This Month at the Haus

Events May 6: Film Screening: Krabat May 9: Stammtisch May 19: Musik im Mai: Klezmerica May 21: Volunteer Appreciation May 26-29: GAI CLOSED June 10 & 11: Deutsche Tage

Adult Language Classes G100: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday G200: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday G300: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday G400: Wednesday, Thursday G500: Wednesday, Thursday G600: Tuesday AMR: Monday, Friday Oberstufe: Tuesday, Thursday *Gesprächsrunde:Wednesdays April 19 - May 10 *Nachrichten & Aktuelles: Wednesdays, May 31-June 21

Kids' Activities Kinderstube: Monday-Friday Kid Steps Dance Classes: Thursdays GAI Gruppen Deutscher Damenklub: 5/15 Deutscher Sprachklub: 5/16 Haus and Grounds: 5/13 Modelleisenbahngruppe: 3rd Saturday Skatklub: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays TC Männerchor: 2nd & 4th Mondays GAI Minnesänger: Mondays 5/1-6/5 (none 5/29)

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GAI News

Mai 2017

Musik im Mai: Klezmerica Friday, May 19 at 7pm Tickets: $25 online or at the door - includes one beverage! Concert runs 1 hour 30 min with a 15 min intermission. Note: The GAI Ballroom does not have elevator access Join us for the rare opportunity to hear the premier Klezmer band in the USA, Klezmerica, in the GAI Haus. This up close and personal concert celebrates Klezmer music and its

history in Europe and in the USA. Klezmer is a lively music tradition which comes from the Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe, including Germany, Poland, and Russia. With waves of Jewish European immigrants coming to the USA from the late 1800’s through the 1950’s, traditional Klezmer blended with early jazz rhythms to create a new American sound. Led by Joseph Vass, Klezmerica creates its own brand of Klezmer music, blending Yiddish folk music with classic Jazz, American Blues, and pop styles. While nationally recognized, Klezmerica has its local claim to fame with the popular musical The Soul of Gershwin: The Musical Journey of an American Klezmer, which has played at the Park Square Theater multiple times, most recently this past December. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the GAI website or at the door while supplies last. Tickets are non-refundable.

“The sound is wonderful….It makes your feet pump. If there was room, you'd grab somebody and dance!”

-Kay Miller, Star Tribune

Turn the page for a sneak-peak of ‘What’s New’

at…

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Deutsche Tage 2017 is just around the corner and the excitement is already in the air at the GAI. This year we celebrate the ‘musical melting pot’ of Germanic music with our theme Musik Allerlei. Enjoy performances from returning favorite musical acts such as Alpensterne and the Bavarian Musikmeisters as well as new performances including local opera singer, Alicia Heckler, a demonstration of Swiss Alpenhorn, and touring all the way from Germany, the renowned youth orchestra, Kreisjugend-Orchester Ludwigsburg. Kreisjugend-Orchester (KJO for short) is a group of 80 young musicians between the ages of 13 and 21 who play wind instruments—similar to our bands in the USA. There are limited seats in this

prestigious orchestra, and to join KJO, these skilled, young musicians must pass a competitive audition.

The orchestra plays throughout Germany and Europe, and has also toured South Africa, Ireland,

South Korea, Chile, and Romania.

Saturday Night = Turkish Night! Continuing our celebration of diversity through music, Saturday evening will be Turkish Night! The Turkish people are the largest ethnic minority in Germany, with Turkish Germans as the second largest Turkish population in the world (just after Turkey). Everything from Kaffeehaus culture to food to music in Germany has been influenced by Turkish culture. Come get a little taste of Turkish-German culture with performances by band Makam Baklava and the Turkish American Association Folk Dancers as well as tasty Turkish menu items including Döner Kebab, Baklava, and Raki. Dr. Orhan Ucer, lead member of Makam Baklava, will also teach a master class in the Demo Tent on the Baglama (sometimes called a Saz), which is the traditional stringed instrument of Turkey.

Saturday, June 10 ~ 11am-10pm Sunday, June 11 ~ 11am-5pm

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In the GAI Galerie: The Life of Luther and the Birth of the Reformation Celebrate the 500 year anniversary of the Reformation and get an overview of the life and works of Martin Luther in our new 2nd floor Galerie exhibit during Deutsche Tage. Curated by the GAI’s own Isabella Touboul, learn about the life of Luther and how the reformation began through a variety of historic documents on display. Luther Seminary has generously loaned some of their most treasured parchments, portraits, bibles, and books of and by Luther, and a double set reprint of the 1534 bible will be available to peruse thanks to Concordia University. Plus! Enjoy hearing some of Luther’s own musical arrangements sung by the GAI Minnesänger on Sunday, June 11 at Deutsche Tage.

New Culture Demos! The ever popular Culture Demo Tent is back for Deutsche Tage 2017, but with DOUBLE the number of exhibitions and different sets of presentations each day. Every half hour from 12pm-5pm on Saturday and 12pm-4pm on Sunday, you can learn about a different part of Germanic culture. From Sauerkraut and Pretzel making to the making and history of Krampus mask, from a Genealogy mini-lesson to a Stein-holding contest, you will learn something new while having fun at the Culture Demo Tent!

There is so much more to explore at Deutsche Tage 2017! Visit www.gai-mn.org/Deutsche-Tage-2017 to learn more about this year’s theme, entertainment, activities, vendors, family-fun, food, and more!

Bier und Sport! 10-year Anniversary of the Lederhosenlauf 5K and introducing the GAI Fahrradtour This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Lederhosenlauf 5k which we bring to Deutsche Tage through Charities Challenge. To continue our celebration of Bier und Sport, the GAI is offering our first Fahrradtour, a 17-mile bike ride beginning and ending at the GAI. Bicyclists will gather in the Biergarten at 9am and the ride begins 9:30am. The ride is a guided route, on open roads (map available on the website and when you register.) Those who complete the Fahrradtour get their first beer (or non-alcoholic beverage) for free. Plus, all bicyclists enjoy $5 beer 11am-4pm on Saturday as part of our Bicyclists’ Biergarten to celebrate environmentally friendly transportation. Show your helmet/bike gear at the bar to get your discount. The Fahrradtour is free to participate, but registration is required in advance. Register for both the Lederhosenlauf and the Fahrradtour to make your own personal Duathlon! Want the Sport to continue all day? Come back and relax in the Rathskeller while watching the play-off game between the US and Mexico. Or make your very own Fußball - soccer in the US - scarf at the Minnesota United table.

Want to ensure Deutsche Tage can stay vibrant and affordable? Learn more about becoming a Personal Sponsor on page 6!

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Last Spring Spezial Class Begins May 31 Sign up for our final session in our Spring Spezial, short topics classes: Nachrichten & Aktuelles - News & Current Events. During this 4-week class for Advanced Students, we will watch and listen to German News followed by conversation and class discussion on the current events. The focus will be on expanding vocabulary and building language skills. This class meets on Wednesdays, May 31 - June 21.

To register, visit www.gai-mn.org/Spring-Spezial-2017

Language Corner: Adult Summer Classes, Sommerschule for Teens, & mehr!

NEW Summer Language Classes for Adults - Conversation and Literature

This summer the GAI is proud to present double the number of learning opportunities for our adult German students. Not only will be offering multiple levels and sessions of our Conversation and Review classes, but for the first time we are offering summer Literature courses for all levels - beginner, intermediate, and advanced. With our April G100 Summer course full, we are offering another section of G100 beginning in July for those eager to start their German studies. Brief descriptions of our Summer Language Class offerings is below, but you can register and learn more at www.gai-mn.org/Summer-2017

Beginner German Class G100 - Our 18-week class for Beginners, using the Schritte Textbooks. Tuesdays, 6:30pm-9pm 7/18-11/20 Grundstufe Conversation & Review (6 Weeks) - Ideal for students who have completed G100-G300, or at least one semester of German outside the GAI. Wednesdays 12pm-2pm, runs 7/12-8/16 or Thursdays 6:30pm-8:30pm, runs 7/13-8/17

Mittelstufe Conversation & Review (6 Weeks)- Ideal for students who have completed G400-G600, or at least four semesters of outside German. Tuesdays, 12pm-2pm, runs 7/11-8/15 or Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm, runs 7/12-8/16

Oberstufe Conversation & Review (6 Weeks)- Ideal for students who have completed semesters of AMR, B2, or C1, or have spent several years studying German and/or living in a German-speaking country. Thursdays, 12pm-2pm, runs 7/13-8/17 or Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm, runs 7/11-8/15

Grundstufe Literature (4 Weeks)- For students who have completed G100-G300, or at least one semester of German outside the GAI. Deutsche Märchen & Geschichten; Read & discuss the original Grimm Fairy Tales, stories by Wilhelm Busch and more. Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm, runs 7/18-8/8

Mittelstufe Literature (4 Weeks)- For students who have completed G400-G600, or at least four semesters of German. Wolfgang Herrndorf - Tschick; A well written, darkly funny coming of age story. Thursdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm, runs 7/20-8/10

Oberstufe Literature (4 Weeks)- For students who have completed AMR, B2, or C1, or have spent several years studying German and/or living in a German speaking country. Sascha Arango - Die Wahrheit und andere Lügen. A crime thriller with a clever plot that always surprises. Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm, runs 7/19-8/9

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Sommerschule for Teens One-week Intensives, June 19-23 or August 21-25 Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm Is your teen a budding Germanophile? Are they looking to bring their German language skills up to the next level? For the first time the GAI will be offering Sommerschule for Teens. This intensive week-long program is for students who have completed German III (or equivalent) and who want to sharpen and improve their German

skills over the summer. The course will focus on grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills - topics will include 'Sport & Spass' (Sports & Fun); 'Feiern & Ferien' (Celebrations & Vacations); 'Familie & Geschwister' (Family & Siblings) and more. Two one-week intensives are being offered, one in June at the end of the current school year and one in August before the next school year begins. Registration is open online, along with information on materials. Contact Language Services with questions at 651.222.2979 or language@gai-mn.org

German Language Summer Camps Spots are disappearing quickly for GAI German Language Sumer Camps, with Week 6 and 9 already full! From June 19 through August 18, our weekly day-camps provide fun, interactive German language education for children grades 1-3. Two camps will also be offered for incoming Kindergarteners in the middle of August. A list of the dates and themes can be viewed below, with detailed descriptions. Before and after care options are also available for all camps, and you can view

information and pricing online. Space is limited for each camp session; register today to ensure your spot by visiting www.gai-mn.org/camp2017 or by calling Language Services at 651.222.2979.

Camps for 1-3 Graders:

June 19 - June 23: Kleine Künstler (Little Artists) - Malen & Basteln (Arts & Crafts)

June 26 - June 30: Reise um die Erde (Journey around the World) - Reisen & Erdkunde (Travel & Geography)

July 5 - July 7 (3-days only): Das Leben aufgenommen (Life in pictures) - Fotografie & Zeichnen (Photography &

Drawing)

July 10 - July 14: Die heisse Spur - Junge Detektive (Young Detectives) - Geheimnisse & Schreiben (Mysteries &

Writing)

July 17 - July 21: Das macht Sinn! (That makes Sense!) - Biologie & Erleben (Biology & Experience)

July 24 - July 28: Kinder in der Küche (Kids in the Kitchen) - Backen & Kochen (Baking & Cooking)

- THIS CAMP IS FULL

July 31 - Aug 4: St. Paul Wanderverein (St. Paul Hikingclub) - Umwelt & Ökologie (Local Environment & Ecology)

Aug 7-Aug 11:Reise nach Europa (Trip to Europe) - Deutschsprachige Länder & Leute (German-speaking

Countries & People)

Aug 14 - Aug 18: Sonne, Mond & Sterne (Sun, Moon & Stars) - Astronomie, Geschichten & Basteln (Astronomy,

Stories & Crafts) - THIS CAMP IS FULL

Plus -Two Camps for Kindergarteners!

Aug 7 - Aug 11 & Aug 14 - Aug 18: Kids Safari - Kindergarten Camp

‘Sweet Land, the Musical’ at the History Theatre With Afterthoughts Q & A hosted by the GAI on May 7, following the 2pm Matinee Discounted Tickets for GAI Members Based on the film and classic short story, Sweet Land, the Musical runs at the History Theatre through the end of May, with a special GAI led Q & A session post-show for the May 7 matinee. As part of our partnership, GAI Members can receive $30 tickets ($15 for students) to the May 7 performance of Sweet Land when you use the special promo code GAI717. Called “A poignant, lyrical celebration of land, love, and the American immigrant experience,” the story centers on Inge Altenberg who journeys to America in 1920 to marry a bachelor farmer, sight unseen. However, in the wake of WWI, Inge’s German heritage turns her new neighbors against the match. The determined young immigrant and her stoic farmer must fight for their lives, facing their own misgivings and the harshness of an unforgiving land.

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With Ann Michels as Inge Photography by Rick Spaulding

News from the GAI Board of Directors

New Terms for GAI Board Members

Last April, the GAI Board of Directors approved a measure to change Board terms to parallel the calendar year rather than the fiscal year which ends June 30 for the GAI. This change was implemented to allow new Board Members to gain six months of experience serving on the Board, before participating in fiscal year end activities such as establishing the budget and setting organizational goals for the new year. The new terms will go into effect this year, and the terms of those Board members that were to expire in June will be extended through December 2017.

Ballot Mailing to GAI Members Request for Change of By-Laws: Transition to an Appointed Board

All current members of the GAI will receive a ballot in late May or early June, asking them to vote on a change to the GAI by-laws, as requested by the Board of Directors. This change would shift the process of filling board vacancies from one of a popular election by the general membership to strictly Board appointments. Why the change? This would move the GAI to a process that aligns with nearly all 501C(3) non-profits; allowing for the Board to recruit, vet, and appoint candidates needed for specific professional skill sets to advance the organization. Currently we have both elected and appointed Board positions. This new practice will move us toward that model, and also result in cost savings.

Become a Deutsche Tage Sponsor!

You love Deutsche Tage and we do too! Become a Personal Sponsor today and ensure that we are able to keep Deutsche Tage

free and open for everyone to enjoy. Your Sponsorship does this by covering the event production costs and directly impacts Deutsche Tage's success as our largest event of the year. Personal Sponsorship perks this year include:

The magic "I ♥ DT" sponsor button that grants you priority service at the bar all Deutsche Tage weekend AND $1 off beer at the GAI's 2017 Summer Biergarten events.

Free admission to a Historical Bus Tour of St. Paul on Friday, October 6th with Dave Bredemus.

And more!

NEW! This year in addition to the Individual and Couple Sponsor levels, we are offering a new $500 option: Reserve your very own Biergarten table* for a 2-hour time slot of your choice either Saturday or Sunday. You and your guests also receive a round of drinks on the Haus served at your table. You'll have the best seats in the Biergarten! (*Limit: 5)

Have questions? Contact Erin Howlett to learn more about your sponsorship perks and options at ehowlett@gai-mn.org or at 651.222.7027.

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Crews: Events Everyone enjoys events at the GAI, and it takes a great team to make that happen. Over the next few months we will form several volunteer teams (to match your skills and interests better), and the first one is a Set-up Crew. Crew duties include moving equipment, chairs, tables, and some decorating as required. We also seek a motivated individual who’d like to step forward as the team leader. Set-up is normally done the day before or the day of an event. If you are interested in joining the Set-up Crew or if you are interested in volunteering for Deutsche Tage 2017, contact Elisabeth Miller at emiller@gai-mn.org or 651.206.2642.

Haus & Grounds Saturday, May 13, 9am-12pm It’s the Haus & Grounds Spring Clean-Up! Come at 9am on May 13 to help the crew clean up the gardens and the lawn ready for all our fantastic summer events. Stay for lunch and beer at noon, and chat with friends old or new. This is a great opportunity to bring first-time Haus & Grounds volunteers and enjoy the outdoors! To sign up as a volunteer for Haus & Grounds,

contact Jim Gruetzman at 651.783.2996 or at

jgruetzman@gai-mn.org

Ongoing Events Stammtisch Tuesday, May 9 at 11:45am $10 per person RSVP by Friday, May 5

Join us once a month at the ‘regular’s table’ for Stammtisch— a luncheon of German food and programming auf Deutsch. At Stammtisch you can practice your German in a welcoming environment, while enjoying cultural programming organized by Tom Felling and a home-cooked meal prepared by Helga Parnell and her team of volunteers.

Kaffeestube European Breakfast Café Saturdays, through May 20 8:30am -11am $12 adults, $7 children Head over to the GAI Saturday mornings and enjoy our European-style breakfast buffet with your friends and family. Frühstück includes German rolls, cheeses, cold cuts, eggs, spreads, and more! Members and non-members welcome.

Volunteer Appreciation Sunday, May 21, 12pm-2pm 12pm - Bar Opens 12:30pm - Lunch Begins We love our volunteers! They keep our Haus in top shape, our events lively, and our community strong. As a ‘Thank you’ for all the hard work our volunteers do, we are hosting a special Volunteer Appreciation lunch on Sunday, May 21. Enjoy bratwurst, beer, and some ice cream dessert as we celebrate all of the time and talent you have given to make the GAI a place of great Gemütlichkeit this year. Anyone who has volunteered 10 hours or more since last spring should look for an invite in your inbox at the beginning of May. Contact Elisabeth Miller at emiller@gai-mn.org or 651-206-2642 with questions or to get involved in future volunteer opportunities. Also, check your inbox for sign-up information

for Deutsche Tage 2017, coming soon!

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GAI Minnesänger Choir Rehearsals Begin Again! With Deutsche Tage just two short months away its time to for the GAI’s German-language seasonal pop-up choir, Minnesänger, to begin rehearsals once again. Rehearsals take place in the GAI Ballroom and are scheduled every Monday, 7pm-9pm, May 1 through June 5 (No rehearsal on May 29, Memorial Day) Minnesänger will then perform at Deutsche Tage Sunday, June 11, at 1:30pm. If you have questions or want to learn more about the choir, contact choir director John Hoffacker at johnhoffacker@gmail.com

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 1388

TWIN CITIES, MN

301 Summit Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55102 www.gai-mn.org

Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/GAIMN

GAI Office Staff offices located on 2nd floor of the Haus. Phone: 651.222.7027 | Fax: 651.222.6295 office@gai-mn.org

Language Services Phone: 651.222.2979 | language@gai-mn.org

Kinderstube Director’s phone: 651.353.5147 | preschool@gai-mn.org www.kinderstubepreschool.org

Twin Cities German Immersion School Phone: 651.492.7106 | www.tcgis.org The Germanic-American Institute is the authorizer of the Twin Cities German Immersion School, a public charter school.

May Newsletter Deadline: April 1 June Newsletter Deadline: May 1

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FREE Film Screening: Krabat Saturday, May 6 at 10am Screening is in German with English Subtitles Estimated equivalent to PG-13 rating for fantasy violence, dark themes, brief, partial nudity Enjoy a spring movie outing with the whole family! On May 6 during Kaffeestube we will be screening the popular German fantasy-adventure film, Krabat. Adapted from the novel by German author Otfried Preußler, Krabat depicts the journey of a young man taken in as an apprentice to an old Mill Keeper, who teaches the boys who work for him sorcery at night. The plot thickens when it is found the master is extending his life and renewing his youth through deadly magic, which Krabat, his friends, and his love must avoid. It is an action-packed tale of magic, good and evil, and the power of love. While popular with children and adults in Germany, this film is a little more mature by American standards. Please contact Language Services if you have any questions about content. This free film screening is made possible by the Goethe Institut. Thank you for your support!

GAI Closed May 26-29

The GAI will be closed

Friday, May 26 through

Monday, May 29 in

observance of Memorial Day.

Language Classes and

weekend activities are not

scheduled during this time.

Thank you for your support

and enjoy your holiday

weekend!