The music featured on this compilation
represents some of the musical styles that have traveled across our
stage. The artists have graciously joined our benefit for the
community and our Historic Hall Restoration Fund. Members and
Guests have enjoyed live music in our ballroom for over 92 years.
Yet even before the Hall was built, Sons of Hermann members influenced the
musical heritage of our great city.
The Sons of Hermann music tradition began locally when our Members joined
the Dallas Froshinn Singing Society, formed in 1877. Members of the
Froshinn later started the Dallas Symphony. In 1884, our Lodge
Brother, and Froshinn, Simon Mayer opened his Elm St. Music Venue
featuring nightly live music. The famed beer garden also served as a
home for alligators, tigers, and other exotics. In a time when
community mattered most, nearly the whole town watched as Brother Mayer
turned on the first outdoor electric lights in Dallas.
The music tradition continued when the Sons of Hermann Hall
opened in 1911. During the many decades before television and
videos, members witnessed the birth of modern music by way of artists
performing on our stage. Our weekly events reflect this colorful
heritage. Every Wednesday we have the Froshinn Choir and host Swing
Dance lessons. Every Thursday the Acoustic Jam brings friends and
instruments together. and on most weekends great musicians continue
to grace our historic stage.
Today
the Sons of Hermann music tradition remains steadfast - seamlessly
transitioning fro style to style on any given night of the week. The
Hall, born during Dallas' early days, weathered eras of development to
become the oldest venue in Deep Ellum. Our hardwood walls aren't
just filled with posters, they echo the sounds of Texas Music Legends.
But to consider only the music, one would miss the essence
of our Hall. Just like Mayer's Garden, this is a grand place where
people still matter - an original Texas dance hall where music events
bring generations of families together. The Sons of Hermann truly is
a home where the spirit of friendship and community resonate though every
melodic note.
See you at the Hall!
Proceeds of this compilation benefit the SoH Katherine
Baumann Benevolent Society (KBBS), the SoH Historical Society, and our
Centennial Restoration Fund. The KBBS spearheads our charitable
efforts into the community, including College Scholarships. This
Historical Society is currently implementing 2001 - The Centennial
Project, a countdown to our Centennial. To find out how you can
assist these efforts, log onto
www.SonsOfHermann.com.
Thanks to
the kind artists who donated their music for this compilation (many of
whom are members), to Hermann the Defender, Dallas Lodge #22 and Columbia
Lodge #66, Mike Snider, and everyone who has brought music to the hall
throughout the decades, the Acoustic Jammers, the Swing Kids, the
Froshinns, KNON and everyone involved in independent radio, Real to Reel
Studios, and to every member, guest, and musician who has ever been a part
of our glorious hall.
Friendship,
Love, and Loyalty Forever!
