This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone on this planet. Dr's, nurses, small business, individual and family owned restaurants, event planners, people in the service industry, and musicians are getting an extra hard hit by the current illness and shut downs. That is nowhere near as painful as the loss of a family member or a loved one that could be avoided by keeping our distance, and being patient through this "hold" in time. So while we're weathering the storm, we are thankful for everyone staying home to keep the curve low!
For the band, things are still uncertain. They don't know when the restaurants and events they play for will be able to open to enough visitors to support their live music. They don't know when they'll be allowed to play public shows again. The trip Valina has spent over a year designing, planning, and purchasing advertisement for has been postponed to June 2021, and the couple of gigs they had booked in June have also been cancelled. Of course, over time, these uncertainties will work themselves out, they always do. But in the meantime, Valina has been writing songs, cleaning and organizing while Ross has switched his focus to upgrading their internet connection so they can provide a better quality live stream when they do their online shows. Ross is also nurturing trees and plants in the garden. They've both been rehearsing, hopeful things will turn around in a month or so. They are mostly using social media (facebook and youtube) to do these videos, and they hope you'll tune in for some of the fun.
They want you to know that they appreciate ALL of your support, whether it be by e-mail notes, writing a positive review on this page's guestbook, or on facebook, by supporting a restaurant they perform (The Sauer Kraut Gril is open again at 25% guest capacity and Rudi Lechner's Restaurant is still offering take out), or by sharing their videos with your friends online. If you have the means and would like to contribute to help keep the music going, they would love your help. There is a "donate" button at the top of the valina polka page, under the Pretzel and Bier bar, that links to paypal. Or make a check to Das Ist Lustig, PO Box 424, Sugar Land, Texas, 77487.
ALL forms of support, not just monetary, are crucial at a time like this, and that support goes in all directions. Music can help get us all through these times, and Das Ist Lustig is committed to keeping the happy music flowing for you!