Join us on the third Sunday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon at the Germanic-American Institute for the GAI Café. Savor homemade and specialty German cakes alongside strong, aromatic German coffee, all available for purchase. At 10 a.m., enjoy a free presentation by a special guest, exploring a new theme each month—perfect for anyone curious about German culture or looking to connect with our vibrant community. Registration for the presentation is encouraged but not required. Whether you’re here for the pastries, the conversation, or the cultural insights, we can’t wait to see you at GAI Café!
Events of the day:
10:00 a.m. | Special Presentation with Dr. Bruce Gleason, see bio and regsitration below!
10:30–11:15 a.m. | German Storytime (auf Deutsch!) Open to all — little ones and families are invited to enjoy interactive storytime. Free, register here: https://bit.ly/4nNtsYQ
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Lantern-Making Workshop | Get creative and make your own lantern in preparation for Laternenfest! All materials provided. Buy tickets here: https://bit.ly/46XDrn3
Bio of Dr. Bruce Gleason
Stemming from a career that has spanned all levels of instrumental and vocal music instruction, kindergarten through graduate school, Dr. Bruce Gleason is a professor of music history and music education at the University of St. Thomas. He has published over fifty articles in both areas, and has published two books on military music history, including his latest release, Cold War Cadence: A Military Musician’s Berlin Memoir, 1988 – 1991 (Calumet Editions, 2024). In this fascinating memoir, and the topic of his GAI Café presentation, Dr. Gleason provides a fascinating review of not only the work of army bandsmen and women, but also offers more than a glimpse of the historic city of Berlin as well as the Prussian and Nazi ghosts that still reside there. Filled with copious detail and based on exacting and beautifully assembled notes, letters, North Star News articles, and photos, Gleason’s latest book of vivid recollections coupled with those of his bandmates promises to satisfy even the most discerning reader of Cold War and general European history. Along the way, he furnishes readers with an entertaining European and Asian travelogue with too many surprises to count.
Kaffee and Kuchen $8
