RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Members of the Rancho Murieta Women’s Club swayed side to side during the Schrunkaln dance, clapped four times to the “Chicken Dance” and all but rolled out the barrels at their Sept. 24 luncheon at the Rancho Murieta Country Club.

Billed as Oktoberfest, the event featured the Hasenpfeffers German Band. The five-piece band set the tone with traditional German tunes typically performed during Oktoberfest celebrations, mixed with a few American sing-alongs. The crowd clearly enjoyed the opening set, but it wasn’t until the band launched into an infectious rendition of the “Chicken Dance” that they broke into action.

Nearly everyone joined in – clapping, opening and closing a “beak” with their fingers, and flapping their wings at their tables – while a few even jumped up to dance. Audience participation continued throughout the rest of the show. After the band seemed to be closing with “Auf Wiedersehen,” but then unexpectedly finished with “Sweet Caroline,” the crowd rewarded the band with a standing ovation.

Attendee Lorraine Luken, seated in front of the band, said she hadn’t expected the performance to be so much fun. 

“They were peppy, happy and kept my toes tapping,” she said. “There were a lot of smiles.”

Band leader Freddy Pfeffer also shared his reaction. 

“It was great,” he said. “We loved all the pretty girls.” He quickly added that at 81, he is happily married.

Board member Toni Anania, who oversees programs, introduced the band. She noted that Pfeffer is Dutch and was raised in Germany. After moving to New York, he started his first band before relocating to California, where he leads a jazz group called the Red Hot Peppers. Over the years, he has performed with trumpeter Max Kaminsky, a Dixieland great, and with Woody Allen. Each September and October, Pfeffer brings together musicians from other bands to play at Oktoberfest events.

The country club rolled out an Oktoberfest-themed buffet, complete with warm pretzel bits smothered in cheese sauce, chicken Schnitzel, a smoky bacon-laced sauerkraut, and rich German chocolate cake to finish on a sweet note.

Board member Vickie Joyner added a festive touch by creating centerpieces for each table with live succulents and tiny gourds.

Board President Bonnie Kirschman emceed a brief business program before the music began. She introduced new members and welcomed three new board members: Laura McAllister, Theresa Ilago and Erin Bailey.

Kirschman also reminded the crowd about the upcoming blood drive on Oct. 27 and noted that Vickie Joyner is coordinating the club’s Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 13.

Kirschman said the club is still looking for a couple more homes on the south side to participate. 

“So if you know anybody who loves Christmas and might be interested, let us know,” she said. “You don’t have to decorate the whole house. It would just be a couple of rooms.”