What is it about Monroe and its history that makes it so unique? Without question, Monroe would be very similar to other Midwestern communities its age if it weren't for Swiss immigration. Legendary names such as Rudy Burkhalter and the Moser Brothers, well-known at the Turner Hall of Monroe, are a significant part of Monroe's history.

From the 1920s through the 1940s such remarkable Wisconsin Swiss musicians as Rudy Burkhalter, the Moser Brothers, Otto Rindlisbacher, Louis Alder, John Giezendanner, and Albert Mueller made a series of historic recordings on commercial labels and for the Library of Congress. This presentation, illustrated with musical and interview excerpts, will sketch their careers and comment on their significance.

James P. Leary (pictured at right) is professor of folklore and Scandinavian studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he directs the Folklore Program and is a co-founder of the Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures. His many publications on the folklore of the Upper Midwest's diverse peoples include Yodeling in Dairyland: A History of Swiss Music in Wisconsin and Polkabilly: How the Goose Island Ramblers Redefined American Folk Music (which won the 2007 Chicago Folklore Prize for the best book published on a folklore topic).

Copies of Dr. Leary's book, Yodeling in Dairyland: A History of Swiss Music in Wisconsin, will be available for sale. First published in 1991, the book features a short biography of Rudy Burkhalter as well as information about area Swiss musicians, including the Monroe Swiss Singers, Martha Bernet, Edelweiss and Betty and other area groups and performers. Also available will be copies of the companion recording, Swissconsin, My Homeland, which was selected by the Library of Congress American Folklife Center as among the best traditional music recordings issued in 1988. The recording has recently been re-issued in cd format and includes performances by the the Monroe Swiss Singers, Bob and Scott Lorenz, Rudy Burkhalter, Betty Veterli, and Martha Bernet, and historical performances by Louis Alder, the Moser Brothers, and others.

More information on other programs and events of Turner Hall's 2008 Swiss Heritage Series is available here.