Interview: Greg Long on why Silvesterchlausen brings a bit of Appenzellerland to New Glarus, Wisconsin
Greg also explains why polka culture is a pure expression of Midwest joy.
The question isn’t “what does Greg Long do?” The better question of this New Glarus resident and polka fan is “what DOESN’T Greg Long do?”
Greg sings choral music with the New Glarus Männerchor and Alpine tunes with the Jodlerklub. He plays the stand-up bass with the Swiss folk ensemble D'Schwiizer Gruppe and the newly formed, German-style band called the Biergarten Specials. He plays a little alphorn on the side.
The most important thing he does is bring his enthusiasm for music to every event he’s involved in. He used some of his social capital in the New Glarus community to convince the Green County village of just over 2,200 people to hold a New Year’s event in mid-January called Silvesterchlausen. In a tradition unique to Appenzell, Switzerland, carolers dress in masks and costumes while yodeling and ringing cowbells. You have to see it.
Fortunately in Wisconsin, you can see it in New Glarus on January 13, 2024. The afterparty feels like the Wisco-Swiss version of the loud Irish pub where all the patrons sing and everyone is family.
Greg graciously agreed to be my very first interview in the Shotski Lodge. He is among my most sincere and enthusiastic cheerleaders. He and I have had many conversations about what “polka culture” means. In this interview, we attempt to put into words why we love this music so much. Greg explains why polka is the essence of Midwest joy.
Follow @newglarus_swissmusic on Instagram to learn more about the Alpine-inspired music culture and events happening in New Glarus, Wisconsin.
