Die Reinrassig'n keep fest-goers hopping

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Entertaining the crowds during the 26th annual Heritagefest with their own unique style of music is a band from Salzburg, Austria: Die Reinrassig'n.

The band was formed in 1995 when five of the six members met during a performance of their local village band and decided to merge their talents into one group, Spokesman Andy said.

Three of the members of the group also performed together for many years in another popular Austrian band. Although they enjoy music and performing, they all hold full-time jobs, looking at music as a hobby, not a lifestyle, he said.

"We are glad to be here at Heritagefest," Andy said. "We are the first group in Austria that had two names, which we merged into one. We have a diversified program that allows us to celebrate and have fun. And we hope that is what the people here have come to do as well."

The group performs a unique variety on as many as 30 different instruments, some of them over 100 years old.

Using a variety of stunts, such as playing cow bells and a saxophone while standing on their heads, they also enlist the help of audience members to accompany them on drums and cymbals.

"One of the things we are famous for throughout Austria is our yodeling talents," Andy said. "We always manage to draw the crowds with that ability."

What makes the band unique is their ability to perform with a limited number of technical enhancements, preferring real, live, original music, he said.

"It is good to see the audience members get up to dance while we perform, but we also like to get them involved," he said. "Music is not a spectator sport, it is a participation event."

The group performs today at 12:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m., and again on Sunday.