth also plays accordion and keyboard.

Melody Sextett's broad style range is what makes them interesting. Most members of the band are not limited to one instrument. In fact, most play two or more.

The band was formed in 1985, but Roth is the only founding member. Roth and his brother, along with two cousins, formed Melody Sextett with two musically-inclined friends. However, "the original members left, because they have other important jobs," Roth said.

The current lineup for the Melody Sextett has been together for about two years.

Heritagefest brings the band to New Ulm for the first time. On Tuesday they will travel to New Glarus, Wisc., then to Chicago to play in a German restaurant for five days, after which they will fly back to Germany.

"We've played in Chicago and for Octoberfest in Hunnington Beach before, but this is our first time in New Ulm," Roth said. "It's really nice here and the people are very friendly."

Despite the very warm weather, the Melody Sextett drew a large crowd. People were dancing and clapping in their seats, and at one point during the performance, even jumping out of them.

"I loved it [the performance]," said a spectator, Eunice Hammel. "They ended with 'Amazing Grace'. It's a good Christian song and a good one to end with," she said.

Another spectator agreed with Hammel's opinion.

"They were excellent," said DeWayne Wagner, of Duluth.

Although Roth said the band was enjoying their stay in New Ulm, he wasn't as pleased with the weather.

"It's too hot and too long to play without beer," he said.