47th Annual Swissfest
Sunday, November 3, 2013; 2:00 p.m.
Grand Hall; Turner Hall
1217-17th Avenue
Monroe, Wisconsin

Monroe Swiss Singers' 50th Anniversary!


Of all the performances we do, Swiss Fest is probably best known as our trademark event of the year, having been held almost every year since the chorus' inception in 1963.

Held in the Grand Hall of Monroe's Turner Hall, the program consists of traditional Swiss folk music and entertainment that audiences look forward to year after year. In addition to choral selections performed by the Monroe Swiss Singers, and our companion organizations from New Glarus, the Männerchor New Glarus and the New Glarus Yodel Club, there is accordion music, Swiss flag-throwing, Talerschwingen (Swiss coin-rolling), alphorn music and yodeling.

Following the program itself is an old-time dance, which this year will be played by the popular Keith Zweifel Band. At the very first Swiss Fest in 1963, the Jack Busch Orchestra of Cuba City, Wisconsin played the dance.

Also, before and following the program, the Turner Hall Ratskeller will offer a special ala carte menu featuring Swiss cuisine.

Some things have changed about Swiss Fest over the past four decades. In the 1960's, much of the program was presented in Swiss...not only music, but skits and jokes too...because many people in our area still spoke and understood the language. Our audiences now, while still appreciative and supportive of our rich Swiss heritage, consist of very few people who still know Swiss. Consequently, we do more translating and explaining to our audiences, which makes our performances not only entertaining, but educational too!

And, in true Swiss Fest fashion, there are always a few little shenanigans too! You can't leave without a smile on your face!

General seating tickets are $8 in advance (available at the Turner Hall Ratskeller through Saturday, November 2); $10 at the door; $1 for students in grades K-12; and pre-schoolers, free. The ticket includes the dance following the program...so this is a great bargain!