Texas Polka News - March 2016 Volume 28 | Isssue 2 Texas Polka News INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 Bohemian Princess Diary eresa Cernoch Parker IPA fundraiser was mega success! Welcome new advertiser Janak's Country Market. Our first Spring/ Summer Fest Guide 3 Editor’s Log Gary E. McKee More Salute to Steel 3 From the TPN Archives July 2006: 40th National Polka Festival 4-5 Featured Story Polka Sax Man 6-7 Czech Folk Songs Program; Ode to the Songwriter 8-9 Steel Story Continued 10 Festival & Dance Notes 12-15 Dances, Festivals, Events, Live Music 16-17 News PoLK of A Report, Mike's Texas Polkas Update, Czech Heritage Tours Special Trip, Alex Says #Pep It Up 18-19 IPA Fundraiser Photos 20 In Memoriam 21 More Event Photos! 22-23 More Festival & Dance Notes 24 Polka Smiles Sponsored by Hruska's Polka Sax Man Donnie Wavra By Gary E. McKee Story on Page 4 Look for the 1st Annual Spring/Summer Fest Guide
2 Bohemian Princess Diary Theresa Cernoch Parker IPA fundraiser was mega success! Welcome new advertiser Janak's Country Market. Our first Spring/ Summer Fest Guide
3 Editor’s Log Gary E. McKee More Salute to Steel
3 From the TPN Archives July 2006: 40th National Polka Festival
4-5 Featured Story Polka Sax Man
6-7 Czech Folk Songs Program; Ode to the Songwriter8-9 Steel Story Continued10 Festival & Dance Notes12-15 Dances, Festivals, Events, Live Music 16-17 News PoLK of A Report, Mike's Texas Polkas Update, Czech Heritage Tours Special Trip, Alex Says #Pep It Up
18-19 IPA Fundraiser Photos20 In Memoriam21 More Event Photos!22-23 More Festival & Dance Notes24 Polka Smiles Sponsored by Hruska's
Polka Sax ManDonnie WavraBy Gary E. McKeeStory on Page 4
Look for the 1st Annual
Spring/Summer Fest Guide
Texas Polka News - March 2016Page 2
Bohemian PrincessDiary
By Theresa Cernoch Parker
Wow! What an event! The Super Bowl Polka Party fundraiser for the International Polka Association Hall of Fame was amazing. About 400 people attended the Squeezebox dance at SPJST Lodge 88 on Feb. 7. And football fans were able to make it home in time to see the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl. Congrats to Gary Kubiak, fellow St. Pius X High School alum and Polish guy. Wish you could have worked your magic with the Texans! I digress. The Texas Polka News sponsored the Super Bowl Polka Party and the volunteer team made it happen. First, thanks to my husband, John, who I am grateful that he decided to stay married to me after the event. He watched me take phone reservations, brought in packages that piled up on our dining room table, carried all those packages into the Lodge, then helped attendees find their seats. Second, thanks to my friends who did whatever needed to be done to make sure all was well at the event – my BFF since junior high, Sarah Case and her husband Steve. It was Steve’s job to serve the Bloody Marys to the volunteer crew and band that morning and he did a fine job. My friend Sarah is used to me saying, “I need your help planning this event!” and as usual she stepped up to make it all a success. Pat and Louis Vrazel said “Sure, we’ll help coordinate the auction.” They did an outstanding job as more than $800 was raised. Their son, Jarrod, managed the Squeezebox merchandise table and brought some kolaches from Texas Polka News advertiser Hruskas for the silent auction. Wes and Julie Matus showed up in their matching green Mollie B shirts and helped decorate the tables, check folks in, and sell Telstars CDs. (Yes, there are Telstars CDs available thanks to the Wes taking on this project. Check out
polkabeat.com Polka On Store to order yours today!) Earline Okruhlik and Michael Visoski also helped with set up, checked people in, and did whatever was asked of them. Valina Polka was effervescent as always helping decorate the tables and serving as a great hostess leading people to their tables. Vernell Foyt, the Entertainment Chairperson at Lodge 88, helped with ticket sales. Vernell is always willing to try new things that will bring people to the Lodge and polka dance. Mark Hiebert captured the event in photos. Ever since I enlisted Mark to help with the creation of the Jimmy Brosch Czech polka bands book, he has supported me in covering polka events, never once saying, “Oh, I think I’m busy that day.” Harold and Mary Lou Lawson are probably my biggest fans since my dad is no longer here to claim that title. They did a little of everything - decorating, seating, telling me to remain calm. I love them both more than they’ll ever know. It was great working with Danny Zapletal, the new IPA Hall of Fame director, and Mollie and Ted Lange. They planted the seed of an idea to have a fundraiser for IPA and they knew that Houston was the place to have it. It is great to work with like-minded people who have a passion for polka! The result was a mega successful fundraiser. Read more about it and see the photos on page 18. Be sure to check out our Spring and Summer Fest Guide. There are so many festivals and church picnics scheduled, we want to be sure you have a guide to help plan your spring and summer weekends. I am very proud to announce and thank our new advertiser – Janak’s Country Market – who will be bringing you the church picnic information through September. Leroy and Alice Janak brought some of their summer sausage to the battle dance in Rosenberg in January. Talk about good! I can’t wait to go by the Country Market just outside of Hallettsville for lunch soon! These are exciting times for polka in Texas. I was stoked to see the packed house at the El Campo Polka Fest at Taiton Community Center, and the overflow crowds at the Squeezebox dances in Hallettsville and Houston. As Alex Meixner says, “It’s all good.” Polka On!
Ads/Media Articles, ads, letters to the editor deadline: 1st of the month for the next month
Discounts available for multiple runs. Combo deals available for ads in TPN and polkabeat.com.
Contact Theresa Parker for information.
On The Cover Mark Hiebert captured this image of Donnie Wavra at Sengelmann Hall on July 1, 2012. Donnie and his orchestra provided the music for a Texas Heritage Music and Dance Club fundraiser.
Get/Give The Texas Polka NewsContinue the polka tradition! Give your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews a subscription to Texas Polka News. We’ll extend your current TPN subscription one month for each subscription you designate as a family gift. Published monthly. One year (12 issues) for $25. Clip this out & mail check for $25 (outside U.S. $40) to The Texas Polka News P.O. Box 800183 Houston, TX 77280. Or click on the TPN link on polkabeat.com to subscribe or renew online with a credit card.
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About Texas Polka NewsThe Texas Polka News was started by Julius Tupa of Houston in 1987 with the mission to preserve and promote polka music and dance. When Julius passed away in 2002, his wife, Marie, continued as publisher, and his friend, John Rivard, took the reins as volunteer editor. John stepped down as editor in June 2014, and Marie sold the paper to Theresa Cernoch Parker, who
resumed publishing in September 2014. In addition to polka, the paper covers other dance hall music including Country, Western Swing, and Cajun, and celebrates live music, such as Opry, across the state. Theresa also founded polkabeat.com in 2010 to honor the memory of her dad, Willie “Bill” Cernoch, to promote polka music and heritage.
Julie ArderyLouise Barcak
Bill BishopLauren Haase
Mark HiebertJulie Matus
Earline Berger OkruhlikJohn Roberts
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Karen Williams
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Texas Polka News - March 2016
Editor's LogMore Salute to Steel
By Gary E. McKee
Polka Date: March 2016. Last month's column on the impact of the steel guitar in the music world promised more steel enlightenment.
As with other musical instruments the list of steel guitar players and styles is infinite. So the editor will cast a wide net and see who gets some ink this month. Apologies to all the great steelers that aren't included, but you know who you are and so do your fans. Playing steel is like most instruments, either you're really good or you're really not.
THE BEST OF THE BESTIn the 1930s, according to Eldon Shamblin (Bob Wills' guitarist), Bob Dunn was THE steel guitarist. Dunn was one of the first to amplify his lap steel and then magnetized the strings to give it a distinct trumpet-like sound. After Dunn joined Milton Brown and His Musical Brownies,
his jazz-flavored steel guitar was the instrument that set apart this new Western Swing sound from other genres. Soon Leon McAuliffe, Herb Remington, Noel Boggs, and dozens others followed suit each with their own style. The amplified steel reeked havoc among other string instruments. Not only was it loud, it was a move away from the "traditional" string bands (drums were still not allowed.) When Hank Penny's band was invited to play on the Grand Ole Opry, it was suggested that his steel player, Noel Boggs, bring a dobro instead of his steel. Penny refused on the grounds that it stifled his band's creativity.
LET'S ROCKThe widely cast net has also yielded images of three of The Beatles playing lap steels while recording, and one of
George on a pedal steel. John Lennon played a lap-steel (a Hofner 5140 Hawaiian Standard) as lead guitar on the song For You Blue. Other steel players in the rock world include Dave Lindley (Dylan, Jackson Browne,) and Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead, New Riders of the Purple Sage). David Gilmour's (Pink Floyd) celestial musings on Dark Side of the Moon with a basic steel was a wonderful counterpoint to the band's use of heavy electronically-altered instruments.
Continued on page 8
Wow! You did a wonderful job on the article for Dancehall Sounds 10th Year (February 2016). I also really enjoyed reading the article about all the steel guitar players and history. Thanks again for the wonderful article and all of your support.Allen Pollard, Bishop
Thank you for all you do to keep the TPN going and so interesting! Always a pleasure to see it in our mailbox!
Julie & Wes Matus, SpringPlease renew us for another year of printed polka delight!Valina & Ross, Sugar Land
Keep up the good interesting news. God Bless!Rita Janak, Shiner
Thank you for keeping polka music alive! We appreciate all your hard work.Greg & Joan Griffin, Gonzales
Page 3
From the TPN Archives: July 2006
From Our Readers
ENNIS NATIONAL POLKA FESTAs reported in the July 2006 issueThe traditions continued on Memorial Day weekend with the 40th Annual National Polka Festival in Ennis bringing polka enthusiasts from across the state and the nation to this Texas town south of Dallas. This annual celebration included dancing in three air-conditioned halls, all within a few minutes of each other by free shuttle bus or your car. The music and dancing featured 11 great bands, including the Mark Jirikovec Band from Wisconsin. It all turned into one big party over three days. Festivities started Friday evening with music by the Harvesters. James & Debbie Macik of Decatur (TX) were selected King and Queen of the 40 Annual Festival by winning the dance contest. Their official duties include appearing at each of the halls during the weekend, and participating in the parade. The Festival also honored all Royalty for the past 20 years with a special ceremony and identifying sashes. Many were seen dancing at various halls during the weekend.The big downtown parade was Saturday,
featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales. Of course the street dancing followed to the music of the Czechaholics. Polka DJ Johnny Krajca, marked 41 years of broadcasting polka music with a live remote program Sunday morning from the KJT Hall, with musical support from Harry Czarnek & the Texas Dutchmen. Meanwhile, the Polka Mass was on at the KC Hall. For those who wanted to combine a little shopping with their weekend of dancing, Maggie’s Fabric Patch was in the K. C. Hall. Of course there was food available in all three halls. But the music was the main attraction. Bands included, the Dujka Brothers, Mark Halata & Texavia, Fritz Hodde & Fabulous Six, Red Ravens, Vrazels , Brave Combo, Jodie Mikula, Czech Melody Masters, Harry Czarnek/Texas Dutchmen, Czech and Then Some, and Mark Jirikovec. Quite a line-up! The Oklahoma Czech Dancers provided entertaining performances in all three halls on Sunday. Hats off to the entire National Polka Festival Committee for another great event. Aren’t you glad you live in Texas?
Bob Dunn
John Lennon
Texas Polka News - March 2016
grade by playing along with their father, Ralph, whose father played dulcimer for family entertainment. Donnie had the good fortune to attend St. Anthony's Parochial School where Herbert Kloesel was the music teacher. Herbert was a dedicated instructor of music. Between his father's trumpet lessons and the structured instruction of Kloesel, Donnie had to skip high school band because he was already playing in several dance bands, including the Harold Ilse Orchestra, Lee Roy Matocha
Orchestra, and the Hub City Dutchmen. Another unique facet of his career was that during his formative years and later in life, he was fortunate to play with his father in the Ellinger Combo and the Ilse Orchestra, and with both his brothers at different times in the Wavra Orchestra.
SINCE 1973After putting in a couple of years in the Harold Ilse Orchestra, Donnie took over the leadership of the band when Harold passed away. On
Kidnapped by Lee Roy MatochaOr How an Underage Sax Player Was Transported Across County Lines to Play PolkaBy Gary E. McKee
In 1968, a 16-year-old Donnie Wavra was sitting in on saxophone with the Lee Roy Matocha and Harold Ilse at a small event in Ellinger. After the gig, Lee Roy asked Donnie if he wanted to sit in with him again that evening. Donnie jumped in the car with Lee Roy and they headed to East Bernard. When they arrived at Riverside Hall there were cars parked everywhere. Donnie was quickly initiated into the world of big Texas Polka. People were literally hanging
from the rafters. Playing with Lee Roy he became part of a historic dance as the other two bands were Joe Patek and the Vrazels. After Lee Roy witnessed Donnie’s ability to handle his music in this high-profile setting, Lee Roy recruited Donnie into his orchestra.
RAISED ON POLKAGrowing up in Columbus, Donnie and his brothers, Duane and David, began learning music before the first
Page 4
SUNDAY11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. SHINER HOBO BANDBATTLE DANCE1:00 - 8:00 p.m.ENNIS CZECH BOYSLEO MAJEK ORCHESTRATHE RED RAVENSCONCERT4:30 - 5:00 p.m.Meal Begins at 10:30 a.m.Serving throughout the afternoon
FRIDAY NIGHT6:00 - 11:00 p.m.THE CZECHAHOLICSTHE MORAVIANSFISH FRY - Starting at 5:00 p.m.Dine In or Plates To Go
SATURDAY3:00 p.m. KofC HallPOLKA MASSSupper: Meal to be served at 4:00 p.m.Dance: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.DUJKA BROTHERS & JODIE MIKULA
Sausage, Sauerkraut, German Potatoes & KolachesFeaturing homemade chicken noodle soup
FRIED CHICKEN will also be served on SUNDAYAll net proceeds benefit Knights of Columbus Fund
for Sacred Heart School Athletic Program
$10.00 Per Person - Per Day(Does not include cost of meal)
SOUTH TEXAS POLKA & SAUSAGE FESTMARCH 18, 19, & 20, 2016Knights of Columbus Hall • Hallettsville, TXSponsored by Knights of Columbus Council #2433
CAMPER HOOK-UPS | www.KCHall.com | More Information: (361) 798-2311
Donnie, age 5, with dad, Ralph.
Donnie Wavra, Roy Garcia, Gary Hoelscher, Ralph Wavra, Harold Ilse, Wayne Holub.
Kenneth Renger, Ivan Fajkus, Franklin Hruska, Lee Roy Matocha, Donnie Wavra, Bailey Mahlmann
Texas Polka News - March 2016
would play, but after a shaky few notes, everyone fell in line and they took off playing a great night of music thanks to Donnie's sheet music.
MORE THAN A DRIZZLE ALERTJust because you're playing an
indoor show doesn't mean that you ignore the weather. At a gig in the sunny south, an ice storm hit while the Wavra Orchestra was playing southwest of Houston. The wedding reception was cut short as the bathroom plumbing had frozen. The band members opted to
take the back roads instead of the for-sure
mess awaiting them on I-10. Donald suggested that they drive with one set of tires just off the road for traction which worked reasonably well, while keeping an eye on the trailer which slid around on the ice. They crept along
Continued on page 6
January 1, 1973, the Donnie Wavra Orchestra was formed. Their format was a mixture of waltzes, polkas, country, and popular big band dance tunes. The local area provided more than steady employment. One of Donnie's favorite venues was the Vrazel Ballroom in Danbury. The hall was always full and after the gig the Vrazel family always made sure the band had big barbecue sandwiches. Donnie also occasionally played with The Travelers. One key member of the Wavra Orchestra has been Donald Cernosek. Donald came to the band after playing cornet with the Adolph Falke, Adolph Migl, and Ray Baca Orchestras for over a decade. He had gotten his desire to play cornet at an early age and when the one-room school house in Mullins Prairie closed, he transferred to La Grange High School and received
formal music lessons. Playing in the LG school band gave him an opportunity to play at a state competition at the University of Houston football stadium. In an all bands finale, he remembers how, due to size and acoustics, the bands at the end of the field were still playing when the LG band at the 50-yard line finished.
NEVER MISSED A BEATThe trials and tribulations of being an orchestra leader are many and unsung besides dealing with the temperament of musicians and frugality of event mangers. One evening at a scheduled gig at the Sons of Hermann hall in Houston, Donnie had gotten too sick to play, and then four other members of the band also called in sick. This was before "constant contact" cell phones and Donnie, sick as a dog, was feverishly trying to find replacements. Through the musician's network of friends, a band was located. That night, Donald Cernosek and Daniel Kurtz were the only two members that showed up unsure if they would be playing. Soon, some strangers with instruments appeared. Donald said that this was the first time he met Mike Gest and the others: Gene Lichnovsky, George Jurecka, and Bob Walla. He had doubts how a group of strangers
Page 5
3rd AnnualSchulenburg SausageFestSaturday, April 2nd, 201611:30am-10:00pm
SAUSAGE-MAKING CONTESTSNEW CONTESTS: HOMEMADE WINE, SAUERKRAUT, AND PICKLES
Some judges will be chosen from the audience….it could be you!
(Downtown Schulenburg on historic North Main Street)For information call the Greater Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce
1967. Henry Adamek, Dale Meyer, Donnie Wavra, Bennie Trilicek, Ralph Wavra, Ludwig Krause Wayne Holub, Ralph Wavra, Pete Spoelstra, George Koudelka, David Wavra, Donnie Wavra
Texas Polka News - March 2016Page 6
music of which Donnie has written the arrangements to provide the smooth sound that people love to dance to. His reputation as an arranger led to Joe Patek asking him to come up with new versions for several songs including the Youth and Pleasure Polka. Donnie also did multiple arrangements for Lee Roy Matocha, the Vanek Orchestra, and the Jessie Hickl Orchestra. The 1970s and early 80s were good to the Wavra Orchestra with regular bookings. Every Saturday of the month, they played the halls in Cat Spring, Kenney, Milheim, Coshatte (later Fireman's Hall) in Industry, and then back to Cat Spring. Towards the end of the 80s, the crowds were getting sparse and the venues were closing. This was occurring in most rural halls as the regular dancers aged and the kids were living in cities where the music was progressive and louder. Donnie has decided to retire and disband the orchestra this spring to spend more time with family. The orchestra has three public dances in May - Maifest in Anhalt on May 21, Swiss Alp Dance Club in Schulenburg on May 22, and St. Paul Lutheran Church picnic in Serbin. Donnie will continue playing occasionally and the orchestra will reunite for special occasions. So if you see Donnie on the streets or
behind a bandstand, please thank him for all the years of great dance music.
Free Music Program Explores Origins of Texas Czech Folk SongsEnjoy the presentation Varied and Vibrant Sources of the Czech Song in Texas – a lecture/demo by accordionists and music scholars Frances Barton and Dr. John Novak in support of their forthcoming book. This free event is Sun., April 17 at 2 pm in the Capitol Extension Auditorium located in the State Capitol in Austin. Frances and John have been compiling a collection of folk and popular songs of Czech Texas for several years and are nearing completion of their project. The finished songbook will contain 90 songs familiar to most people in the Texas Czech community and will include the music, chords, Czech lyrics, English translations, English lyrics if there are any, and historical and folkloric information on each song. They plan to complete the book in 2016. The music program is offered in conjunction with the multi-media exhibition Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition, which is currently on display at the Capitol Visitors Center through June 11, 2016. It was produced by the nonprofit organization PolkaWorks and co-curated by Texas Czechs Lori Najvar and Dawn Orsak. The exhibit highlights community traditions and activities on text/photo montage panels, presenting a contemporary picture of the diversity and richness of Texas Czech culture today. It also includes photographs, artifacts, and short documentary films shown in a multi-media “station.” See ad, p. 10 for more info.
July 1, 2012 @ Sengelmann Hall for Texas Heritage Music & Dance Club fundraiser. (L-R) Donnie Wavra, Donald Cernosek, George Koudelka, Glenn Orts, Gary Kunkel, and Duane Wavra./Mark Hiebert photo
SPJST Lodge #88
It’s a Polka On Party! Help Us Celebrate!John and Theresa Parker have been married 10 years!
And PolkaBeat.com begins its 6th year!
Mark Ha lata & Texavia | 8-11 :30pm
Saturday, May 14, 2016Save the Date! FREE Public Dance
Donnie WavraContinued from page 5
towards Columbus from Manvel, barely moving across the bridges. After taking seven hours to go the 90 miles, they arrived safely in Columbus to worried family as the sun came up. There was another time when a black rain cloud loomed over the hills of Kerrville as they came into town. Just a short distance from the gig, the sky opened up, rapidly flooding the town. The band pulled into a store parking lot in high ground and had to sit there till the water drained from the streets to reach the event and then drove the final several blocks to the event.
MUSICIAN, ARRANGER, LEADERGeorge Koudelka, the orchestra's long-time drummer, says that
music comes naturally to Donnie and it was always a pleasure and a honor to play in the orchestra. George should know as he is a degreed musicologist, a retired band instructor, and has over 60 years dance band experience. Most of the musicians use sheet
Texas Polka News - March 2016
Ode to the SongwriterBy Mike Stroup
Songwriter: an individual who writes lyrics, melodies, and chord progressions for songs, typically for a popular music genre such as pop or country music. A songwriter can also be called a composer, although the latter term tends to mainly be used for individuals from the classical music genre (Wikipedia).
Texas is known around the world for many things such as its size, history, energy, cowboys, and music. Most of that music is made by Texas songwriters, such as Scott Joplin, Cindy Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, Townes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson, Buddy Holly, Don Henley, Rodney Crowell, Guy Clark, and Lightnin' Hopkins. These songwriters cross a wide spectrum of musical genres and styles. In the past few years "Americana Music" has been used to describe a genre that is a mix of roots music - folk, country, bluegrass, rock, western swing, and rhythm and blues. Much of Americana music usually is performed with acoustic instruments.
TEXAS MUSIC DATABASETexas is blessed with songwriter festivals, contests, and audiences. Seems as though there are never enough good-paying venues for the singer/songwriter. However, new venues and festivals are still being created. A resource for venues, musicians, and bands is the Texas Music Office (gov.texas.gov/music), a state-funded business promotion office and information clearinghouse for the Texas music industry. Austin's official motto is the Music Capital of the World and is best known for its variety of live music acts. A large portion of Austin's
musical heritage began in German beer gardens and halls in the late 1800s. The 1960s and 70s brought Willie Nelson and country music along with other songwriters such as Jerry Jeff Walker and Michael Martin Murphey. The combination of the country, folk, and rock venues plus the growing reputation of Austin being the place where struggling musicians could launch their careers became a magnet drawing like-minded people. Austin is not the only hotbed of music/songwriters in Texas. Houston has been historically famous for the blues and is at present a growing music scene. Amarillo is home to many artists as is San Antonio and Fort Worth. Songwriters and musicians can be found throughout the state, some on the road and some as non-performing writers.
SUPPORT SONGWRITER EVENTS/VENUESIf you are a songwriter or enjoy listening to new and veteran
songwriters, there are many places and events to be found throughout the year. See the list below. Some venues (some are listening rooms, no cell phones or conversation during the show) are Anderson Fair, Houston; Cactus Cafe, Austin; Bugle Boy, La Grange; Dosey Doe's, The Woodlands; Mucky Duck, Houston; 2nd Mondays at Hallet Oak Gallery, Hallettsville, Poor David's Pub, Dallas; and Old Quarter Cafe, Galveston. A new songwriter festival is being introduced this year. The Texas Independence Songwriter's Festival in Gonzales, March 4-6, will be held
Page 7
Gonzales, TX
March 4-6, 2016 March 4-6, 2016
Friday - March 47pm Open Mic, Templin Saloon
Live Music, Running M Bar & Grill
Saturday - March 5 ($10 Day Pass)Songwriter 40-minute shows
Beginning @ 1pm, Templin SaloonBeginning @ 1:30pm, Running M
Sunday - March 612:30pm Gospel Music
Texas-Style Brunch, Templin Saloon
For more information: 713-598-6331
1st Texas Independence Songwriter’s
Festival
1st Texas Independence Songwriter’s
Festival
Confirmed artists include:
Mitch Jacobs Emily Herring
Chuck Hawthorne Bill Pekar
RUNNING
at two venues - Running M Bar and Templin Saloon on the square in historic Gonzales. Friday evening is open mic at the Templin Saloon, and nine songwriters will perform at Templin and Running M beginning at 1 pm Saturday. At 9 pm, Walt Wilkins and the Mystequeros end the Templin Saloon stage and Aaron McDonnell closes the Running M stage. Don't forget these tried and true contests and events coming up:• Texas Independence Songwriter's
Festival, March 4-6, Gonzales. See
Texas Independence Songwriter's Festival on Facebook.
• Songwriter Serenade Contest, May 7, Moravia. Entries accepted until March 30. songwriterserenade.com
• Wildflower Arts & Music Festival, May 20-22, Richardson. wildflowerfestival.com
• Kerrville Folk Festival, May 26-June 12, Kerrville. kerrvillefolkfestival.org
Please support this live music and the people who create it. Hope to see you listening somewhere.
Wildflower Arts & Music in Richardson./Festival photo
Texas Polka News - March 2016
noticed some really strange drawn-out background notes. Upon consulting the CD case, it revealed that Emmons was sitting in on steel as he has on thousands of other recordings. But it was his contribution through his craftsmanship in performing and building steel guitars that has inspired most steel players you listen to today. As in all genres of music, the need to keep and meet fans' ever-changing musical tastes and keep the money flowing led to not-so-subtle changes. In "local" bands, money was predominately generated by playing for dances, not record sales. Primarily, recordings were for radio airplay and juke boxes, a form of advertising the band, so fans would come to dances, buy a ticket, and then buy a recording.
STEEL POLKA BEATThe emergence of country music as a popular style in the late 1900s urged polka bands to diversify set lists. This evolution meant the addition of steel guitars - and to a lesser extent, fiddles - into the polka world. The addition of a band member also drove up the band fees, which led to some difficulties in bookings. The music that is currently playing in the background while this is being written is a German-produced compilation of the Patek, Ellinger Combo, Matocha, Red Raven, Rybak, and several more traditionally polka bands. The compiler (Thomas Meinecke) chose songs such as
Apartment #9, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, For the Good Times, Paper Roses, and more; not a A Ja Sam in the 25 cuts. He chose to title this country song/polka band CD, Slow Music. All throughout the songs, a steel guitar cries out for love or conveyed anguish. Adolph Hofner's use of his brother "Bashful" on steel guitar, whose playing style was anything but bashful, opened the gates for the steel in the polka world. Jimmy Brosch and His Happy Country Boys soon incorporated a steel guitarist (Melvin Skarke) into his and subsequent bands to play happy music. In the 1970s, David Czarnek with Harry Czarnek and the Texas Dutchmen, solved the problem of getting a steel player by building his own steel and debuted it on the Red Rose album. In a more contemporary time frame, the Red Ravens, early in their career, had at different times, Danny Joe Matula and Jodie Hermes as steel guitarists. Lee Roy Matocha early on embraced the steel guitar and hired "Brother Bailey" Mahlmann to expand his band's sound.
VRAZELS STEEL THE SHOWThe Vrazels, recognizing the need to encourage younger audiences in the mid 1960s, recruited a steel player from a country band by the name of Bill Collins. To "break him in" to the polka crowd, a special arrangement
Page 8
Editor's LogContinued from page 3
NASHVILLE SCENEThe cast net seems to be catching steel maestros such as Robert Randolph, whose Sacred Steel religious background crossed over into the pop music scene. In the 1930s churches in Nashville that could not afford an organ used a lap steel in their services. Speaking of Nashville, the cast net yielded an overflowing abundance of steelers: Paul Franklin (Mel Tillis,
Barbara Mandrell, Jerry Reed,) Don Helm (Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Lefty Frizell), Herb Remington (Bob Wills, Merle Haggard, and Remington Ride), and Buddy Emmons (Ray Charles, Ray Price, Judy Collins, George Strait and almost everyone else since the 1960s). During conversations with numerous steel players, Emmons was named as an inspiration for most of them. Emmons knew no musical barriers and performed all genres. The editor was listening to a smooth bluegrass tune last night when he
Buddy Emmons
Pat Strmiska
For more info on Bobby, the band, & his record company, please visit BobbyFloresBand.com and YellowRoseRecords.com
Bobby Flores Performances
SatMar 5
Holt, MO Outsiders Playhouse
Bobby/Band Details TBA
FriMar 18
27th Heart of Texas Music Festival Brady
200 Country Club Rd
Bobby/Band 8P-12Aheartoftexas-records.com
SatMar 19
Kerrville Cailloux Theater 910 Main St
Bobby/Band 7:30P830-896-9393
FriApr 8
Austin Broken Spoke3201 S. Lamar
Bobby/Band 9:30P-1A512-442-6189
SatApr 9
St. Hedwig Lubianski Hall13636 FM 1346
Bobby/Band Details TBA
It's time to dance!
Chandelier Ballroom SPJST Lodge 88
1435 Beall StreetHouston 77008
Dances 8-11:30 pm unless otherwise noted.Enjoy complimentary dance instruction before all
Saturday night dances & during intermission! 713-869-5767 / lodge88.org
Sat., Mar. 5 Moonglow Orchestra Big Band (Dress Code) $15Sat., Mar. 12 Red Ravens Polka/Variety $10Sat., Apr. 2 Moonglow Orchestra Big Band (Dress Code) $15Sat., Apr. 9 Texas Sound Check Polka/Variety $10Sat., Apr. 16 Charlie Prause Band Big Band (Dress Code) $15
Texas Polka News - March 2016
of If I Were a Bird, featuring Collins, was written and well received by the crowds. Bill played lap steel in the studio and a console steel on stage. In the early 1970s, Pat Strmiska joined his father, George, on guitar giving them the power of two guitars and a steel. Thomas, another son of George, had been the Vrazels' drummer for several years. When Collins left the band Pat took over steel duties. Pat Strmiska had learned basic scales and guitar licks from his father, who was a fast picker (the Clarinet Polka was one of his favorites.) Pat's mother, Mary Ann, played accordion with her brother, Johnny Knatek, who later played with Fritz Hodde. Pat made his professional debut playing bass with the Vrazels on his 16th birthday at Beyersville SPJST hall. After a short time he took over rhythm guitar duties and graduated to the steel position at the age of 19. The Vrazel brothers selected songs that would smoothly integrate the steel into the Vrazels' sound. Of course, If I Were A Bird was the signature tune. Pat's favorite steel song was the Waiting in the Woods waltz. Pat's steel licks kicking off Charley Pride's Before I Met You waltz quickly filled the dance floors. The addition of steel increased the ability of the Vrazel's to play four hour dances without repeating a song. Pat plays a single neck standard steel and is competent on dobro and mandolin. On the Vrazels' Alaskan
cruise Pat brought along his 1954 Champion Fender lap steel to save space and If I Were A Bird never sounded better. Steve Palousek, a world-class steel player with a studio in Holland, Texas, has been mentor to Pat as he has been to the newest steeler, Brandon Hodde.
STEEL CONTINUES TO POLKA ONThe contemporary list of steel players in polka bands is long and some will be unintentionally omitted, but here goes:• Charlie Mikeska: Jerry Haisler &
the Melody Five• Jimmie Heinsohn: Moonglow
Orchestra, Texas Legacy Czech Band, Night Session
• Dennis Shimek: Texas Sound Check, J & S Playboys, Texas Dream
• David Hubanek: Al Sulak and the Country Sounds
• David Czarnek: Texas Dutchmen, Czech & Then Some, Moonglow Orchestra
• Willie Kaluza: The Vaneks of West• Allen Sparkman and Bob Adamcik:
The Czech Harvesters• Duane Wavra: Donnie Wavra
Orchestra The cast net obviously had holes in it and once again, apologies to those not mentioned, as the steel guitar is a universal instrument. As Lloyd Green (Steel Guitar Hall of Fame) stated: "It’s an endless adventure playing the steel guitar; you’re only limited by your imagination."
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Needville Knights of Columbus 706722nd Annual
Polka FestSunday, March 13
1-6 PM $10/personKC Hall, hwy 36, needville
Kiobasa sausage, sauerkraut, German potatoes$8/plate dine-in only / $3 Pitchers of beer
Sponsors: Lad's Smokehouse-Needville * Western Power & Hardware-Needville * CNS Welding-Rosenberg * Finnegan Chrysler/
Mike's Texas PolkasMike Konvica thanks listeners for their support over the past 13 1/2 years on Live365.com.
The web-based radio station site ceased operation on January 31, 2016.
Texas Polka News - March 2016Page 10
Festival & Dance NotesLUCK OF THE IRISH CAJUNThe Cajun French Music Association in Houston will host La Recolte on Sat., March 26, from 7:30-11:30 pm at the KC Hall on Whitney Drive. Nobody will pinch you if you don’t wear green, but why not channel your Irish Cajun side! Get there about 7 pm and enjoy some of the club’s gumbo (the Cajun version of Irish stew) and boudin. See ad, p. 20.
SWISS ALP SIGN OF SPRINGThe Swiss Alp Dance Club saw some Red Ravens – the official sign of
spring! The Ravens will perform for the club on Sun., April 10, from 3-6:30 pm, at the KC Hall in Schu-lenburg. Mark your calendars for the club’s schedule for the rest of the year: Donnie Wavra Orchestra on May 22, Dujka Brothers on Aug. 14, Al Sulak/Country Sounds, Oct. 23, and Moonglow Orchestra on Dec. 11. All guests are welcome and they would love to have you join the club. See ad, p. 22.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POLKA MUSUEMThe 12th Annual Texas Music Festival will be held from 12-7 pm on Sat., March 5, at the KC Hall in Sealy. It’s a fundraiser for the Texas Polka Music Museum in Schulenburg, but really you’re
the one who will benefit. Dance to the music of the Red Ravens and Czechaholics. “Win” stuff in the live and silent auctions. Enjoy the barbecue sandwiches. Door prizes will also be given hourly. Purchase your chance to win two tickets to Polkafest at Sea, the cruise featuring Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Alex Meixner Band, and Dujka Brothers set for Nov. 13-19, 2016. The winner will be drawn on May 29, 2016, at the National Polka Festival in Ennis. See ad, p. 17.
POLKA BLISS IN NEEDVILLEPolka, sausage dinner, and $3 pitchers of beer. It doesn’t get any better than this! The Knights of Columbus 7067 in Needville know how to throw a party – the 22nd Annual Polka Fest on Sun., March 13, from 1-6 pm. The Red Ravens and Czechaholics will battle it out on the dance floor. Enjoy the sausage, sauerkraut, and German potatoes meal. And get a designated driver so you can partake in the $3 pitchers of beer. See ad, p. 9.
SALUTE TO THE COWBOYThe Best Little Cowboy Gathering in Texas just keeps getting better and better. The 8th annual event will be held March 10-13 at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. “It has become such a popular, growing event that last year we had to split the great entertainment onto two different stages, the Dance Hall and the Main Stage,” said BLCG Committee Member Jon Quinn. “This is a weekend of great music and dancing day and night, BBQ cookers, children's events, historical events, and Texas-sized hospitality!” Tickets are still available for reserved seats at the Outside Stage. For only $70 for a three-day pass ($95 with meals) you will get to dance to some of Texas' best country artists. “Several improvements have been made to the outdoor stage making it twice as big with plenty of room to dance on a wood floor!” Jon said. “Our aim is promote the cowboy culture with a variety of
music emphasizing Western Swing, country, and old cowboy classics but above all, to have a good time,” Jon said. See the music lineup and how to get advance tickets in ad, p. 15.
ALL HAIL POLKA & SAUSAGEThe South Texas Polka and Sausage Fest in Hallettsville will celebrate its 35th year of bringing you the best of polka and sausage in one fun-filled, three-day event at the state’s largest Knights of Columbus Hall. Usually held the fourth weekend of March, this year’s event will be held March 18-20, since the fourth Sunday is Easter. Friday night begins with a fish fry with all the trimmings followed by a night of polka music and dancing to the Czechaholics and the Moravians. Saturday, the festivities begin with a Polka Mass celebrated at the hall in the afternoon, with Czechaholics and Dujka Brothers providing music. Enjoy a delicious meal of sausage, sauerkraut, potatoes, chicken noodle soup and, of course, tasty kolaches, starting at 4 pm. Polka music starts at 5 pm with Dujka Brothers, followed by the Jodie Mikula Orchestra.
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See Jason Roberts at BLCG at 8:30 pm, Fri., March 11 on Outside Stage./Lisa Pollard photo
TEXAS CZECHS EXHIBIT MUSIC PROGRAM
Varied and Vibrant Sources of the Czech Song in Texas by Frances Barton & John Novak
Open Thurs, Fri, Sat 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. texaspolkamuseum.com
Bands of Texas Volume 4 CD Now Available!
Dedicated to Museum’s 10th Anniversary The Museum honors Texas Polka Bands of European ancestry - Czech, German, Polish - and polka DJs. Select from over 75 CDs plus TPMM CD collection (Volumes 1-4), Czech song books, TPMM shirts and caps.
For more information contact: Herb Schneider, Home (281) 807-3244, Cell (832) 477-0648
or Brian Svetlik (979) 541-6166
www.wrjqradio.com
Czech Polka 1 p.m. central Texas Czech Polka 2 p.m. central
D A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I C
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Monday, February 29AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30-8:30PINDUSTRY: Four County Opry @ Fireman’s Hall, 7-9:30P
Tuesday, March 1GERONIMO: The Gathering Music Show @ VFW, 7PHOUSTON: Houston Accordion Association Jam @ Son Nam Vietnamese Restaurant, 2903 Woodridge @ Winkler, 6:30P
Wednesday, March 2SAN ANTONIO: Vernon Doege @ Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30PSCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall, 7P
Thursday, March 3AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Cypress Grill, 6:30-8:30PBASTROP: Farm Street Opry @ Bastrop Convention Center, 7P Featuring Justin TrevinoEL CAMPO: Czechmates @ American Legion, 7:30-10P (Ad p. 22)THE WOODLANDS: Texas Ramblers (60+ Dance Club) @ S. County Community Center, 6:30-9:30P
Friday, March 4EAGLE LAKE: Rabbs Creek @ Community Center, 7:30-10:30PGONZALES: 1st Texas Independence Songwriter’s Festival Open mic, Templin Saloon; Live music, Running M Bar/Grill, 7P (Ad p. 7)GRANGER: Texas Family Tradition @ Cotton Club, 8:30P-12APEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 6-10P
Saturday, March 5COLUMBUS: Lost Cause @ Shaws Bend Social Club, 8:30P-12:30AFORT WORTH: Billy Mata @ Stagecoach Ballroon, 8PGERONIMO: Justin Trevino @
VFW, 8P-12AGOLIAD: Tracy Byrd @ Schroeder Hall, 8PGONZALES: 1st Texas Independence Songwriter’s FestivalSongwriter 40-minute shows @ Templin Saloon & Running M; Night shows: Walt Wilkins, Aaron McDonnell(Ad p. 7) GRANGER: Kenny Orts @ Cotton Club, 9P-1AHOUSTON: Moonglow Orchestra @ SPJST Lodge 88, 8-11:30P (Ad p. 8)LIBERTY: Liberty Opry on the Square – Gospel, 2PNAVASOTA: Jeff Woolsey/Dancehall Kings @ Western Club, 8PNEW BADEN: New Baden Jamboree @ Community Center, 6-10PPEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-10PSAN ANTONIO: 3rd Crockett Fiddle Fest @ The AlamoCeltaire String Band, 10:15A; Tennessee Valley Authority, 11:15A; RJ Smith, 12:15P; Mario Flores, 1:15P; Frio Dou w/Ron Knuth, 2:15P; Jason Roberts & Rick McRae, 3:15PSAN ANTONIO: Cactus Country @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8PSEALY: 12th Texas Music Festival @ KC Hall, 12-7P - Czechaholics, Red Ravens (Ad p. 17)WEBSTER: Kenny James @ Alpine Brauhaus, 6-9P
Sunday, March 6AUSTIN: Jason Roberts @ Little Longhorn Saloon, 4-8PELGIN: Glen Collins @ SPJST Lodge 18, 3-7P (Ad p. 11)GERONIMO: Good Ole Boys @ VFW, 3-6:30PGONZALES: 1st Texas Independence Songwriter’s Festival Gospel brunch, Templin Saloon (Ad, p. 7)GRANGER: Can’t Hardly Playboyz @ Cotton Club, 5-10PHOUSTON: Loose Change @ VFW #10352, 2-6P (Ad, p. 20)
HUNGERFORD: KJT-KJZT Benefit Dance – Red Ravens @ Hungerford Hall, 1-5PPEARLAND: Kenny James @ King’s Biergarten, 5-8PSAN ANTONIO: Czech Heritage Society Dance – Mark Halata/Texavia @ Martinez Social Club, 2-6P SWEET HOME: Lost Cause @ Community Center, 2-6P (Ad p. 11)
Monday, March 7AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30-8:30PGIDDINGS: Lone Star Opry @ Giddings High School, 7:30PFeaturing Billy Mata, Shelly King, Sally Carlson, Beverly Crocker
Tuesday, March 8VICTORIA: Crossroads Country Opry @ Jaycee Hall, 7-9:30PFeaturing Billy Mata
Wednesday, March 9SAN ANTONIO: Bimbo/Borderline @ Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30PSCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall, 7P
Thursday, March 10DRIPPING SPRINGS (Austin): Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Hudson’s on Mercer, 7-10PEL CAMPO: Odessa @ American Legion, 7:30-10P (Ad p. 22)LA GRANGE: Best Little Cowboy Gathering @ Fayette Co. Fairgrounds - Dance Hall – Rance Norton, 3P; The Survivors, 7P; Main Stage – Jeff Woolsey, 7P (Ad p. 15)
Friday, March 11CONROE: Glenn Lenderman (60+ Dance Club) @ Conroe Activity Center, 6:30-10PCORPUS CHRISTI: Dancehall Sounds @ VFW #3837, 8P-12AGRANGER: The Pearl Snaps @ Cotton Club, 8:30P-12ALA GRANGE: Best Little Cowboy
Gathering @ Fayette Co. Fairgrounds - Dance Hall – Rocky King, Noon; Jeff Woolsey, 4P; Jake & Tommy Hooker, 8P; Main Stage – Rance Norton, 12:30P; Landon Dodd, 4:30P; Jason Roberts, 8:30P (Ad p. 15)PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 6-10PSAN ANTONIO: The Countrymen @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8P
Saturday, March 12LIBERTY: Liberty Opry on the Square – 50s & 60s Elvis Tribute, 2PGRANGER: People’s Choice @ Cotton Club, 9P-1AHOUSTON: Red Ravens @ SPJST Lodge 88, 8-11:30P (Ad p. 8)LA GRANGE: Best Little Cowboy Gathering @ Fayette Co. Fairgrounds - Dance Hall – Jody Nix, 4P; Billy Mata, 8PMain Stage – KR Wood, 10A; Kristyn Harris, Devon Dawson, Ginny Mac, Jean Prescott & Brook Wallace, 11A; Jody Nix Fiddle Extravaganza, 1:30P; Lake Travis Fiddlers, 3P; Billy Mata, 5P; Kristyn Harris, et al, 7P; Johnny Bush, 10P (Ad p. 15)PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-10PROSENBERG: Charles/Fab 4 (Happy Cousins) @ American Legion, 8-11:30PSAN ANTONIO: Matt Rogers/Chansons Et Soulards (CFMA) @ Hermann Sons, 7:30-11:30PSAN ANTONIO: Bobby Flores/Yellow Rose Band @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8PSAN ANTONIO: Landon Dodd @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8PWaco: Spur City Rounders @ Shriner’s Hall, 8PWEBSTER: Kenny James @ Alpine Brauhaus, 6-9P
Sunday, March 13ELGIN: Fritz Hodde/Fab 6 @ SPJST Lodge 18, 3-7P (Ad p. 11)NEEDVILLE: Polka Fest @ KC Hall, - Czechaholics, Red Ravens,
Texas Polka News - March 2016
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1-6:30P (Ad p. 9)GRANGER: Can’t Hardly Playboyz @ Cotton Club, 5-10PHOUSTON: Country Jim/Allstars @ VFW #10352, 2-6P (Ad p. X)LA GRANGE: Best Little Cowboy Gathering @ Fayette Co. Fairgrounds - Cowboy Church, 10A (Ad p. 15)PEARLAND: Kenny James @ King’s Biergarten, 5-8PSAN ANTONIO: Countrymen @ Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30PSWEET HOME: Charles/Fab 4 @ Community Center, 3-7P (Ad p. 15)
Monday, March 14AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30-8:30P
Tuesday, March 15HOUSTON: Houston Accordion Association Jam @ Pizza Inn on Mangum & 18th, 6P
Wednesday, March 16HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner's, 6-10PSAN ANTONIO: Country Tradition @ Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30PSCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall, 7P
Thursday, March 17BRENHAM: Bluebonnet Opry @ Silver Wings Ballroom, 7PFeaturing Dottie Jack, Rocky King, Hayden JamesEL CAMPO: Texas Mavericks @ American Legion, 7:30-10P (Ad p. 22)PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 7-10P
Friday, March 18AUSTIN: Billy Mata @ Broken Spoke, 8PBRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Country Music Festival @ Brady Civic Center - Bobby Flores/Yellow Rose Band w/Darrell McCall, Tony Booth, 8P-12ACONROE: Texas Roadrunners (60+
Dance Club) @ Conroe Activity Center, 6:30-10PGIDDINGS: Lost Cause @ The Bull Pen, 8:30-11:30PGRANGER: Out of the Blue @ Cotton Club, 8:30P-12AHALLETTSVILLE: Polka & Sausage Festival @ KC Hall - Czechaholics, Moravians, 6-11P (Ad p. 4)HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner's, 6-10PPEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 6-10PSAN ANTONIO: Rocky King Band @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8PTOURS: Spur City Rounders @ Tours Hall, 7P
Saturday, March 19ANHALT: Jake Hooker/The Outsiders @ Anhalt Hall, 8P-12ABRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Country Music FestivalHeart of Texas Country Music Museum – Tommy Horton Show, 10A; Brady Civic Center – Darrell McCall, Curtis Potter, Tony Booth, Pretty Miss Norma Jean, Justin Trevino, Kim Murray, Frankie Miller, Mona McCall, Jeff Woolsey, Amber Digby, Kaye Tolson, 2P concert; 8P danceFAYETTEVILLE: Pettit Brothers @ Pivo’s Ice House, 8PGRANGER: Jason Allen @ Cotton Club, 9P-1AHALLETTSVILLE: Polka & Sausage Festival @ KC Hall - Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Dujka Brothers, 5-11P (Ad p. 4)HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner's, 6-10PKERRVILLE: Bobby Flores/Yellow Rose Band @ Cailloux Theater, TBANEW BRAUNFELS: Czech Melody Masters (Goodtime Club) @ Eagles Hall, 7-11P (Ad p. 10)PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-10PSAN ANTONIO: Billy Mata @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8PYOAKUM: The Moods @ Turner Hall, 8P-12A (Ad p. 22)WALLIS: Red Ravens (Wallis Dance
Club) @ American Legion, 8-11:30PWebster: Kenny James @ Alpine Brauhaus, 6-9P
Sunday, March 20BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Country Music Festival @ Heart of Texas Events Center - Norma Jean’s Cowboy Church Show w/Justin Trevino, 3-5PGERONIMO: Glen Collins/Alibi @ VFW, 3-6:30PGRANGER: Can’t Hardly Playboyz @ Cotton Club, 5-10PHALLETTSVILLE: Polka & Sausage Festival @ KC Hall - Red Ravens, Majeks, Ennis Czech Boys 1-8P (Ad p. 4)HOUSTON: Detour @ VFW #10352, 2-6P (Ad, p. 20)SAN ANTONIO: Jim Byrom @ Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30PSEATON (Temple): Jerry Haisler/Melody 5 @ Sefcik Hall, 6-10P
Monday, March 21AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30-8:30PLA GRANGE: Fayette County Country Opry @ KC Hall, 7:30P
Tuesday, March 22BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Country Music Festival @ Heart of Texas Events Center - Justin Trevino & Friends, 7-11PEDNA: Flag City Opry @ Jackson County Services Building, 7P
Wednesday, March 23BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Country Music Festival @ Events Center - Open Jam, 6PHOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner's, 6-10PROUND ROCK: Music Series - Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Main Street Plaza, 6-8PSAN ANTONIO: Jim Bolado @ Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30PSCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall, 7P
Thursday, March 24BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Country Music Festival @ Brady Civic Center - Jake Hooker/Outsiders, 8P-12AHOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner's, 6-10P
Friday, March 25BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Country Music Festival @ Brady Civic Center - Johnny Bush/Bandeleros, Justin Trevino & Amber Digby, 8P-12ACONROE: James Garner (60+ Dance Club) @ Conroe Activity Center, 6:30-10PGRANGER: Monte Good @ Cotton Club, 8:30P-12AHOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner's, 6-10PPEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 6-10P
Saturday, March 26BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Country Music Festival Country Music Museum – Tommy Horton Show, 10A; Brady Civic Center – Doug Stone, Darrell McCall, Heather Myles, Tony Booth, Amber Digby, Pretty Miss Norma Jean, Landon Dodd, Dottsy, Rance Norton, Jade Jack, 2P concert; 8P danceGRANGER: Debonaires @ Cotton Club, 9P-1AHOUSTON: La Recolte @ KC Hall #2917, 7:30-11:30P (Ad p. 20) HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner's, 6-10PPEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-10PWEBSTER: Kenny James @ Alpine Brauhaus, 6-9P
Sunday, March 27PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 10A-3PROBSTOWN: Dancehall Sounds @ Community Hall, 4-7:30P
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Texas Polka News - March 2016Page 14
Monday, March 28AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30-8:30PINDUSTRY: Four County Opry @ Fireman’s Hall, 7-9:30PSAN ANTONIO: San Antonio Accordion Assoc. Meeting, 6P@ Chester’s Hamburgers, NE Loop 410 between Nacogdoches & Broadway
Tuesday, March 29WACO: Spur City Rounders @ Sul Ross, 7P
Wednesday, March 30SAN ANTONIO: Most Wanted @ Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30PSCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall, 7P
Thursday, March 31EL CAMPO: Charlie Merta @ American Legion, 7:30-10P (Ad p. 22)TOMBALL: German Heritage Festival Kick-Off Party @ Landhaus Nikodemus, 7PAlex Meixner (Ad, Spring Fest Guide)
Friday, April 1BRYAN: Justin Trevino, Jake & Tommy Hooker @ Kurten Community Center, 8P-12AEAGLE LAKE: Lost Cause @ Community Center, 7:30-10:30PGRANGER: Steel Country Outlaws @ Cotton Club, 8:30P-12APEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 6-10PSAN ANTONIO: Hunter A. Smith @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8PTOMBALL: German Heritage Festival @ Historic DowntownAuf Geht’s, Chris Rybak, Alex Meixner Band, Blue Yonder, Kenny James (Ad, Spring Fest Guide)
Saturday, April 2GATESVILLE: Spur City Rounders @ VFW, 8PGRANGER: Kenny Orts @ Cotton Club, 9P-1A
HOUSTON: Moonglow Orchestra @ SPJST Lodge 88, 8-11:30P (Ad p. 8)LIBERTY: Liberty Opry on the Square – Gospel, 2PNEW BADEN: New Baden Jamboree @ Community Center, 6-10PSAN ANTONIO: Almost Patsy Cline @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8PTOMBALL: Justin Trevino @ VFW, 9P-1ATOMBALL: German Heritage Festival @ Historic DowntownMatt Tolentino’s Royal Klobasneks, Auf Geht’s, Round Top Brass Band, Chris Rybak, Tuba Meisters, Das Ist Lustig, Alex Meixner Band, Armstrong Family Band, Pat Gavin/Buckaroo Band, The Siekers, Rebecca Jane, Joe Brikha (Ad, Spring Fest Guide)
Sunday, April 3ELGIN: Glen Collins Band @ SPJST Lodge 18, 3-7P (Ad p. 15)GRANGER: Can’t Hardly Playboyz @ Cotton Club, 5-10PHOUSTON: Bootleg Country @ VFW #10352, 2-6P (Ad, p. 20)SAN ANTONIO: S.A. Country @ Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30PSWEET HOME: Red Ravens @ Community Center, 2-6P (Ad p. 22)TOMBALL: German Heritage Festival @ Historic DowntownWalburg Boys, Dujka Brothers, Chris Rybak, Das Ist Lustig, Alex Meixner Band, Armstrong Family Band, Traveling Murphys, Sheila Lee & Friends (Ad, Spring Fest Guide)
Monday, April 4AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30-8:30PGIDDINGS: Lone Star Opry @ Giddings High School, 7:30PFeaturing Myra Rolen, Lorraine Chavana, Todd Gross, Kevin Ray Adams
Tuesday, April 5GERONIMO: The Gathering Music Show @ VFW, 7PHOUSTON: Houston Accordion Association Jam @ Son Nam Vietnamese Restaurant, 2903 Woodridge @ Winkler, 6:30PROUND ROCK: Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Taste of Round Rock, 6-8P
Wednesday, April 6SAN ANTONIO: Country Tradition @ Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30PSCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall, 7P
Thursday, April 7AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Cypress Grill, 6:30-8:30PBASTROP: Farm Street Opry @ Bastrop Convention Center, 7P EL CAMPO: Gravel Road @ American Legion, 7:30-10P (Ad p. 22)THE WOODLANDS: Mike Gest/Night Session (60+ Dance Club) @ S. County Community Center, 6:30-9:30P
Friday, April 8AUSTIN: Bobby Flores/Yellow Rose Band @ The Broken Spoke, 9:30P-1AGRANGER: The Pearl Snaps @ Cotton Club, 8:30P-12APEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 6-10P
Saturday, April 9ANHALT: CFMA San Antonio Crawfish & Shrimp BoilGulf Coast Playboys, 2-5P; Kevin Huval/The Ouevls, 6-10P (Ad, Spring Fest Guide)FORT WORTH: Justin Trevino @ Stagecoach Ballroom, 8:30P-12:30AGranger: Jeff Woolsey @ Cotton Club, 9P-1AHOUSTON: Texas Sound Check @ SPJST Lodge 88, 8-11:30P (Ad p. 8)KENDALIA: Billy Mata @ Kendalia Halle, 8P
LIBERTY: Liberty Opry on the Square – 50s & 60s Rock-n-Roll, 7PNocona: Jason Roberts Band @ Daddy Sams, TBAPEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-10PROSENBERG: Lazy Farmers (Happy Cousins) @ American Legion, 8-11:30PSAN MARCOS: Pettit Brothers @ Kent Black’s BBQ, TBASHINER: Shiner VFD Dance w/Los Kolaches @ VENUE, TBAST. HEDWIG: Bobby Flores/Yellow Rose Band @ Lubianski Dance Hall, TBAST. LAWRENCE: Jodie Mikula Orchestra @ St. Lawrence Parish Hall, 7-11P
Sunday, April 10ELGIN: Jerry Haisler/Melody 5 @ SPJST Lodge 18, 3-7P (Ad p. 11)GRANGER: Can’t Hardly Playboyz @ Cotton Club, 5-10PHOUSTON: Texas Ramblers @ VFW #10352, 2-6P (Ad, p. 20)SAN ANTONIO: Monty Good @ Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30PSchulenburg: Red Ravens (Swiss Alp Club) @ KC Hall, 3-6:30PSWEET HOME: Charles/Fab 4 @ Community Center, 3-7P (Ad p. 11)
APRIL 23rd Sausage FestivalSchulenburg, Texas (Ad p. 5)
APRIL 321st Czech Spring FestHouston, Lodge 88(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)
APRIL 1-316th Tomball German Heritage Festival - Tomball, Texas (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)
D A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I CD A N C E S - F E S T I VA L S - E V E N T S - L I V E M U S I C
2016 U.S. Music Events
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Add a dance/festival: [email protected] Go to PolkaBeat.com every week for updates.
APRIL 9Annual Crawfish & Shrimp BoilAnhalt, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)
APRIL 16-1727th Cotton Gin FestivalBurton, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)
APRIL 21-24Fiddlers FrolicsHallettsville, Texasfiddlersfrolics.com
APRIL 22-2441st GermanfestMuenster, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)
APRIL 22-245th Wisconsin Dells Polka Fest Chula Vista Resortdellspolkafest.com / 773-889-6811
APRIL 29-MAY 1Springtime Music & Polka FestivalOsseo, Wisconsinrhythmplayboys.com / 715-533-1968
MAY 6-7126th MaifestBrenham, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)
MAY 7Moravia FestMoravia, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)
MAY 6-810th Polish Festival - Houstonhoustonpolishfestival.comMAY 1515th Slavnost (May Fest)TCHCC, La Grange, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)MAY 20-22Wildflower Arts & Music Festival - Richardson, Texas wildflowerfestival.comMAY 20-22Chmielewski International Polka Festival - Hinckley, Minnesotafuntimeband.com / 218-372-3616MAY 21141st Maifest - Anhalt, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)
MAY 26-2922nd Polka Fest @ Larry Olsen Farm - Lake Benton, Minnesotalarryolsenband.com / 507-368-9627MAY 27-2950th National Polka Festival Ennis, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)MAY 27-29Crawfish Festival Fredericksburg, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)MAY 27-2948th Polka Festival & ConventionUnited States Polka AssociationIndependence, Ohiouspapolka.com / 330-410-5568MAY 26-JUNE 12Kerrville Folk FestivalKerrville, Texas kerrvillefolkfestival.orgJUNE 3-614th Beckster FestAmana, Iowa(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)JUNE 1126th Kolache-Klobase FestivalEast Bernard, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)JUNE 1334th Cesky Den (Czech Day)Hillsboro, Wisconsinceskyden.com / 608-516-3994JUNE 17-1935th Polish FestMilwaukee, Wisconsinpolishfest.org JUNE 17-19Willard Polka FestivalWillard, Wisconsintravelwisconsin.comJUNE 22-253rd Ocean Beach Park Polka DaysNew London, Connecticut(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)JUNE 23-25Stump Lake Polka FestivalLakota, North Dakotawhiteroseband.com / 701-381-9051JUNE 24-2529th Polish Festival Days
B e s t L i t t l e C o w b o y G at h e r i n g i n T e x a s
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
March 10-13, 2016Fayette County Fairgrounds - La Grange, TX
8 T H A N N U A L
PROCEEDS BENEFIT YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPSFor Schedule of Events, Complete Motel Listings, RV Park Info, visit us at:
BestLittleCowboyGathering.org Free parking for self-contained RVs | BYOB - Beer and Setups Available
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
MAIN STAGE LINEUP FEATURING:Jeff Woolsey • Rance Norton • Landon Dodd •Jason Roberts • K.R. Wood
Kristyn Harris • Devon Dawson • Ginny Mac • Jean Prescott • Brook WallaceJody Nix • Lake Travis Fiddlers • Billy Mata • Johnny Bush
DANCE HALL SCHEDULETHURSDAY: Rance Norton • Darrell & Mona McCall • Tony Booth
FRIDAY: Rocky King • Jeff Woolsey • Jake and Tommy HookerSATURDAY: Jody Nix • Billy Mata
PLUS: BBQ Cookoff • Jody Nix Fiddle Extravaganza • Chuckwagon ExhibitsSunday Cowboy Church • Dutch Oven Demonstrations • Children Events
Andalusian Horse Demonstrations • Western Arts & Craft Show and much more!
JULY 22-2448th Hammler SummerfestHamler, Ohiohamlersf.com / 419-350-3391AUGUST 5-739th Schulenburg FestivalSchulenburg, Texas(Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide)AUGUST 5-755th Wilber Czech DaysWilber, Nebraskanebraskaczechsofwilber.comAUGUST 5-7PoLK of A MusicfestGlencoe, Minnesotapolkofa.com / 507-744-2966JANAK'S CHURCH PICNIC SCHEDULESpring/Summer Fest Guide
Texas Polka News - March 2016Page 16
Po. L.K. of A. Texas
By Kathy Cernosek, President
Nothing like hitting the ground running as we prepared for our annual fundraiser held in Wallis on Feb. 21, and the dedication of the Msgr. Joseph M. Hybner Center at the Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum in La Grange, planned for Feb. 28. As the weather is turning to nicer days you know that church
picnics, festivals, and craft shows are just around the corner. Along with that comes parades and a lot of good music to fill the air and the scuffle of shoes on the dance floor. The PoLK of A is quite a busy klub, and if you are just wondering what we are all about, please come check us out. Everyone is welcome to our events, and I encourage you to become a member. Just contact our Membership Secretary Betty Tidwell at 281-452-4174 or [email protected] and she will be more than happy to send you an application. Or if you see anyone in red and white at the next dance, just ask them about becoming a member. See you on the dance floor or on the float at a parade.
6605 McGrew, Houston, 77087 713-645-2845
Monarch Printing
For the Finest in Quality Printing
in the Houston area
Evelyn & Larry Maresh Owners & Polka Promoters
Polka Lovers Klub of AmericaAnnual Dues: Couple $24 / Single $12
Klub newsletter 2 times/year, 2 free dances/year, parade float, scholarships, support of polka organizations, shared activities w/Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum
For more info: polkabeat.com/polk-of-a-texas-chapter-iKathy Cernosek, President, 832-544-0716
Betty Tidwell, Membership Secretary, 281-452-4174
T E X A S C H A P T E RPo. L. K. of A.
Look for our float in Spring & Summer Fest parades!
Polka Lovers Club of Texas MuseumThe Board of Directors cordially invites you to the
Blessing, Dedication, and Ribbon-Cutting of the
Msgr. Joseph M. Hybner Center
at 2 pmSunday, February 28
The Center is located in back of the PLCTM - Hoelscher Haus.
Info: Willie Bohuslav 512-347-1078 or 512-779-8050
TexasPolkaLovers.com 250 W. Fairgrounds Rd. La Grange 78945
Live 365.com Ceases OperationMike's Texas Polkas Seeks New HomeHUNGERFORD - Mike's Texas Polkas, a web-based radio station went off the air on Jan. 31 when Live 365.com ceased operation due to lack of financial backing. Mike started his station in June 2002 as a hobby for the love of polka music, and would have celebrated his 14th anniversary this year. Live 365 was a listening and broadcasting network which included over 5,000 stations of various genres.Mike's music included songs in the Cajun and Tejano genres along with polkas and waltzes. He had listeners from all parts of the country and world. "I'll really miss my listeners and loyal fans that I made over the past years," Mike said. The procedure of uploading songs in his library of over 500 and 300 in his play list, took him years to transfer from compact discs and vinyl records. "I would like to thank all the polka bands who sent me their recordings over the years," Mike said.
Nanocosm Inc. (the parent company of Live365) was a technology startup founded by two roommates from the Princeton class of 1981, whose initial product was NanoHome, a 3D "Virtual Home" website featuring 3D homepages. The first release of Live365 was built by a small team at Nanocosm; it had its beginnings in a hosted community radio project developed by employee Andy Volk in his free time using Shoutcast technology, and later modified by employee Brian Lomeland. In 1998, Andy Volk shared the idea with Nanocosm CTO Peter Rothman, and they developed the concept for a new large-scale hosted community radio service dubbed Live365. Live365's explosive growth after launch in July 1999 quickly eclipsed NanoHome, and the company soon shifted to solely focus on Live365 and online audio streaming services. At launch, broadcasting and listening on Live365 were free of charge. Mike said he will look for an alternate website server to continue his station in the near future. "I'll have to see what else is available out there that will be very reasonably priced and user friendly."
Texas Polka News - March 2016
Pepperoni. Alex said the actors in the commercials did not know he would be coming in to pep things up, so the looks on their faces are priceless. Of course, the first to do a parody on My Sharona was Wierd Al Yankovic with My Bologna. Once the commercials started airing, Weird Al tweeted "Um" and shared the link to the commercial videos.
Not exactly an endorsement by his weirdness. But that's okay, Alex said. "Having him share the link to the commercials with his three-plus million followers was okay with me," he said. Alex said he is proud to be associated with a great company like Hormel, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. "I'm really excited about this gig, and am thankful for the opportunity and support from my fans and friends - especially my kids who are excited about seeing Daddy on television. I got major cool points when my commercial showed up on recently on Nickelodeon," Alex said. So, is this the image we want the accordion and polka to have? Why not, said Alex. "Everybody needs to lighten up and not take life so seriously." Indeed. It's time to #pep it up!
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Czech Heritage Tours Celebrates 20 Years with Special Trip
Steavy Jakubik and Renee Valek of Czech Heritage Tours are celebrating their 20th year of guiding tours to Europe. They have so many repeat travelers that they are launching a new venture for the September 2016 tour - a combination land and cruise package. On the two-week trip, they will visit the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain. "It’s going to be a fun-filled tour featuring a six-day land portion including Prague and Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, Oktoberfest in Germany, Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria, and Milan in Italy," Renee said. "Then we will embark on a seven-day Mediterranean cruise including ports of Cannes and Corsica in France, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona in Spain, and Naples, Florence, and Pisa in Italy." The land package includes round-trip air from Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport, luxury bus transportation, quality hotels, breakfast and dinner daily with select lunch meals, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees to all attractions, and complimentary money exchange
on the bus. The cruise portion is all inclusive complete with all-balcony suites and a drink package. "The ports of call are fantastic with a variety of excursions available at each port," Steavy said. "Please join us!" See ad, below for contact information.
Alex Meixner Says Pep It Up!Alex Meixner is a one-man pep band. For those of us in the polka world who have seen him perform, we already know this. The advertising geniuses at Hormel realized it, and now everyone knows it. If you haven't seen the commercials featuring Alex singing Pepperona to the tune of My Sharona (by The Knack), no doubt you will soon. Alex said it was a blast taping the commercials in LA last October, complete with a driver and an assistant. "It was strange not having to decide if I should book the Rodeway Inn or splurge with an extra $10 for the Red Roof plus," he said. Performing of course wasn't the hard part of taping the commercials. He spent the majority of his time getting use to the bass drum contraption he had to wear. "It took a while to get used to the cables and find the right balance," he noted. The 30-second spots present three scenarios of boredom - a life sucks poetry reading, city council meeting, and museum tour. Alex marches into each set singing a peppy tune, including the Pepperoni Polka, accompanied by the accordion, bass drum, and even a trumpet in one spot. The message: Pep up your food and your mood with Hormel
Czech Heritage ToursPresents
Our 2016 European Tours!June 12-25, 2016
Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic
Texans Polka On at First IPA Hall of Fame Fundraiser About 400 Texans attended a Super Bowl Polka Party with SqueezeBox, raising more than $2,000 for the International Polka Association Hall of Fame, and signing up several new members. The event, sponsored by Texas Polka News, took place on Sun., Feb. 7, at SPJST Lodge 88 in Houston. Band members Mollie B, Ted Lange, and Dana Lindblad visited with fans before the dance. Danny Zapletal, IPA Hall of Fame's newest director, welcomed everyone and gave a brief history of the IPA. He also introduced Texas musician and radio DJ Alfred Vrazel, who was inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in 2014. Alfred told everyone about his experience of attending the IPA Con-vention in Buffalo, New York, with a busload of Texas polka fans and how all were treated like royalty. Mollie B read a letter from IPA President Rick Rzeszutko thanking everyone for attending the event and welcoming the Texas region to the IPA Hall of Fame. For the grand finale, SqueezeBox was joined on stage by Alfred, Danny, and John Dujka for a medley of tradi-tional Czech polkas, When the Saints Go Marching In, and You Are My Sunshine.
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Photos by Mark Hiebert, Julie Matus, Earline Berger Okruhlik, John Roberts. 1.Sarah & Steve Case; 2. John Dujka, Danny Zapletal, Alfred Vrazel; 3. Kosels with Mollie B; 4. the Bates'; 5. Texas musicians in the house - David Czarnek, Valina & Ross, Alfred Vrazel, Pat Klesel, Greg Machac, Bruce Brosch, Danny Z, John Dujka, Greg Sury with Ted Lange; 6. Meet and greet; 7. New IPA member and TPN subscriber Gregorio Martinez with Mollie; 8. Bohemian Princess Theresa with the Stryks; 9. Alfred with his IPA Hall of Fame plaque. The plaque will be displayed in the Polka Lovers of Texas Club Museum in La Grange; 10. Betty Cznarek presents Texas-size greeting card to the band; 11. Andi & Robbie Meckna; 12. Tony & Evelyn Lister; 13. Vrazels - Jarrod, Pat, Bernice, Alfred; 14. BR Kunze & Mary Smith; 15. Audie Skweres & Bob Canino; 16. Julie Matus & Earline Okruhlik; 17. PoLK of A king & queen Russell & Barbie Loitz with Aage Oldager & Lorine Micalsky; 18. Joyce Bohuslav, Marie Tupa & Mary Lou Lawson; 19. National Polka Fest king & queen Mike & Deborah Logue with Mollie; 20. The Slivas with Harold Lawson & Louis Vrazel; 21. Lucy & Bruce Brosch.
Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 19
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SQUEEZEBOX IN HALLETTSVILLE
Mollie, Ted, and Dana performed before a sold-out crowd of 800+ at KC Hall on Wed., Feb. 3. Photos below by Gary E. McKee and Karen Williams: Mollie looking glam; the Darileks polka on; Rybaks on date night; Mollie and Ted making beautiful music together.
Texas Polka News - March 2016
several thousand records and stacks of binders of songs from every European ethnic region. A celebration of his life is planned for Sun., Feb. 28, from 6-10 pm at the Continental Club in Houston.
JOE VRAZELJoe Vrazel of Danbury passed away Feb. 12. He was 73. Vrazel Ballroom was truly a family affair, as Donat and Marie Vrazel, together with their 10 children, opened the dance hall in 1965 to share their love of polka music. Everyone in the family helped out - from the front door to the kitchen to the bar to cleanup after the dances. Joe was Donat's right-hand man, assisting with various aspects of the dances and the many fundraisers, weddings, and church bazaars. After Donat suffered a stroke in the late 1970s, Joe took over booking the bands and managing the hall. Joe and his brother, Louis, were bartenders for many years. Joe loved polka music, the polka bands, and the many polka fans who came from miles around to enjoy family fun and dancing to legendary bands, including Jimmy Brosch & His Happy Country Boys, Vrazel's Polka Band, Joe Patek Orchestra, Lee Roy Matocha, and countless others. At Joes' funeral service, his nephew, Jarrod Vrazel, paid tribute to Joe and introduced Alfred Vrazel.
As Joe and his wife, Nina, had led the Grand March at many Vrazel weddings, Alfred performed three songs to send Joe on his Grand March to Heaven: Heaven is Such a Lovely Place, Zdravas Maria, and When It's Polka Time in Texas (sung in both English and Czech). It was an amazing sendoff. Jarrod posted a video of Alfred's performance on Facebook. It has been shared many times and has been viewed over 3,500 times by polka fans across Texas.
CURTIS POTTER
Texas country music entertainer Curtis Potter passed away on Jan. 23 in Abilene after a short illness. He was 75. He had been battling congestive heart failure and pneumonia. Before becoming ill, he was actively performing, booking dates, and getting ready to return to the recording studio. In fact, he was scheduled to perform at the Best Little Cowboy Gathering in La Grange. Curtis was with Hank Thompson's Brazos Valley Band for 13 years, and had a successful solo recording career. In 1984, he helped form Step One Records in Nashville. Step One would become the largest independent label in the world releasing projects on Gene Watson, Ray Price, and more. In 2005, Curtis signed with Heart of Texas Records and released several albums including two with Tony Booth and Darrell McCall under the name The Survivors. His last album Songs Of The Cherokee Cowboy was a tribute to his hero, Ray Price. Willie Nelson joined Curtis in the studio to record the title track for the album.
Page 20
Joe and Nina Vrazel led the Grand March at their nephew Anthony's wedding at Vrazel Ballroom in Danbury.
Cajun Dance Houston4th Saturday every month
7:30-11:30PKC #2917
Wood dance floor, smoke free!607 E. Whitney Dr. off Airline
Info: Helen 281-256-3097
March 26La Recolte
April 23Sheryl Cormier
HOUSTON VFW POST 10352Sundays 2-6 p.m.Country/Variety Dance $7
16035 Waverly DriveHouston, TX 77032
Non-Smoking / BYOB281-443-2023
WesternDancingGala.com
March 06 Loose Change 13 Country Jim/Allstars 20 Detour 27 Happy Easter!
April 03 Bootleg Country 10 Texas Ramblers 17 Texas Roadrunners
The International Polka Association is a non-profi t organization whose purpose is
the advancement of polka music. Your membership dues allow the IPA to continue its mission. Join today and be a part of this exciting organization!
Join Today!
Dues are only $15 a year.You’ll receive 6 newsletters to keep
up with IPA events, radio shows, and award news.
John Krawisz, Financial SecretaryInternational Polka AssociationPO Box 1484Plainfi eld, IL 60585
Visit ipapolkas.com/store to join, or send your check to:
In MemoriamGREG HARBAR
Houston musician, Greg Harbar, 77, passed away on Feb. 12, after battling cancer for several months. He was born to Belorussian immigrants in a Pan-Slavic
community in New Jersey, where he learned to speak Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, and English. Greg and two of his brothers formed a polka combo in their teens. He served in the U.S. Army for six years based in San Antonio. Harbar moved to Houston and took up a career in radio ad sales. In 1974 he quit his job and began performing full time, sometimes solo on accordion and other times with his full nine-piece band The Gypsies. He was known to own Mark Hiebert photo
Texas Polka News - March 2016
Dancehall Documentary TapingAction! The Alex Meixner Band played some dancehall music on Feb. 7 at Rifle Hall in Round Top as director Erik McCowan captured the dance action. Photos by Gary E. McKee - Alex Meixner Band Hank Guzevich, Alex, Tommy Adelphi, and Joe Tierny; Joe and Tommy had a chance to play cowboy thanks to Roy and Becky Gilbreath, who brought their horses to the party; Erik in action.
Page 21
El Campo Polka FestMore than 400 polka lovers attended the 29th festival held at Taiton Community Center on Jan. 31. Photos by Gary E. McKee. Top, clockwise: Band jam with Red Ravens, Fritz Hodde/Fab 6, Leo Majek Orchestra & several guest musicians; 5th generation Majeks, Austin and Lauren; Weldon & Delores Schulte; Jerry & Martha Ann Majek; George & Mary Ann Kana; Pavlicek cousins Joe and Norbert coordinated their wardrobes.
Houston Mardi GrasCajun French Music Association members and guests let the good times roll at their Mardi Gras dance on Jan. 23. Photos by Gary E. McKee: Helen Pulnik leads the parade; Ricky Menard of Cajun Soul & Friends; future Cajun musicians; Dorothy & Gary Hester.
B=Birthday celebrations (6:30 p.m.)F=Food night (6:30 p.m.)
American Legion Post 2512241 S Hwy 71
Singles & all ages welcome!Non-smoking/Non-drinking
Bring your own soft drinks, tea and coffee provided.
979-543-5396
Festival & Dance NotesContinued from page 10
Sunday, the fun starts at 10:30 am with the same menu as Saturday PLUS fried chicken. Music continues throughout the day with Shiner Hobo Band, Ennis Czech Boys, Leo Majek Orchestra, and Red Ravens. All the bands join together for a concert from 4:30-5 pm. See ad, p. 4.
ANTON SAUSAGE IS DATINGTake a break from sausage on Easter Sunday weekend, then head to Schulenburg for the 3rd Annual Schulenburg Sausage Festival on Sat., April 2. Anton Sausage, the cute mascot of the event plans to introduce his new sweetheart, Vlasta Pickle. You heard it here first! The event features sausage-
making contests, and new this year, contests to find the best homemade wine, sauerkraut, and pickles. Some judges will be chosen from the audience, so get your taste buds ready! And what’s a sausage fest without great polka music! Enjoy the music and dance in the street to the Shiner Hobo Band, Czechaholics, Mark Halata & Texavia, and Texas Dream. Food booths open at noon and children’s activities will be held from 1-5 pm, including a visit from the Easter Bunny! Shop the arts and crafts booths, and enjoy the display of antique cars and tractors, and motorcycles. See ad, p. 5.
EL CAMPO GETS YOUR WEEKEND STARTEDThe El Campo Seniors invite you to go dancing on Thursdays at the American Legion Hall from 7:30-11 pm. March has a great lineup with Czechmates, Odessa, Texas
Mavericks, and Charlie Merta. There’s no dance on March 24 in observance of Easter weekend. The first dance of the month is always a celebration of attendees’ birthdays and the last dance of the month is for bringing food to share. (That’s the one I would go to!) Singles and all ages are welcome. See ad, p. 22.
SPRINGTIME IN ELGINYou don’t want to miss the Sunday lineup of dances in March and April at SPJST Lodge 18. Glen Collins provides the country music on March 6 and April 3. Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous 6 brings you polka time on March 13, and Jerry Haisler and the Melody 5 has your polka music on April 10. The dances are 3-7 pm, the kitchen is open, and the bar is serving ice cold pivo. See ad, p. 11.
FOOTBALL IS OVER, GO DANCIN’Sunday afternoons were made for country dancing. The VFW Hall on Waverly Drive in Houston has a great lineup for March: Loose Change, Country Jim and the Allstars, and Detour. No dance on March 27 since it’s Easter. The dances are always 2-6 pm and admission is only $7. See ad, p. 20.
SWEET MUSIC IN SWEET HOME Sweet Home Music City continues to bring you great country and polka music on Sunday afternoons. In March, dance to Lost Cause and Charles and the Fabulous 4. In April, it’s the Red Ravens (see ad at left), Charles and the Fabulous 4, and EZ Country. See ad, p. 11.
LEARN TO DANCE @ LODGE 88New this year at SPJST Lodge 88 in Houston: arrive 30 minutes early to Saturday night dances and enjoy complimentary dance instruction from some dancing pros. They’ll also be available during intermission.
Try out your newly learned steps at the Lodge dances with Moonglow Orchestra and Red Ravens in March, and Moonglow, Texas Sound Check, and Charlie Prause Band in April. See ad, p. 8.
BOBBY FLORES @ HEART OF TEXAS MUSIC FESTBobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band will be at the 27th Annual Heart of Texas Music Festival in Brady on Fri., March 18. They’ll be joined by Darrell McCall and Tony Booth. The festival continues on Saturday and Sunday with Justin Trevino, Jeff Woolsey, and many more favorite Texas artists. Bobby and the band will make their way to Kerrville on Sat., March 19 to play at the Cailloux Theater. See ad, p. 8.
ALL THINGS EASTERПokpoba Pokrova (Protection of the Mother of God) Ukrainian Church in Houston invites you to its 36th Annual Easter Bazaar from noon to 5 pm at the Parish Hall. Enjoy great food, beautifully decorated Easter eggs, Easter breads and other pastries, music, and dance performances. See ad, p. 22.
FOR A GOOD TIMEHead to New Braunfels for a Goodtime Polka & Waltz Dance Club dance. You’ll love the great wood floor at the Eagles Hall and the friendly club members. The Czech Melody Masters will provide the music for a good time on Sat., March 19, from 7-11. Mark your calendar for dances the rest of the year: Red Ravens (April 23), Swingin’ Dutchmen (June 18), Czechaholics (Aug. 27), Czech & Then Some (Sept. 17), Cloverleaf Orchestra (Oct. 9), and Travelers Orchestra (Dec. 4). See ad, p. 10.
ARE YOU IN THE MOOD?For a great dance? Then set the GPS for Turner Hall in Yoakum on Sat., March 19. The Moods will provide the music from 8 pm to midnight. See ad, p. 22.
Texas Polka News - March 2016Page 24
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