The Dayton Liederkranz-Turner Society is proud to announce that it will be hosting the 57th Süd (South) Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana District Sängerfest the weekend of May 23rd - 25th of 2008! We are looking forward to welcoming our friends to the Dayton Region. On Saturday, May 24, the entire group of approximately 400 singers will come together and present a concert open to the public at The Dayton Masonic Center. 57th District Sängerfest 2008 Song Book Cover

A "Sängerfest" is a German singing festival where numerous German-American organizations come together in song for one massive concert. Each year a different German-American organizaiton hosts the Sängerfest. For months German Choirs from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,and Ohio rehearse the same music selected by the host club. The songs are then performed in unison by the combined choirs at the concert held on Saturday May 24. The final result of hundreds of voices singing at the concert is breathtaking.

The weekend-long event usually commences with an informal dinner on Friday night to welcome the groups to the area. A combined rehearsal of all choirs is held Saturday morning with a break afterwards. The choirs reunite for dinner, then the grand concert in the evening is followed by a dance. Sunday morning is reserved for a Frühschoppen or a midmorning drink before luncheon is served. Following the luncheon, the Empfangs concert begins. Each individual club choir presents approximately 3 songs to showcase the individual choirs. Of course the weekend is filled with delicious food and drinks, singing, dancing and Gemütlichkeit!

The Dayton Liederkranz-Turner would like to extend a warm welcome to those singers traveling from Waldau and Eichenzell, Germany to sing with us at the 57th District Sängerfest.

Dress Rehearsal & Concert Notes:
• Singers are asked to refrain from using colognes, perfumes, aftershaves or scented hairsprays for the rehearsal and concert.

• All voice sections will be clearly marked. To eliminate confusion during seating prior to the concert singers are asked to sit in the same seat for both the rehearsal and the concert.

• No drinks will be permitted in the auditorium.

• Please remember to turn off all electronic devices during the rehearsal and the performance as a courtesy to everyone.

• All participating choir members should bring their own copy of the Sängerfest songbook for both rehearsal and the concert.

Concert Attire
Men should wear a long sleeved white shirt, black pants, black bow tie, black shoes/socks. Women should wear a long sleeved white blouse (no cream or off-white), long black skirts, and black shoes/black hosiery. All singers must wear their ribbons and pins.

Club Flags and Banners
Each organization should bring its own flag or banner and stand. A flag bearer should be appointed for the opening ceremonies - special practice is assigned for Saturday - please refer to the Event Schedule page. The flags and banners will be displayed during the opening ceremony and then moved into the Dining Hall for display through Sunday afternoon.

Transportation and Parking
Each organization will be responsible for its own transportation arrangements. Sufficient parking for buses and cars will be available at each venue.

Contact:
For questions regarding the upcoming Sängerfest please email us at: Saengerfest2008@aol.com

A map was provided in the information packet that was mailed to the individual clubs. A another map will be provided with up to date traffic and construction information as the event draws near. Please refer to the map below for general proximity between hotels and venues. All hotels and venues are within a 10 mile radius and should take less than 20 minutes driving time. Download Directions and Map now!

A = Hotels on Miller Lane
B = Hotel on Wagner Ford
C = Dayton Masonic Center
D = Dayton Liederkranz-Turner



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