The Balzats

The Balzats DemoThe annual public Balzat Family Concert (this year “with friends”) is scheduled for 7.00 pm October 10th 2009 at Westlake Boys High School. All are welcome. We are hoping to fill this hall that seats 2,000 and raise funds in support of Heart Children charity.

The Balzats played with Jordan Luck at the World Class Awards in March of this year.

We have been enjoying a wide variety of events and gigs over the past few months since our tour to the US and are steadily increasing our repetoire as well as working on producing a CD of our favourite pieces.Co-ordinating everyone and finding times for practice is always a challenge with a big family but we have been very blessed and there are always new  adventures on the horizon! The Seafood Festival in Auckland was a highlight this summer as well as performing at the Auckland Viaduct for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. Some of the girls also had the privilege of performing at Lakeside 09 along with Marian Burns in Rotorua.

Just before we left for the States we peformed a couple of songs on the nation-wide TV show called Good Morning which is shot in Wellington, New Zealand.  Here’s a video of us playing Jerusalem’s Ridge…

Just a short note to say we’re all fine and healthy and happy…

Spent a couple of days in New York, are staying in Lancaster County right now and have had some great times meeting people and seeing amazing sights! We did all the New Yorker things - well as much as you can pack into 2 days - and are all still aching from walking miles and miles and miles.

We busked in Central Park for an hour or so which was a neat experience, and today we have a few more hours before we have to head off to Philly Airport to fly 6 hours to LA. Only two more days It has felt like a long time though - ready for a holiday now! We’ve done so much and seen so much - such an amazing time! Will update more at another time!

Heidi

Well we’ve spent time in Grinnell, playing for the town there, staying with some lovely people - but we had to leave that behind and go on to Nebraska. There we stayed with some friends of friends who welcomed us all in to their house. The afternoon was lovely and warm - some of us enjoyed the sunshine with a book and saw hummingbirds for the first time. Absolutely incredible! They are SO tiny and their wings flap soo fast - its just a blur! Got some great snaps

In the late afternoon we went down to thefoundry - a little coffeehouse and played there for the Knapp’s housechurch that combined with another housechurch for the night. Met some amazing people and sample some Nebraskan fare.

After a good sleep (most of us slept right through an apparently spectacular lightning and thunderstorm) we were treated to a homestyle cooked breakfast that hit the spot and sent us on our journey full!

It was a short trip to LeMars - only 2 or so hours. Again we’ve all been put up in a home of some wonderful people and everyone is enjoying themselves.

Wednesday we played twice at the main event of this trip - 33rd National and Oldtime country and bluegrass festival - one was scheduled and the other was impromptu. Great reception all round - and we really enjoyed it! The stages are really great for us and seem to fit our style of playing really well. The atmosphere is great - all sorts of food, different stages, plenty of people and even some authentic tipi’s and tipi-dwellers handcrafting all sorts of amazing artifacts.

Thursday we played three times - again one was unscheduled. There is a lovely little outdoor stage that just gets packed out at night and we’ve been really fortunate to have been given the opportunity to play there twice! We’ve also checked out the local Walmart a couple of times - bought fruit for once! So nice to taste fresh fruit… Jon and Dotty Zens also came down from Wisconsin for the day and hung out with us which was really nice as we haven’t seen them for about 12 years.

Today, Friday we went down to Sioux City and checked out a mall there. Back at the festival we played another short gig, then off to Mr. P’s pizza for dinner. Pizza, pasta, salads and burgers were the order of the day. It was very nice to sit down and have a less fast-food meal than we’ve been having every day so far! We’re all missing the taste of fresh fruit and veges and have had enough of cheesy, fatty fast food! Just can’t escape it here!

Our final gig tonight was on the Main stage at the festival. It was nice to include Jake, a fiddler from Oklahoma in a couple of our pieces - and we were surprised when Bob Everhart jumped up onto the stage: he told everyone the story of how we came to be in Iowa all the way from New Zealand and then presented us with ‘The Rising Legend Award’. Its a beautiful plaque and we are so honored and thankful of their appreciation and support! Its been a great journey so far and there are still two days to go!

From sunny Iowa, Heidi

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OK!! Last night Katja and I stayed over at our new friends, the Langs. This morning they had layed out on the table fruit and donuts and fruit juice and coffee. It was the best breakfast we have had over here!! After we ate our very good breakfast, they taught us a new game, which was called Quiddler. Around that time the rest of the gang arrived, and we decided to teach them our game of netball. To tell you the truth, I was surprized that they hadn’t heard of it. They picked it up pretty quickly, and we played a great game in the scorching sun. I mentioned the scorching sun because it was so hot that the game didn’t last too long. So we retired to the living room where we taught them another game called 3D snap!! I won the game just in time for lunch to start. We ate delicious enchiladas that Mrs Lang made for us. She also made something chocolatey for dessert, the name I have forgotten. But the tastes are the most important, and they were delicious!! While the younger kids went to play outside, most of us older ones played another game, this time a board game, called Loaded Questions. I didn’t do to well this time. However, it was a very funny game. Halfway through the game, the boys went out shooting things, don’t ask me what! But Heidi took one of their places in the game. We finished the game eventually and seemed to all go separate ways. One of our friends had to drive up to where the men were setting up the concert for this evening, another took Britta Rikki and Matti horse riding, Katja and I went on the trampoline and played some more netball with the younger kids. But dad called us in to get ready for our concert that we were playing in later in the evening. We packed up our things and drove over to the Country Inn where we were staying. Mum, Rikki, Britta and Matti went swimming in the pool downstairs while the rest of us showered up and readied ourselves. It didn’t take long, and we were off the the park very soon. After unloading the car of our instruments, we walked over to the picnic area, where the Langs had prepared another meal for us. It was another fabulous meal. Compliments to the Chef!! At the park, there was a gazebo in the center, where we would be entertaining everyone for the evening. Very soon, people kept arriving. We were set up and tuned up so we started our performance. It went very well and we had lots of fun, but as they say, “time flies when you’re having fun”. Thats exactly what happened. The usual thing happened after our concert. The meeting of our audience. I always love that part. That too ended quickly. The night was clear the air was warm, so some of us kids went for a tour around the town. It was sooo pretty. We came home in time for ice cream sundaes, which were apparently made with the famous Le Mars ice cream. We were taught another game at that point. It was called signs, and it was ridiculously funny. We played it for ages, until dad came, the bearer of bad tidings, and said we had to leave. We had a big group photos before the camera died, played and sang a song that mum had written, and said all our goodbyes. Now that took a while. We returned to our hotel rooms eventually, most of us checked our emails, and drifted off to sleep.

 This particular blog was written by Anni Balzat

Follow our USA Tour progress on http://www.getjealous.com/Balzat

Well after a late night packing and cleaning up we woke at 6, had a quick breakfast and got on the road by around 7.20. We took a different route this time to Kansas City and ended up knocking about 40 miles off the trip! Missed out seeing the Jones signs again but that doesn’t matter… Most of us slept or dozed on the way - late nights are starting to catch up with us!

We arrived at around 10.30am in Kansas City and easily found Jacob’s Well thanks to our GPS. Jacob’s Well is a church that Dad has contacts at. It was really interesting - about 300 or so people, all around the age of 20-30. Nice to experience something different, but the temperature was such that we all were dozing off. Some of us were chronic, falling forward and snapping upright again - spot the Kiwi’s!

After church we drove around in circles trying to find somewhere to eat… We were directed to the Plaza - which is beautiful, but pricey by the looks of things! So again, thanks to the GPS, we found Planet Sub. Basically a fancy, expensive subway! We all ended up just sharing subs as we knew we’d be having an earlier dinner than we’ve been used to!

Finding Knuckleheads was a challenge! Navman let us down this time - the wrong address got punched in and we ended up going to the wrong end of town and having to be rescued! And we needed it… Knuckleheads is a crazy place. Its at the end of town where the trains are, the trucks, basically the very edge of town! It doesn’t look anything like a friendly place from the outside - but inside its really cool! A lil stage in the middle of a saloon - fully kitted out with microphones, lights, foldbacks, everything! I think there were around 30-odd people there and they were all telling us it was a really quiet day and that there were lots of things on in Kansas city that day which kept a lot of people away! But it was a great gig - we made enough to cover all our travels so far (on the road!) and sold a few dvd’s too. They gave us dinner and we were glad we only had a lighter lunch!

We met some great people there who told us a lot about America and Kansas City and travelling and who wanted to know a lot about NZ! They led us to the freeway and we got back on the road to Iowa. It was quite a quick trip but a few of us were dozing again. Finally made it to Grinnell, Iowa and checked in to the Country Inn. From there we went up to the Lang’s, just up the road. They live on a 3000 acre corn and soybean farm - and have a lovely home and family. Katja and Annika stayed there the night while we all went back to the motel for an early-ish night!

Branson by day is very interesting. You can drive down the main street several times and still be hanging out of the window noticing new things. Its just chocka full of entertainment! Loads of theatres, restaurants, shops, mall, food outlets, mini golf, rides, pools, sculptures, old cars, Ride-the-ducks, bumper boats, water towers, massive cars, quaint little shops, hundreds of places to stay - and lots of people! Just a hive of activity. Normally the population is around 6000 - but we were told that at the moment its more like 100000. We made up ten of those!

So on Saturday morning we got up, had our free breakfast - biscuits and gravy for the first time! There was also scrambled eggs, waffles, bagels, donuts, Krispy Kremes and french toast. Soo filling. Biscuits and gravy are quite nice but I don’t know if I could eat it every day - maybe once a month? A biscuit (for all the Kiwis) is pretty much a scone. Some of us just had it with jelly (jam) and cream cheese. There is also coffee on tap 24/7 here.

After breakfast we headed down to Branson Landing. Its a really nice part of town - down by the Taneycomo Lake. We had to walk quite a way to get to where we wanted to be and was it ever hot! There was a fiddle competition on so we walked up and tried to register but realised that it was basically for individuals. But they were very accomodating and allowed us all to play as a guest artist. So flexible… probably wouldn’t find that in NZ! So we waited - tuned up, practised a bit, waited, waited, waited… did I mention it was incredibly hot? I have a couple of friends who go to school in Branson so they came down and we met in person for the first time (!) and spent an hour or so chatting. Apparently the Landing is only about 3 years old! Think waterfront shops with spectacular fountains, paved walkways… very classy! It was also apparently a cooler day… and less humid than normal. We were pretty hot! Compared to a NZ winter it was incredible. I think we’re all still adjusting.

Finally they called us down to the pavilion to the side of the stage and we unpacked and got ready to play. But there were still 4 competitors before us - and they each play three songs! So another hour later we finally got onto the stage. The stage was at lake level while the crowd were sort of in tiered seating up towards the landing. Really nice atmosphere! We all crowded onto the tiny stage and played Cooleys and Blacktown Jig. It was a little different to the rest of the fiddle tunes so people seemed to quite enjoy it. They went really well - and we had a spectacular finish!

Every hour a song gets played. At 12 it was the National Anthem, and from then on it was other songs. Not only does a song get blasted over the PA, the fountains go off! And not only do the fountains shoot 12ft into the air, flames explode from about 12 smokestacks! So at the end of Blacktown, the area behind us pretty much exploded with water, fire and some loud song! We didn’t realise the song was playing but the blasts of fire put off an incredible amount of heat - we didn’t realise it was possible to get any hotter!

So that was quite an experience! A few people came up to us and gave us copies of their CD’s - one of the guys went up to Mansfield, Missouri where Laura Ingalls lived and recorded all of the Ingalls’ favorite fiddle tunes - IN the Ingalls’ house, on Pa’s fiddle! We were pretty stoked to see that CD and have been listening to it a fair bit in our travels. Before we played Mum was interviewed for a Branson newspaper and Dad was on the local radio which was down at the Landing - then afterwards someone came up to us and said - ‘Go to Silver Dollar City to the Guest Relations. Tell them your name - there are 10 tickets waiting there for you.’

So after a quick trip to Walmart we popped into Ruby mall for a bit of lunch and got some hotdogs. Hilarious! We were thoroughly entertained by a 14-year old who had only worked there four days. We ordered kraut dogs and chilli dogs as well as a salad. However, he wasn’t aware they even served salad there - and forgot to give us kraut! But we were given huge servings when we went back for it and it really was a funny experience.

We drove up to Silver Dollar City and met my friends there again. We got there at 4 and it closed at 6 so there wasn’t a huge amount of time - but it was still really good! One ride we went on said ‘Prepare to be soaked.’ And I was thinking, oh yeah, a light sprinkling of water - when we heaved ourselves out of it we were completely drenched. Head to foot. Soaked to the skin. It was pretty much a waterslide in an inner tube! Lucky its so hot here…

SDC is set up amazingly. There are heaps of little stores that are made to look authentically historic. The proprietors are all dressed up in old time clothing and even the ride attendants are dressed up! We’ve been saying that its really cool to see people putting 120% into something - down to the smallest details and still giving it their best.

After a swim at the motel we went to Applebees for dinner with Caleb and Rebekah. It was really good - a good American steakhouse - we all had 9oz steaks with 2 sides and a great topping for about 11$ US. Not bad value! Then of course we had free dessert back at the motel - so we were well and truly stuffed.

We travelled about 300 miles today.

After making our way to Kansas City by 11.50, we got to our motel at 12.45am, checked in, unpacked - then HAD to find food. The last meal was lunch in LA… so we were pretty hungry. By 1.20am nothing is open. Except for McDonalds.

And there we experienced an unusual thing… after ordering 12 burgers (some VERY hungry people)… they eventually drawled, ‘Sir that will be about a 15 minute wait’. This is ONE THIRTY AM with NO-ONE else in the queue. The whole vanload groaned. Very audibly! But since nothing else would do, we waited. And they came out with it… walking as SLOW as possible. Normal American hospitality? I think not…

After a very late night we got up at around 8 for our free complimentary breakfast of make-your-own waffles, porridge, coffee, orange juice, donuts, cinnamon rolls, toast, sweet pastries… it was all carbs and sugar. No fruit - ick! Oh well - traditional American motel fare Its free - can’t complain too much!

After picking up a keyboard, guitar strings, violin strings, cello and DVD’s we finally got on the road to Branson. Weird Navman directed us in circles for a bit but finally got in freeway 70. Food is always a necessity so we stopped at Subway in some little town - so doesn’t taste the same as NZ. Different cheese, different bread, different sauces. Rikki ordered gerkhins and they were confused. Matti wanted capsicum and they weren’t sure but assumed the bell peppers. Very interesting experience! New Zealanders definitely have better hearing than Americans. Here you have to shout to be heard! So beware, when we come back, no-one will be asking us to repeat anything!

Stopped at Sheldon at Jones’ boots. The signs on the freeway were bigger than the store that advertised over 6000 pairs! It was a lovely little shop. We hung around for quite a while, trying on hats and boots. Andre the giant (think Princess Bride) had boots specially made to fit his feet. Absolutely massive.

Its really hot here. We’ve consumed a LOT of water and Dr. Pepper and Root beer.  50c a can of pop in Sheldon from someone who couldn’t believe we’d come all the way from NZ to Sheldon! Town of about 50? Ha…

We experienced Walmart in Springfield, MO. So cool! Guns from 20$, live fish, shoes, clothing, cd’s, dvd’s computers, groceries, fresh fruit & veges… just about anything you can think of. We bought a cellphone for $9.98. A. Ma. Zing.

Finally we reached Branson at about 8pm. Amazing main street! All lights and theatres and shows and stores… wondering what its like in daylight! Every show/group has its own theatre and the shows run non-stop for about 9 months a year. Imagine being so tied down… After checking in we visited Taco bell for dinner. Small looking portions but pretty filling. Well, once you’ve had your 3gallons worth of Dr. Pepper refills! Bransons Best has free desserts so we filled right to the top. Right now we’re realising its past midnight while watching some murder mystery and updating blogs. Still very warm even now. Gotta love the permanent air-con! Possibly entering some fiddle competition tomorrow - we’ll see what the morning brings!

Heidi 

Follow our USA Tour progress on http://www.getjealous.com/Balzat

Well we heard reports that the weather was going to be no good in LA - but after an 11.5 hour flight (lots of movies, not a lot of sleeping!) we arrived to a beautiful sunny day. No problems through customs. They ask ‘How many?’ and when our reply is ‘10′ - they just wave us through. We all got fingerprinted and eye-scanned bar the youngest three and checked in for our connecting flight to Phoenix.

However, its a 4 hour wait - so we trudged along - in the sunshine and HEAT - to the main international airport and found some good Mexican food. Tostadas, enchiladas, tacos etc. Right now we’re sitting among our carnage and sipping iced coffees from McDonalds.

What else can I say? From here we go back to the domestic terminal (with all our violins and carry on) and fly 1.5 hours to Phoenix. There we have a 1.5 hour wait and will probably have dinner (its all about food)…. and then fly to Kansas City. We’ll be arriving there at about 11.30 so it’ll be straight to the motel and straight to sleep.

We’re getting a few strange looks because of all our instruments and baggage. Matthias is dragging around an empty little suitcase for ’stuff he’s getting in America’. Being empty, it bounces around and gets everyone in the heels! Grr… funny to watch though.

Ok we’re off to the airport now. Catch up later!

Heidi

Follow our USA Tour progress on http://www.getjealous.com/Balzat

Well there is one sleep to go until we get onto the plane to go to America. Needless to say the last few days/weeks have been very busy - especially this week! We’ve known about this trip for so long - but it really has just crept up on us. Biggest challenges at the moment is packing light and summery! Have to dig out all those t-shirts and shorts - seems weird while we’ve been enduring rain and storms for the past 2 months. Its probably safe to say thats the thing we are all looking forward to most. Summer here we come!

We have a 12 hour flight to LA, a few hours wait at LAX, a flight to Phoenix, Arizona, a short wait, then a flight to Kansas City, Missouri. So its pretty much 24 hours of travelling. Here’s hoping we can sleep on the first flight!

We’re all busy memorising our itinerary and dreaming of sunshine. We’re collating diaries and pens and little necessary items for toting around hot American cities and trying to keep healthy! One sleep and two days to go!!!

Follow our USA Tour progress on http://www.getjealous.com/Balzat

From last year’s Family Concert: “Cooleys”

Matthias Balzat plays Scherzo by Van Goens at 8 years of age!

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- The Balzats

It seems the Balzats are going on tour. Bob & Sheila Everhart of Iowa, USA spotted them playing a couple of numbers at the Auckland Bluegrass Club on the last night of their 2008 NZ tour and invited them to come and play at the US ANNUAL NATIONAL OLD TIME COUNTRY & BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL in Le Mars, Iowa from 27-31August 2008. So that’s the plan. The tickets are booked and the group is looking to play a few gigs in Kansas City/Missouri, Branson or Springfield/Missouri, Grinnell/Iowa, Omaha/Nebraska. The Balzats hope to get to Lancaster County/Pennsylvania 1 September and play in New York before heading back to Auckland via Los Angeles.