JULY 2006 NEWSLETTER

To our Guests & Friends,

What an exciting month this has been at Hermann Hill Village. Our first guests arrived on June 1 and since then Cottages #1 and #2 have been occupied almost every night. We are now ready for guests to stay at the other three cottages, and will be offering special deals in July so we can "spread the word" about the Village experience.

The summer concerts at the Clara Eitmann Messmer Amphitheater have been very popular for locals and visitors alike, with several hundred people attending the open-air concerts that are held most weekends. See the article in this newsletter about the groups that are scheduled to perform in the next several weeks.

For additional information about upcoming events, check out the  local calendar and visit the Hermann Arts Council's web site.

(You will notice an asterisk (*) throughout the newsletter. This indicates a reference to Hermann Hill's Three-Mile Walk. Information about the walk is on our web site.)

Hermann Hill Village update - July specials being offered
We opened Cottages #1 and #2 on June 1st and have received very positive responses from our Hermann Hill Village guests. The outdoor hot tubs, gas grills, spectacular views, and steam showers are among the most frequently mentioned items in the journals. We'd like to share a few of their comments

". . . The deck with the fantastic view and the hot tub - both private and perfect! The bed was unbelievably comfortable, the incredible shower, the easy fireplaces, and the terrific food - all these things will make this one of our most treasured memories . . ." Caruthersville, MO

Outside deck on Cottage #2

Living room in Cottage #2

". . . Wow, we really didn't think you could top the Inn, but you've done it!!! There are so many wonderful things here. Best was the outdoor tub on the deck - loved it. What an awesome view of the river! The deck itself was absolutely perfect - the fan above the table was definitely a great idea. Of course, the yummy treats and breakfast items are super as well - we had to try pretty much everything - and it was all top-notch . . ." Peoria, IL

In reading some of the other journal entries, we noticed that guests staying multiple nights seem to eat some meals at restaurants, but also like to shop at local grocery stores to bring back something to grill at the cottage.

The quiches, made by Erin of nearby Union, MO, seem to be the most popular breakfast item, followed by waffles made in your very own waffle maker, croissants, and our signature breakfast entrée, Hermann Hill Scrambled Egg Casserole, which is reserved for those guests who stay multiple nights.

Kitchen area in Cottage #2

Word of mouth has always been our best marketing tool, and we plan to offer special deals in July to keep the cottages full. That way, more of our guests can spread the word about their Hermann Hill Village cottage experience. Read more about the July special on our specials page.

To view more photos of our progress, and for reservation information, click on the Hermann Hill Village page.

And the bands played on
Continuing in July are musical performances at the Clara Eitmann Messmer Amphitheater in Hermann's downtown historic district. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated. There is no charge to attend. And be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Picnickers are welcome. Click Performing Arts to read more about Hermann's musical history, the new amphitheater, and the musical groups that perform there.

Apostle Band
The Apostle Band was resurrected in 2004 by a group of local musicians looking to have a good time. It features 12, and sometimes 13, players on trombone, tuba, baritone, clarinet, tenor sax, trumpet and drums.

The band plays marches, selections from years ago, novelty tunes, or what band member Bob Kirchhofer calls 'happy music'. "We like to do fun things, and the music reflects the fun," he explained. He said they hold monthly practices if necessary, or when they just want to get together. Very often practices become a party. Beer is the traditional beverage served. According to Bob, Stag is the 'official beer', when they can get it.

Bob Kirchhofer plays tuba in the Apostle Band.

But don't be fooled by the light-hearted comments, the band is re-establishing itself as a first-rate musical group. They will play at local events, including the July 9th performance at the new amphitheater. Click to read more about the Apostle Band.

John Berkemeyer Big Band (JB Big Band)
John Berkemeyer formed the JB Big Band in 2002. The group was formed to play for a civic benefit to assist in raising funds to help pay for college expenses for the daughter of a recently deceased area musician. Since then, the group has expanded to play in central and eastern Missouri at private dances, public venues, and for educational and school benefits. According to John, "It was the love of this (swing) music and the desire to help perpetuate it while helping community events that has allowed the group to continue and mature."

Composed of 17 area musicians, large as swing bands go, the group ranges in age from 17 to 84 years. Musicians hail mainly from Missouri, with a few from Texas, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois and Kansas. The band plays all of the old standards and some newer arrangements and charts. Some of the charts are original arrangements by members of the band.

Beth Tummons is vocalist for the band. John describes her as a delightful young lady, whose smile will warm the hearts of everyone. She resides and performs in the Kansas City area. Her parents are music educators, and Beth was classically trained. John explained that when Beth was just barely of legal age, she appeared in a cocktail lounge where John was part of the instrumental group playing that evening. She asked if she could sing some tunes with the band.

Beth Tummons is vocalist with the
JB Big Band

John admitted, "The age difference between Beth and the rest of the instrumentalists was no less than 40 years, and we were concerned if she knew our tunes, or if we knew hers. But we boldly gave it a go. Beth astounded all of us." He continued, "Each tune we would call up she knew by heart and performed with the warmth shown in her smile. She was, and remains, an immediate hit." When not warming the hearts of audiences, Beth loves digging in the dirt, landscaping, and just being happy.

Beth will sing at the next JB Big Band performance, which will be on Friday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. Click JB Big Band to read more.

Hermann Municipal Band
The Hermann Municipal Band is one of just a handful of community bands in Missouri that is tax supported. The band contracts with the City of Hermann to perform three concerts annually. The City, in turn, collects a band tax, which provides the funds to purchase music and pay the band members' salaries: $1.50 per practice and $5.00 per concert. Weekly practices start in February or March, and concerts are held on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and the first Sunday in August annually.

B.A. Wagner formed the Hermann Municipal Band in 1946. It is an offshoot of the former Enterprise Military Band, a group B.A. started playing with in the 1930s. When he recruited some young musicians for the band, some of the older members took exception, and all but two quit the band. "It was a young group, and I got some criticism from some of the older members. But I discovered a long time ago, you don't live forever and you have to bring in the youth to keep the band going," said B.A.

Hermann collected a band tax until 1973, when the band ceased to perform due to lack of interest, but it was reactivated in 1987. Currently, the band averages 40 members from Hermann and surrounding towns. In keeping with B.A.'s feelings about including young people, several middle and high school-age students play in the band. It is said that the oldest member of the group played in the University of Illinois marching band in 1928.

For the past three years, the city band has been under the direction of Carl Bounds, band director at New Haven High School. The Clara Eitmann Messmer Amphitheater is the new home of the Hermann Municipal Band. The band's next, and final, performance of the season is scheduled at the amphitheater on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

To read more about Hermann bands and their history, visit the Performing Arts page on our web site.

Life is no longer simple for owners of The Junction
Dave and Barb Kahn moved to Hermann seven years ago to live a simpler life away from the hubbub of the city. "Little did we know that life would never be simple again," said Barb.

When they first came to town, Barb opened The Tin Rabbit, an outlet for traditional American crafts for home and garden, in the former cooperage adjacent to Hermannhof Winery. After living in Hermann for several years, the Kahns saw a need for more businesses. Dave got the idea to open the Kaffee Haus in a vacant building they have named The Junction. It is across the street from The Tin Rabbit. Actually, The Junction houses three new businesses: The Kaffee Haus, which features coffee and other specialty drinks; Muzzie's Corner, a unique toy shop; and Sophia's, an upscale boutique.

The Kaffee Haus opened in April. Featured are fresh-roasted coffee beans, specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, and teas served hot or cold. On occasional weekends, especially during the winter months, guests can indulge in Chocolate Shots - pure French chocolate served in an espresso cup. Sounds sinful! In addition to drinks, food items are featured - pastries, fruit cups, and fresh sandwiches. You can even find chocolate-covered potato chips and chocolate-covered coffee beans. Soymilk and sugar-free syrups and flavorings are available for those with special dietary needs. Coffee beans, whole or ground, and teas are available for sale, along with coffee-making gadgets and serving pieces.

On Fridays and Saturdays, entertainers perform at the Kaffee Haus from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Children are welcome to this family-friendly venue. There's a table set up with kid's games to keep them occupied during the performances.

The Junction features the Kaffee Haus,
Muzzie's Corner and Sophia's

A room adjacent to the Kaffee Haus is called Muzzie's Corner. Named for Barb's mother, the shop features affordable, quality toys. Muzzie's carries a wide range of plush animals by Gund, puzzles by Melissa and Doug, Made by Hand hobby kits, and Sesame Street hand puppets. A popular, and unique, item is the Mailable Gift Bear. Tiny bears in boxes can be sent like greeting cards through the mail that require only two postage stamps, also available at Muzzie's. Other items include specialty candies, baby books, clocks for children's rooms, and felt purses. It is a great place for locals to shop instead of having to head out of town to find a gift, and visitors to Hermann can find an unusual trinket to take home to the kids and grandkids.

Sophia's, named for the Kahn's granddaughter, will open upstairs at The Junction in August. It is expected to be a sophisticated shop featuring women's clothing and accessories, including Vera Bradley purses. Barb plans to offer items that she feels did not fit in with the line of merchandise she carries at The Tin Rabbit. They include cottage-type furnishings-wicker, iron, painted cupboards-pewter, glassware, paper goods, Thyme's body care items, and more. There will be a baby's corner and a gift registry. Gift-wrapping services will be available.

The Junction, at 407 East First St., is open seven days a week. The Kaffee Haus is open from 6:30 to 6:30 Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9:30 to 4:30 Sunday. The hours for Muzzie's and Sophia's (when it opens) are 10 to 5 Monday through Saturday and 9:30 to 4:30 Sunday.

For information about the shops at The Junction and weekend entertainment at the Kaffee Haus, call 573-486-2010.

Cajuns return in July
Aye-eeee! Stone Hill Winery* is gearing up for the 17th annual Cajun Concert on the Hill, set for July 7, 8 and 9. Recording artist Ed Gary and the Louisiana Cajun Aces will make the 800-mile trek from the bayous of Louisiana again this year to perform the three-day concert. The band is known for being "true Cajun".

Accompanying the band will be a number of Cajun dancers who encourage guests to join in and learn the tricky steps to all their dances. They'll perform traditional Cajun group dances, and free dance lessons will be offered one hour before each concert to all pavilion ticket holders.

Over the past decade, this ever-popular concert has evolved into the summertime event of the season, drawing thousands of visitors from across the nation. Rain or shine, there will be jigging, two-stepping and waltzing going on at the Stone Hill pavilion.

Cajun dancers perform at Stone Hill Winery at the
annual Cajun Concert.

For more information about the event, click on Cajun Concert.

Send this page to a friend

Hermann Hill Vineyard and Inn
711 Wein Street - P.O. Box 555  |  Hermann, Missouri (MO) 65041
Phone: (573) 486-HILL (573-486-4455)  |  Fax: (573) 486-5373
Email: info@hermannhill.com  |   Website: www.hermannhill.com