Bayreuth Festival named by Bavaria's culture minister, Thomas Goppel, to take over the Festival. They were to take up their duties immediately, since their father had announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2008 Festival. They were chosen ahead of the pair of their cousin, Nike Wagner, and Gerard Mortier, who had placed a late bid for the directorship on 24 August. The conductor Christian Thielemann has agreed to act as chief adviser to the new directors, effectively taking the role of music director of the Festival. The festival draws thousands of Wagner fans to Bayreuth every summer. It is very
Bavarian Blast Bavarian Blast Bavarian Blast is the summer festival held every year in New Ulm, Minnesota, United States. With numerous bands, activities and attractions the festival has been growing. It started off in the downtown area (mainly German Park) but has expanded to the point that the location was moved to the local fair grounds. The weekend event includes bands from Germany, local bands, Tubamania, 10K Race, and a parade. The festival is held mid-July. While Bavarian Blast is young, its true past goes back to polkas. New Ulm was once referred to as the "polka capital of the world" and