Gramatneusiedl, Austria – A vibrant celebration of Austrian pop music, the Austropop Party, brought a surge of energy to the Gramatneusiedl community last Saturday. The event, organized by the SPÖ Ortsgruppe Gramatneusiedl, drew over 200 attendees to the Gemeindezentrum, filling the hall with classic hits and a lively atmosphere. The success of the party underscores the community’s appetite for live music and social gatherings.
The Austropop Party featured a packed program of beloved Austrian artists, performed live by the band “Live & Pur.” From the iconic sounds of STS and Kurt Osbahn to the energetic tunes of Seiler & Speer, the band delivered a setlist that had the audience singing and dancing along. The event proved particularly popular, with all 150 seats occupied by 6:00 PM and standing room quickly filling up, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Austropop music.
A Night of Nostalgia and Community Spirit
The evening wasn’t just about the music. it was a gathering of local figures and residents. Guests included members of the Himberg municipal council, including Vice Mayor Manfred Mitzl and his wife Renate, alongside Ingrid Wendl, Petra and Josef Auer and Herbert Stuxer with his wife Heidi. Bürgermeister Thomas Schwab welcomed attendees, acknowledging the crowded conditions but emphasizing the positive spirit of the event. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a vibrant light show accompanying the band’s performance.
“Live & Pur,” comprised of Gerhard Gottsbachner, Rigo Hess, Sänger Kurt Jansa, Adi Kelovits, Siegi Keglovits, Lara Key, Gerald Milkovits, and light technician Walter Pozzobon, kept the energy high well past the originally scheduled end time. What was intended to conclude at 11:00 PM stretched on until midnight as the band responded to enthusiastic requests for encores. The band’s dedication to delivering a memorable performance clearly resonated with the crowd.
Local Support and Community Involvement
The SPÖ Ortsgruppe Gramatneusiedl played a key role in ensuring the event’s success, not only in organization but also in providing refreshments. Cornelia Ballmüller and Michaela Buczolits led a welcoming committee, offering guests a complimentary drink upon arrival. A dedicated bar, staffed by Gemeinderat Michael Eibensteiner and a team of volunteers, served drinks and snacks throughout the night, with additional support from Sylvia Schwab and Erich Buczolits, among others. The collaborative effort highlighted the strong sense of community within Gramatneusiedl.
The event also drew attendees from beyond Gramatneusiedl, including members of the Memphis Bandits led by Christian Lackinger (alias Lucky Dean Luciano), as well as Regina Zupanjac with bandmate Toni Zupanjac. Nationalrätin Silvia Kumpan-Takacs also attended later in the evening, as did Bürgermeister Ernst Wendl from Himberg, who arrived after a prior commitment in Pellendorf. Petra Zimmermann, owner of a mobile hair studio in Himberg, attended with friends, alongside many other residents from the surrounding areas and Vienna.
The Austropop Party provided a nostalgic trip for many, with attendees of all ages – from 40 to 90 – enjoying the familiar melodies and songs. The event was described as a highlight of the spring season in Gramatneusiedl, fostering a sense of connection and shared enjoyment.
Looking ahead, the success of this year’s Austropop Party suggests it could turn into a recurring event on the Gramatneusiedl community calendar. The strong turnout and positive feedback indicate a continued demand for live music and social gatherings that celebrate Austrian culture. Further events like this are likely to strengthen community bonds and provide a platform for local talent.
What are your favorite Austropop hits? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below!
