Journal file photo Mollie B. Performs at the 2019 Bavarian Blast. The popular polka performer will be back to play at the 2020 Bavarian Blast.

NEW ULM — After a year off, Bavarian Blast is back at the Brown County Fairgrounds July 15-18 with a few new wrinkles for 2021.

Pre-blast music begins at 4:30 p.m., July 15 with Heide and the Good Ol’ Boys of Sleepy Eye on stage 1 at the fairgrounds.

“Free Fallin,” a band featuring the best hits of Tom Petty, follows from 6 to 8 p.m. on stage 4. The band that has toured the country for nearly 15 years, features the instruments and costumes that re-create a Tom Petty concert.

“Takin It To The Limit: An Eagles Tribute” is two bands. “Collective Unconscious” and “The Fabulous Armadillos” with nine band members including a horn section, follow 8:30 to 11 p.m. on Stages 1-3.

On Friday, July 16, music begins at 11 a.m. at the Schell’s tent with The Concord Singers. Following are Mollie B., Dan Witucki, Alpensterne, The Concord Singers, Mollie B. Dan Witucki, Alpensterne, Southern Express from 8 to 10 p.m. and the Fabulous Armadillos from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Based in the Twin Cities, Southern Express is advertised as the Midwest’s premier tribute to Southern Rock icons including Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allmann Brothers, The Outlaws, and The Marshall Tucker Band.

The Shirts and Skins Band performs 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday in the Schell’s Tent. Their set lists feature contemporary pop, classic rock, funk, blues, classic and modern country.

The Sunday Schell’s tent lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. with the Original German Band. Mollie B. Will perform at the 10 a.m. church service, followed by the Municipal Band at 11 a.m., Schell’s Hobo Band at 2 p.m. Music will continue until 7:30 p.m.

KNUJ Polka Hall bands begin at 11 a.m. July 16 with the Leon Olsen Show. Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen follow.

Bands on Saturday, July 17 include the Wendinger Band and Malek’s Fishermen.

On Sunday, July 18, the Bavarian Blast parade begins at 12:30 p.m. Dain’s Dutchmen play at 2 p.m., the Larry Olsen Band at 3:30 p.m., and Dain’s Dutchmen at 5 p.m.

The Bavarian Blast 5k/10k run/walk returns. Team awards will go to best themed team and the largest team.

Saturday evening feature the dog race at 1:30 p.m., barrel race at 3:30 p.m., sauerkraut eating contest at 5:30 p.m., and a stein holding contest at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit https://bavarianblast.com

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).