About Us:

G.T.E.V. Edelweiss Detroit's motto is "Treu dem guten alten Brauch" which
translates to "True to the good old ways."  We are a Bavarian heritage club from
the metropolitan Detroit area preserving and perpetuating the customs, Tracht
(ethnic costume), language, folk music, and folk dances of the southern
state of Bavaria in Germany.  Members of our ethnic society, founded in
1931, dress in traditional garb and sing, dance, and play authentic Bavarian
music.  We have performed in the U.S., Canada, and Germany.

"Siasswasser Tanzlmusi," under the direction of Rick Michels, is one of the
music arms of G.T.E.V. Edelweiss. "Tanzlmusi" means dancing music and refers
to the lively tunes handed down from Bavaria's rural folk. "Siasswasser"
(fresh water) pays homage to the club's home in Michigan, the Great Lakes
State. "Siasswasser Tanzlmusi" is one of the few groups of its type in the
U.S. to offer authentic Bavarian Landler, Boarischer, and Zwiefacher, along
with waltzes and polkas. Over a hundred years ago, rural Bavarians gathered
in barns and inns to dance to this music. Today, it's still as fresh and fun
as it was then.

G.T.E.V. Edelweiss is a member of Gauverband Nordamerika, an umbrella
organization of over 70 like-minded ethnic societies in the U.S. and Canada.
As Gau-Musikwart (music officer) of the Gauverband, Rick Michels oversees
the preservation of Bavaria's music heritage, consults extensively with
fellow directors in Bavaria, and cultivates ties with preservation societies
in Bavaria.  Edelweiss and the Gauverband are fortunate to benefit from his
passion for this delightful and timeless music.