The proud recipients of the 2004 Grand Prix der Volksmusik, Die Ladiner, who often bill themselves as Die Superstars der Volksmusik, are a German volksmusik duo from Val Gardena, Südtirol (i.e., South Tyrol), home to the Dolomite region of the Alps mountain range and the Rhaeto-Romance language Landin (hence the duo's name). Formed in 1996, Die Landiner are comprised of lead singer Joakin Stuffer and accordionist Otto Demetz, the latter of whom took the place of Joakin's brother Rafael Stuffer in 2005. Joakin's daughter, Nicol, has also performed with the duo, especially showcased on the album Ein Bisschen Fröhlich Sein (2006). Die Ladiner have recorded prodigiously during the 2000s and are also the hosts of Ladinerfest, an annual volksmusik festival in Val Gardena. ~ Jason Birchmeier