About Me
Our band
Das Ist Lustig means "That's Fun". They play German, Austrian, Czech, Dutch and American folk music. The accordion is played by Ross, a Houstonian born from German descent who studied accordion under Lynlee Alley, Steve Habemacher, Terry Cavanagh, and Bill Palmer. He majored in music at the University of Missouri at Kansas City under Joan Cochran Sommers, graduating in 2000. He toured Europe several times with the UMKC accordion orchestra. He assists as the choir director and accordion player at his Lutheran church in Alief. He even speaks some German. ValinaPolka is a Houstonian born of Dutch / German descent, has 18 years experience performing for audiences of all types, speaks some German and can do a rowdy German accent. She fronts for the band, plays the washboard, spoons, boombas, Holzanes G'lachter, tuned Austrian cowbells and sings. She teaches basic dance steps, leads the audience with folk dance instructions, invites them to play cowbells with her, and sing along. Dancing Girls, Bobbi and Susana assist making the atmosphere truly a party. Bobbi is a long time polka dancer and Americana fiddle player. Susana is a highly skilled dancer of many styles. Folk, Argentine, and Tango. She has many years experience leading audiences and guests at parties in dancing and fun. Polka music, dancing girls, crazyness; the show is full of your beer garden variety music but there are great surprises in there too. It's the only German style folk show that can be completely interactive with the audience.
Das Ist Lustig had their Debut as a duo at the 2007 Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio, Texas, where they taught the Seven Step Polka, the Blacksmith dance and had groups of people playing in the Austrian cowbell choir.
Das Ist Lustig can tailor their show to fit any event. They're great for festivals, birthday parties, restaurant settings, corporate events, anniversaries, retirement homes, school events, weddings, bars, afternoon dances, talk show house band.... German style party games, unique team building excersizes, comedy and fun. This band encourages singing along, ringing along, dancing and laughing. Ross and Valina of Das Ist Lustig are also available for solemn gatherings.
Das Ist Lustig is still a new band, but there are years of professional experience behind the performers. With upbeat polkas, romantic waltzes, audience interaction and sassy humor, this band will charm every guest. Give them a try at your next event. You and your guests will be glad you did!
A video from our "house band" days: Here we are with Stacie Lynn playing the pop-gun with us!
It says Valina, but it was presented to Das Ist Lustig as a result of our debut performace at the 2007 Texas Folklife Festival. We're totally honored!
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
2007: June - Texas Folklife Festival the Clearning Stage, August - Tomball Night, Oasis Lifestyles, September - Westfest, multiple weekends at the Friesenhaus Restaurant, Texas German Society 12th anniversary north Houston chapter, October - Tomball Medical Center customer appreciation week, The Dutchman Oktoberfest party, Oasis Lifestyles Oktoberfest, Beechnut Manor German night, multiple weekends at the Friesenhaus Restaurant, November - Wurstfest, Multiple weekends and the Friesenhaus Restaurant, December - Oasis Lifestlyles Christmas, First Methodist Church West Campus Winter Wonderland, Several Private Christmas Parties.
2008: January - Kinkaid School International fair, Frostwood Elemantary International festival, Holland Club Wine and Cheese Party. February - 50th Wedding Anniversary. March - Texas German Society 25th year anniversary and state convention, Tomball German Heritage Festival. April - 70th birthday party, Muenster Germanfest. May - Christ Lutheran German Sausage Dinner, Maifest, Private Mayfest party, Our own wedding reception. June - Texas Folklife Festival Czech booth and the Clearing stage. July - weekend at Friesenhaus restaurant. August - Tomball Night, weekend at Friesenhaus restaurant, Knezeck 50th Wedding anniversary, Westfest. September - weekends at Friesenhaus, Dance teaching at Siemens Transformer Conference, Addison Oktoberfest. October - Weekends at Friesenhaus, San Leon Fund Raiser, SHSU College of criminal justice oktoberfest party, Hans' Bier Haus Das Boot 2008,November - Wurstfest, Friesenhaus, December - Oasis Lifestyles Christmas, Tomball German Christmas Market, Several private parties.
2009: January - Holland Club Wine and Cheese Party, "House Band" for Houston's 55 "Sports Off Center". February - "House Band" for Houston's 55 "Sports Off Center", Ole Moulton Bank, Brenda's Backyard. March - National Accordion Convention, "House Band" for Houston's 55 "Sports Off Center", Tomball German Heritage Festival. April - "House Band" for Houston's 55 Sports Off Center, 65th birthday party. May - Christ Lutheran German Sausage Dinner, Oranjebal, Brenham Maifest. July - Friesenhaus Restaurant. September - Westfest, Addison Oktoberfest, The Woodlands Oktoberfest. October - Robert's Cove Germanfest, The Texas Renaissance Festival, SHSU College of criminal justice Oktoberfest party, Hans' Bier Haus, Friesenhaus Restaurant. November - Friesenhaus Restaurant. December - Oasis Lifestyles, Tomball German Christmas Market.
2010: January - Schulenburg Art, Wine and Music tour, Holland Club Wine and Cheese Party. February - Houstonfest (high school German contest after party).
March - National Accordion Convention, Tomball German Heritage Festival.
May - Mayfest Christ Lutheran Church Pattison, Brenham Maifest in the German Village.
July - Friesenhaus Restaurant,
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