NÖvemberfest

Just about any weekend you care to look for it, there's polka in the heartland -- the heart of Texas, that is. Here's a taste of some of what's out there in the next couple of weeks:

10/30-11/8: Wurstfest, New Braunfels. New Braunfels' very own "salute to sausage" is a 10-day celebration of all things Deutsch. Founded in 1961 as a way to help local sausage-grinders move some surplus product, the Fest now attracts over 100,000 visitors a year. In addition to the requisite "fun" and "food," there's music all day, every day -- over 60 bands altogether. Highlights for this year's fest include Jimmy Sturr, Brave Combo, New York's Die Schlauberger, and all of your New Braunfels favorites. Also on the schedule is a November 1 Catholic Polka Mass in the Wursthalle. Call 800/221-4369 for more information, or visit the Wurstfest Web site at http://www.new-braunfels.com/wurstfest.

10/30: Melody Five Polka Band, Fraternal Auditorium, West, Texas

10/31: Bobby Jones Czech Band, Mustang Hall, Hallettsville; Tony Janak's Polka Band, SPJST Star Hall, Seaton; Jubilee Polka Band, Bavarian Village, New Braunfels; Walburg Boys, Walburg Restaurant, Walburg

11/1: Tony Janak's Polka Band, American Legion Hall, Sealy; Granger Polka Boys, SPJST #29, Taylor

11/6: Dancehall Boys, SPJST #29, Taylor; Walburg Boys, Walburg Restaurant, Walburg; Brave Combo, Liberty Lunch, Austin

11/7:The Combinations, SPJST Star Hall, Seaton; Melody Five Polka Band, Fraternal Auditorium, West; King of Swing, SPJST #18, Elgin; Bohemian Dutchmen, Bavarian Village, New Braunfels; Walburg Boys, Walburg Restaurant, Walburg; Jam Session, Baca's Confectionary, Fayetteville

11/8: Melody Five Polka Band, Dance Club, Buckholts; New Braunfels Village Brass Band, St. Paul Lutheran Church, New Braunfels -- J.H.