Texas Polka News - April 2020 Volume 32 | Isssue 14 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Texas Covering Polka Dance Hall Music Since 1987News 2 Bohemian Princess Diary eresa Cernoch Parker WUNNERFUL How to Polka On! LAWRENCE WELK 3 Editor’s Log Gary E. McKee IN TEXAS How to Grow Polka 3 Polka On fans; From our readers 4-7 Featured Story Lawrence Welk 8-10 Fiddlers Frolics 50 11 Boerne Village Band; Remembering Dorothy Ellebracht 12-13 Church Picnics 14 PoLK of A Report 16 Music Review Essential Johnny Cash
17 DJ Profi le: Larry Sodek; Mason Krause on polka scene 18-20 Dances, Festivals, Live Music 21-23 Festival & Dance Notes
23 Band ads 24 Polka Smiles Sponsored by Slovacek's
By Gary E. McKee Story on Page 4 2 Texas Polka News - April 2020 April 2 Texas Polka News Staff Bohemian Princess Farm Street Opry in Bastrop and Floresville Opry eresa Cernoch Parker, Publisher Diary Gary E. McKee, Editor/Photo Journalist April 4 Je Brosch, Artist/Graphic Designer Schulenburg Sausagefest Contributors: Austin Craw sh Festival Louise Barcak Mark Hiebert John Roberts Justin Everett Karen Williams Kurtz Will Seegers Twin Sisters Dance Hall Lauren Haase Julie Matus Rose Vrazel Sealy Lions Club Dance Club Walt Harfmann Earline Berger Okruhlik George Weber April 5 Joe Cool Pavlicek Harvey Wise Elgin Lodge 18 Dance Houston VFW 10352 Dance Contact By Theresa Cernoch Parker Ukrainian Easter Bazaar eresa Parker, Texas Polka News [email protected] April 16 118 Vintage Park Blvd, Suite 443 • Houston, TX 77070 Bluebonnet Opry in Brenham 281-836-5362 April 19 [email protected] | Gary: [email protected] Howdy, Texas music fans! Great CHS Harris Co Springfest thing about music is that you can Swiss Alp Dance Club Dance Ads/Media listen to it anywhere! But we miss April 28 Articles, ads, letters to the editor deadline: 1st of the month for the next month our dancing community and hope San Antonio Accordion Assoc. Ad Rates 1/3 page: $185 1/8: $65 we will be scootin’ our boots and May 1 & 2 Full page: $475 1/4 page: $125 1/16: $40 kickin’ up our heels in dance halls, Brenham Maifest will be postponed 1/2 page: $250 3/16 page: $95 festival pavilions, and church May 2 Discounts available for multiple runs. Combo deals available for ads in TPN and picnic elds soon! Tony Booth Day in Pearland polkabeat.com. Special ad rates for Spring/Summer Fest Guide published in March, & At press time, it was not known May 7 Oktoberfest Guide published in August. Contact eresa Parker for information. how far into April the closings of Farm Street Opry in Bastrop restaurants and dance halls would May 22-24 On The Cover go because of the Coronavirus. We National Polka Festival in Ennis May 26 went ahead and included the April Lawrence Welk from the wunnerful world wide web. calendar of music events and the San Antonio Accordion Assoc. church picnic listings. Events still on as of press time: TPN and polkabeat.com April 18 About Texas Polka News promises to keep you informed as Cotton Gin Festival in Burton to events being canceled as we all e Texas Polka News was started by Julius who resumed publishing in September April 24-26 Tupa of Houston in 1987 with the mission 2014. In addition to polka, the paper covers work to stay safe from the virus. Germanfest in Muenster to preserve and promote polka music and other dance hall music including Country, We update the schedule daily. April 23-26 dance. When Julius passed away in 2002, Western Swing, and Cajun, and celebrates his wife, Marie, continued as publisher, live music, such as Opry, across the state. When in doubt please call the Fiddlers Frolics in Hallettsville and Julius' friend, John Rivard, took the eresa also founded polkabeat.com in venue or organization to make sure April 25 reins as volunteer editor. John stepped 2010 to honor the memory of her dad, events are still taking place. Moravia Fest down as editor in June 2014, and Marie Willie “Bill” Cernoch, to promote polka sold the paper to eresa Cernoch Parker, music and heritage. Until then check out these April 26 YouTube channels to help you St. Michael's Springfest in Weimar polka on! Mollie B & Squeezebox, Dance at Columbus Hall in West Get/Give The Texas Polka News May 3 Alex Meixner Band, Buttonboxes Continue the polka tradition! One year (12 issues + 2 festival guides) for only $25. Clip by Walt Harfmann, George Weber, CHS Dance in Corpus this out & mail check for $25 (outside U.S. $45) to e Texas Polka News 118 Vintage and e Manaccordionist Kelsey Holy Rosary Picnic in Hostyn Park Blvd, Suite 443 Houston, TX 77070. Give 2 gift subscriptions for only $20 each, or 3 May 8 & 9 or more for only $15 each. Go to texaspolkanews.com to subscribe or renew online with a Lien. Visit our polkabeat Facebook credit card. e paper is also available in an e-edition for only $20. page o en as Gary posts music by Gedenke in Weimar May 17 several artists. Name ______Slavnost May Fair in La Grange You can also listen to the polka Street ______radio shows. See the ads on page 15 City ______ST ______Zip ______Hunker down. Pray. Dance in Ph ______Email______and tune in locally or online. the kitchen. Maybe by next month Events that we know have been we will be able to Polka On! as a ❏ New ❏ Renewal ❏ Gi ❏ Address change (include old address) canceled for April and May - community once again. Texas Polka News - April 2020 3 Polka On! Fans Editor's Log How to Grow Polka
Hanging out at Spoetzel Brewery at Kloesel's Steakhouse in Moulton where the Shiner Hobos performed where the Moravian Woodpeckers in 1948 devoting a good portion of during the birthday party for were playing on Feb. 15. By Gary E. McKee its broadcasting to supporting the brewery founder Kosmos Spoetzel polka music culture with not one, not on Mar. 7 are TPN and polkabeat Are you a fan? Send your photo to [email protected] two, but three polka shows, all led [email protected] holding by musicians, Frank Milder, John photographer Karen Kurtz and up the paper, Polka On! button, a couple of new fans of David Polkadate April 2020. Alex Meixner Dujka, and Clinto Robinson. koozie, wearing a Polka On/TPN has a mission in life. He takes the roots Clinto, Alex, and Dr. Michael Kocurek, who graced the cover of t-shirt wherever you happen to be of polka music that has been planted along with some music fans crammed our Spring & Summer Fest Guide. and we'll post on Facebook and and developed into a rm foundation into the control room for an hour-long At right, TPN fans could be found include in this section of the paper. and grows the music to keep it fresh show of music, laughter, and great and sprouting new branches all the polka-oriented conversation with while keeping the roots strong. One Clinto and Alex. Clinto brought out From Our Readers of the methods is interacting with the his acoustic guitar to jam with Alex youth of today by presenting programs and Michael for over a half a dozen In this world of drive-by, fake We enjoy the Texas Polka News in the schools. One of his branches was songs. e hour ew by. news, there stands one Texas every month. You do a great strengthened recently by his third visit A er some Texas BBQ for lunch, to the El Campo High School a er a the AMB traveled to the El Campo newspaper with hometown job keeping us informed. Many visit to the KULP studios spread the High School auditorium for a program integrity. ey write about thanks for all the hard work you polka gospel with Clinto. with the El Campo High School local Texas people and about put into the paper. anks! Band. is is the third year that Alex Bob & Bea Wel , Yoakum e Alex Meixner Band (AMB) has conducted a program in which those dancers/bands across winter tour passed through the Texas selected members of the band perform America who love music and Czech Rice Belt in the latter part of polkas both with the AMB and by the music history. ey provide ank you for all the great work February stopping at the New Taiton themselves (a ja sam) for the audience. dance schedules for all genres. you and Gary do every month to Hall for one of the best dances and A highlight was when he brought the French horn section up front and ey especially write about get the Polka News to all of us. fun in a long while. e next morning, I know it is a lot of hard work. I having spent the night in El Campo, he taught them to play A Ja Sam. e the heritage polka music of Alex and his sax player, Dr. Michael program went into overtime (last Czech and German bands that appreciate it very much. I read it Fortunato showed up bright and early period) as many questions were asked crisscross this state throughout cover to cover. Sometimes I re- at radio station KULP of El Campo of each musician and demonstrations read some of the articles. to be guests on Clinto’s Polka Time were held individually by the AMB the year. ey even promote Herbert Lovell, Waco show. KULP has been in the polka and band members. e interest me and Texas Heartbeat band music business since its founding generated by Alex with these budding in Elm Mott, Tx. If you don't musicians Please renew my Texas Polka will help subscribe to monthly Polka News News. You are doing a great job. carry on the and online PolkaBeat.com, you Polka on! music in are really missing out. Marvin Adamek, East Bernard El Campo. Roger Kirby, Elm Mott Now if only more I enjoy reading the Polka News schools We appreciate all y’all do to with the interesting articles. would promote live music around the Great job! recognize state. Always enjoy reading Vernell Macik, Shiner this valuable the articles and looking at the method. You are doing a great job! Keep pictures. It’s a ne publication! AMB with Clinto Robinson, El Campo up the good work! El Campo Raymond & eresa Jozwiak, High School musicians and Brenham teachers. 4 Texas Polka News - April 2020 government in 1892. A group of them It's Wunnerful Down settled in central North Dakota. For the rst year or so the Welk family lived in a Here in Tex-is! hole in the ground that was covered with By Gary E. McKee an overturned wagon and slices of sod covering the structure while a woodframe A plaque in the lobby of the Lawrence house was built. Farming wheat by day, Welk Museum proclaims: “A total of the long winter nights were passed with 10,300,000,000 people! ( at’s 10.3 Lawrence’s family playing a concertina BILLION!) have tuned in” to the TV show. accordion and his mother singing along Welk started his rst TV show in 1951, with relatives. As he grew older, Lawrence at the age of 48. He had been performing harbored thoughts of leaving the farm since he was a teenager. Anyone interested and being a musician to escape the in music has heard of the Dorsey Brothers, drudgery and hard work. Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, Benny Both before and a er nishing his Goodman, the Crosby Brothers, all these chores on their pre-mechanical wheat Big Band orchestra leaders who were farm (he became a champion wheat LEFT: 1933 ad in Abilene - Lawrence Welk and His Novelty Orchestra. 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. script contemporaries of Welk. thrasher, probably from accordion $1.50. Mr Welk also will play in our Co ee Shop from 6:30 to 8:30. You Are Invited. RIGHT: 1933 So where had Lawrence Welk been? practice), he practiced. ad in Fort Worth - Here ey Are - Lawrence Welk and His Novelty Band. America's Biggest Was he an overnight success? Hardly. And Well, times on that atland farm Little Band, Saturday Nite, Top-O'-Texas, 9 Till 12:30 "Novelty Nite" $1.25 Per Couple Tax Paid. to fully justify the motto of Carl Finch of NOTE! e best food for less in main dining room Texas Hotel. Luncheon, 50c; Dinner, 85c. Dance were tough, and in the fourth grade his to the Music of Ligon Smith and His Orchestra. Next page: Lawrence Welk knew the power of Brave Combo: “ e weather is always the appendix ruptured; tiny Strasburg was advertising. opening act,” let’s go back to the year 1903 several miles away by wagon, where the B.C. (Before Champagne) and nd out. only doctor said he needed immediate a er being released. He used the time to of success. e story goes that he was surgery. In 1914 there were only a few learn and become pro cient on the banjo inviting people from the audience to learn Lawrence Welk was born in 1903 to automobiles in Strasburg. One was and several other instruments. to dance, and he began the lesson with German parents who, along with other commandeered to cover the 75 miles to Lawrence wanted his own accordion; uh-one, and a uh-two. relatives and friends who happened to be a hospital over the primitive dirt roads. not his father’s third generation button the wrong ethnicity, had been expelled Lawrence was hospitalized for several box that had traveled over Europe, the from Strasberg, Russia by the Russian weeks and homebound for seven months SO LONG, FARM! Atlantic, and had been passed down to his Keeping his agreement, Lawrence le the older brother. When a traveling musician farm at the age of 21 with his four-year- gave a show with a new-fangled piano- old accordion, train fare, and three one- style accordion, Lawrence was entranced dollar bills pinned to his jacket. He soon and knew he had to have one. Just before learned that there were other languages Dance Time in West his 16th birthday, he nally worked up being spoken besides German and started Knights of Columbus Hall - 2547 Jerry Mashek Dr., West, Texas his courage and asked his father for $400 learning English. Moving around North to buy his own accordion (1919 dollars!). Dakota (by train and hitching rides), His father thought about it for a week, Lawrence played solo gigs for his room then agreed. His father made him a deal, and board and with a children’s orchestra Sunday, April 26 he would sell a cow and buy an accordion call the Jazzy Junior Five, he realized that for him, but he must pay him back from method wasn’t getting him anywhere. Spring Awakening Dance any performances at church socials and He teamed up with a drummer, Frank Music by dances, and through work on the farm. Schalk, who had a car. is improved Czech & Then Some He must also remain on the farm until he his status as they could ensure that they and was 21 as his older brother had married would probably arrive at a booking The Dujka Brothers and moved. and it increased the range of dance 1-6 pm/Doors open at 11 am Strasburg was a mostly German performances. Chicken Fried Steak Dinner $10/Dance $10 Catholic community and the only In late 1924, Lawrence and Frank Dinner serving begins @ noon school was run by the nuns and the only joined an orchestra, and began to learn language spoken in the community was how to read music. Not only did he German. Lawrence spoke with a heavy learn the basics of music, but he learned accent and stilted English, which he didn’t how NOT to run an orchestra as his learn until he le home; but he would use bandleader would frequently forget to pay to his advantage decades later. For the the band. ey quit. Lawrence and Frank next ve years, Lawrence earned money took a summer working “vacation” and playing for local weddings and parties traveled around the Dakotas once again and learned that the real money was playing for room and board or before made by being in charge. In 1923 (age 20), the silent movies at theaters to survive. he had his rst self-promoted dance in Lawrence was beginning to show his nearby Hague. He earned over $100 from business sense by making deals for their Westkofc.org 254-826-7770 that one dance giving him a false sense performances so they might make a small Texas Polka News - April 2020 5 Welk played Orchestra—Radio Favorite— e Most a musician and always had to go play. the accordion, Popular Dance Attraction in the Middle Finally, when he was playing in Colorado, posted handbills, West—Breaking Attendance Records he lured Fern out to Denver, where he sold candy Everywhere.” at was pretty heady proposed, and they were married. She between acts, promotion, which was apparently le a stable career as a nurse and lab and was a accurate. technician to go on the road with a Spanish corpse It was about this time that Lawrence bandleader. Her tough choice between in a comedy spied a pretty lady by the name of Fern a medical career or a wife and mother murder sketch, in a radio broadcast audience and was alleviated by having eight of her among other made an awkward introduction. Fern immediate descendants in the medical chores. Renner’s background was fairly identical eld. Lawrence was later the national When the to Lawrence, born the same year, 50 chairman of the American Cancer Society troupe folded, miles apart to immigrant parents on a and heavily donated to medical causes. Welk, along hardscrabble farm; her father died at 41 Life was full of bumps for the newlyweds. with a drummer, from a ruptured appendix. She possessed ey moved the band to Chicago, but saxophonist, a strong desire to better herself, she that didn’t work out, they moved back and pianist went became a registered nurse with a slant to Yankton where he had a fan base. An pro t. ey observed that the successful to back to North Dakota and formed the toward laboratory research. Her friends unscrupulous agent hired Lawrence’s bands were playing popular music and Lawrence Welk Novelty Orchestra. e warned her that all musicians were shady entire band away from him. He managed not the old-time music that they played winter weather intervened, and he and his characters and were only interested in one to put together another. During one of and began to alter their style. At one orchestra headed towards New Orleans thing. She kept Lawrence at a distance, their one-night shows in a small town early dance in the Dakotas, a blizzard as they were playing Dixieland music including moving to work at a hospital in the Welks' hotel room was so dilapidated forbid anyone attending the dance, looking for work. A blizzard stopped Dallas, Texas. Lawrence promptly bought that Fern began crying; several days later, except of course, Lawrence. He realized them at Yankton, South Dakota, where a small hotel (the Texas Hotel) with a she told him she was pregnant. ey that the weather had defeated him, other Welk visited the small radio station, ballroom in Fort Worth so he could began playing as frequently as he could musicians would have demanded the WNAX. He signed a week-long contract perform and be near her. get a booking to accumulate money for a agreed upon fee, but Lawrence just asked to perform on the air as they were snowed ey dated several times, but the planned relocation for the winter. for gas money and got it. in, which was extended multiple times Lawrence had made arrangements to Lawrence and Frank had realized due to public acclaim. Welk did what he road called for Lawrence. e two kept Continued on next page that the real money was in having your had to do including reading (!) ads for in communication by mail but he was own band. ey were soon playing fairly “Master Liquid Hog Tonic.” e area's regular, but their car maintenance was Germanic population probably didn’t eating up their pro ts. Lawrence cut a notice his accent. deal with a Chevrolet dealership for a new It was here that Welk played under April 24-26 2020 $700 car and they agreed to advertise the two other interesting names, one was the , dealership on the car and from the stage. 10-piece Hotsy-Totsy Boys (hotsy-totsy was slang for stable) and e Honolulu RAIN CAN BE NICE Fruit Gum Company. e Gum name On July 4, 1925, Lawrence rented a came from a sponsorship by the Honolulu pavilion and hired several local musicians Fruit Gum chewing gum company. As for the day. When his dance started, he they worked the area, under this name, was dismayed to learn that his small Welk would crown various attractive audience was due to competition from girls “Miss Honolulu Fruit Gum” because the county championship ball game. the winners had collected the most Fortunately for Lawrence, the game was Fruit Gum wrappers. e dance hall soon rained out, and people came to operators hated them as they had to clean his pavilion to dry o as well as dance. the gum o the oor a er shows. Welk From the new crowd, Lawrence paid the learned the power of radio in securing musicians, paid o his car, and had a dance engagements from the fan mail respectable sum le over. Most musicians (what towns would bring the most dislike the rain and sports competition dancers) and job o ers from afar (the but imagine his and Frank’s joy over this geographical atness and signal strength) 2 Music Stages featuring: Ennis Czech Boys particular rainstorm. and negotiating contracts. It was a music Alpenmusikanten • Das Ist Lustig • German Band of North Texas at fall, Lawrence joined the Peerless business 101 class. Czech Harvesters • Hotel California Eagles Tribute Band Entertainers, a successful semi-vaudeville While in the area, Lawrence hooked Bonnie Bishop • Copper Chief • Radney Foster touring group, (comics, jugglers, singers, up with a family who owned a series Germanfest Fun Run • Metric Century Bicycle Rally • Sausage & Rib Cook-off Carnival • Kinder Theatre • Petting Zoo • German Cuisine & Biers and dance orchestra). Here Lawrence of ballrooms throughout the Dakotas. German Folk Dance Groups • 100 Craft Vendors • Fireworks Fri. & Sat really learned the ropes on running an e Aragon Ballroom was his favorite, orchestra as they toured the Midwest. where he was heavily hyped as “ e HERITAGE PARK Admission: $10 Fri. & Sun.; $15 Sat. Age 12 and under: Free Lawrence learned you did what you had Accordion King and His Sensational PARKING: $5 Buy your steins online & stand in line half the time! to do to survive doing what you love; Novelty Orchestra—Gennet Recording MuensterGermanfest.com (940) 759-2227 Save the date: Oktoberfest October 3 & 4, 2020 6 Texas Polka News - April 2020 some extra tip money and to promote Broadmoor Hotel, in Denver, Colorado Christmas dance of 1933, was unique in Wunnerful Welk the evening’s dance as he played prior to for a series of engagements, one of which that the rst mention of Welk’s ethnicity the evening show and get special outside was the birth of Lawrence and Fern’s was mentioned. At one minute a er Continued from page 5 performances. e Hilton poured on the daughter, Shirley. midnight on Christmas Morning, Welk play an extended time at a ballroom in hype on Easter weekend of ’32, by staging A er playing the resorts and hotels performed a German Christmas dance Arizona to stabilize his expectant wife a three-day music festival, of which e around Denver and a stint through show at the Abilene Hilton Hotel. and escape the winter weather. Upon Lawrence Welk Novelty Orchestra was the Dakotas, winter showed up and e last half of the 1930s saw his agent arrival, he learned that the ballroom had the only band and the advertisements it was time for Lawrence to head to (Music Corporation of America) working gone bankrupt. Lawrence went straight to referred to them as “Six Magicians Texas. Texas had been good to the Welk hard as his recordings (he always had the creditors holding the mortgage on the Playing irty-Six Instruments.” e Orchestra and Lawrence had hired a been making records to sell at the dances) ballroom. He pledged to cover any losses, Hilton also advertised that “Wives” are let band manager to take care of the details and bookings moved to the East Coast if they would let him run it for the winter in free. of running a band on the road. e Hotel in major population centers in New York of 1931. A er a month of pro ts, the Welk As the roads thawed they moved Wooten in Abilene was their base of City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. It was organization started moving back northward playing in Lubbock and then operations in the winter of 1932. in Pittsburgh, in 1938, that a fan wrote in eastward with a swing through Abilene, Amarillo, where they were reviewed and called his style "Champagne Music," Texas where they played New Year’s Eve as “the best dance orchestra ever in WELK IN TEXAS, Y'ALL since it was as smooth as the champagne at the Abilene Country Club and several Amarillo” and “Welk and his ve For the next several winters, Lawrence the dancers were drinking. e popular engagements at the Abilene Hilton for assistants surrounded by three dozen-odd went to work for various hotels in North music of America was still jumping, jive, the Abilene Christian College and the musical instruments gave the impression Central Texas; the Hilton and the Baker jazzy music and Lawrence was providing Knights of Columbus (where old-time, of a big dance band. Harmonious voices Hotel chains, which all had ballrooms, an alternative style, playing the current modern, and Irish songs were performed). and syncopating rhythm as the musicians playing in Mineral Wells, Temple, songs yet in a smoother, easier-to-dance- e Hilton’s Co ee Shop provided doubled on other instruments….” and Dallas among other prime Texas to melody that the older generation another spot for Lawrence to pick up e Novelty Orchestra reached the locations. He was also free to play single enjoyed (the same can be said 50 years dances in Amarillo (where he was billed later). Contests: Bubble Gum Blowing as having perfect rhythm), Stephenville’s e agency, MCA, scored a major Pie Eating • Cotton Seed Pulling Knights of Pythias Hall, and Lampasas marketing coup. All the previously named 31st Annual Tractor & Kiddie Tractor Pull Hancock Park. e 1933 Lampasas big-star bandleaders were featured in Burton Food/Craft Booths monthly dances were advertised as motion pictures, but they generally were Cotton Gin Festival Barnyard Petting Zoo his Novelty Band being the “Biggest on the big screen one movie at a time. Antique Tractor Show Little Dance Band” as the six musicians MCA swung a deal with Paramount who could and would play over 30 Studios where the Lawrence Welk Burton Cotton Gin Tours April 18, 2020 instruments. Orchestra would come to Hollywood and Ginning of cotton bales, 3 pm His group burned up the Texas shoot a series of song-length videos (50 highways playing in College Station for years ahead of MTV). ese shorts played FREE ADMISSION the Aggie Corp, the Taylor VFW and along with a cartoon before a feature lm. Legion Hall, and in the Baptist territory So, in company with Porky Pig, Our Parade 10am of Tyler in East Texas, among others. Gang, and Popeye, Lawrence played his His radio show on Dallas’ WFAA radio champagne music which preceded movies PAR for the Horse: Noon-2pm helped promote his dances at the Top O’ with Ann Sheridan, Ronald Reagan, Paul Murski, Allison Crowson, Robert Zientek Texas ballroom which James Stewart, and Joan Crawford. When was in the Texas Lawrence rst started (before talkies), Leather & Lace 2-4pm Hotel. WFAA was a Welk would play live before the lm and clear channel radio sometimes supplemented the movie with Dujka Brothers 4-6pm which blasted music. at was only one lm showing www.texascottonginmuseum.org out over half of at a time in one theater; with the new Texas spreading system, the Welk Orchestra could be the name of seen and heard at thousands of theaters Friday, April 17 Lawrence each day across the nation; record sales Kick off the Burton Cotton Gin Welk. were phenomenal, to say the least. In the Festival with music by e Dakotas where Welk’s music was heard Allison & The Texas Two By Fours Welk constantly on the radio, the hometown 7:30-11:30 pm theaters actually put his name on the Orchestra movie posters in larger letters than the Saturday, April 18 was lead actors. apparently tting e folks in Pennsylvania fell in Serving breakfast, lunch, & in well with Texas love with Welk and his music and supper! Music all day as they were booked wrote enough fan mail to keep him starting @ noon for the prestigious steadily employed. In McKeesport, White Horse Tavern Lost Cause 6 pm Cattleman’s Ball Pennsylvania (full disclosure: named 979-277-5768 at the stockyards a er a distant relative of this writer), a Burton, TX of Fort Worth. e large advertisement claimed that Welk Texas Polka News - April 2020 7 was from Texas and was “second to none reading and performing the music o the dislocated pelvis, etc.). Lawrence kept Welk continued working out of Chicago in the country for dance music.” Even music stands, until the rain soaked the performing but did sacri ce the girl until 1950, with forays into surrounding with the steady night dances, Lawrence, sheet music and the music couldn’t be singer in his orchestra by sending her to states during the week until they got in his drive to make more money to read. Welk’s skills barely kept the music Chicago to babysit the three children. Of tired of the unpredictable winters. support a growing family and orchestra going as they literally waded through the course, the girl was totally inexperienced He decided to relocate to Southern played lunch and evening shows at some show. in nursing or childcare. California, where he was, of course, well of the hotel’s grills (which despite the A er the Arkota, he headed to In 1947, when Welk was a national known thanks to the movie videos, large name, were elegant). His agency made Texas for an extended engagement sure to keep his name in the social at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. In radio and recording star, he didn’t forget album sales, and continual pre-recorded columns mentioning that he was breaking early January 1940 his road warrior Texas, as a songwriter, Jack Kenney, had radio broadcasts. Television was in its attendance records and also included one background returned; he le Dallas and written a song entitled T-E-X-A-S and infancy, just as radio once was, and in item where it was revealed at the end of a played a succession of shows (almost Texas Governor Beaufort Jester wanted 1952, Welk seized the opportunity to series of concerts that he was married and nightly) in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, it used in his inaugural program, but broadcast live from the Aragon Ballroom had a family, which was purposely kept Illinois, and Minnesota (a dual show hadn’t actually heard the song. Somehow in Los Angeles on a local television from his admirers. with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra) Welk recorded the song and Kenny station. A er the third year, ABC bought and then turned around and headed the played the record for the governor to be. the show for nationwide broadcast, and CHAMPAGNE MUSIC ON 1,200 miles to the Rice Hotel in Houston This was the time when polka music the German-speaking, rst-generation THE ROAD to start a several-months-long series of was selling and Decca Records released farm-boy from the wheat elds of North shows at the end of January. Welk le the northeast in 1939 and a set of 78rpms entitled POLKA. If you Dakota soon became a cultural icon During his o time, Welk took his began a Midwest tour. Winter travel lived in Waco you could visit the Disc with his fractured English catchphrases, road conditions, a camper/bus, and band on the road in the Central Texas Record Shop to pick up this “Heady excellent performers, and commitment higher fees made it possible to stay in the area returning to College Station to northern states during the winter and play for the Corp boys and made it and Exhilarating” album and hear to a music style, not to mention the Welk’s popularity enabled him to pick his to the Rio Grande valley for several the Champagne Polka, Barbara Polka, richest man in Hollywood behind Bob destination. Welk’s music was beginning engagements where he started to use Beer Barrel Polka, Pennsylvania Polka, Hope. Overnight success? Hardly. He to be copied by others, even though the term "Champagne Music" in the and others. Although Welk included just took a di erent route to the top and one orchestra described their music as advertisements. One enthusiastic polkas, waltzes, and schottisches in over 30 years to do so. “jiggling”(?). Welk (South Dakota’s Own promoter billed them as the best band his set list, his advertisements never Next month, Welk facts, trivia, and Name!) returned to his roots by playing from Louisiana. While in Houston, the mentioned them. debunking of his supposed squareness. the Arkota Ballroom, however Welk was then unknown trumpeter, Harry James, not that sentimental, as the ticket prices auditioned for Welk's band, Welk told were 55 cents for both men and women, him he played too loud and to go back CHECK OUR WEBSITE & normally ladies were free. to the circus. You see, James’ parents OFF TO THE FACEBOOK PAGE, OR GIVE US One o er to play at the premier hotel owned a circus, and he had learned in the Midwest, the Beachwater Hotel in to play in a circus orchestra, which RACES! A CALL TO SEE IF LIVE MUSIC Chicago was particularly desirable. e involves a lot of volume. HAS RESUMED IN APRIL. Beachwater had a large outdoor “shell” In the warmer weather, Welk for their musicians. is was going to be headed back to the Midwest, where he FRI. , APR 3 a really big break for Lawrence, a national played a variety of venues, after several Tony Taylor - 7pm radio broadcast, state government months of playing the opulent Rice o cials, and national entertainment Hotel in Houston, including a skating SAT. , APR 4 moguls were going to be there. rink in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The life Chubby Knuckle Choir - 7:30pm e hotel manager, decided that of a musician. THURS. , APR 9 it would be “wunnerful” if Welk had Returning to the Midwest, Welk’s Soul Sessions - 6pm his orchestra perform without him for driven personality to keep performing the opening ceremonies, and he would caught up with him. He collapsed on FRI. , APR 10 make a grand entrance just as the radio stage and was carried o on a window Slim Bawb Zydeco - 7pm broadcast took to the airwaves. Welk shutter where the hospital determined it was a gall bladder issue. He had been THURS. , APR 16 hesitantly agreed, and waited o stage, Statesboro Revue - 7pm and waited, and waited; he nally ran complaining about pains but, you know Armadillo Races on to the stage when the radio went the show must go on. April 23, May 5 THURS. , APR 23 on the air, put his arms in the air with During World War II, the Lawrence Armadillo Races - 7pm the bandleaders baton, the uh-one, and Welk Orchestra stayed put in Chicago. uh-two was said, his arms came down to Welk actually bought a house, his and WED. , APR 29 kick it o , and the skies opened up in a Fern’s rst, in an attempt to provide a Das Ist Lustig - 6pm massive downpour. home life for him and the musicians' THURS. , APR 30 What to do? You’re on live radio, it’s families, but you know, the road called. Ruthie Foster - 7pm your chance to really show the nation He was playing in New Orleans, when his your champagne music, the audience wife, in Chicago, was in a severe accident; TUES. , MAY 5 had le , why, you keep playing of course. she gave orders not to let Lawrence know www.krausescafe.com Armadillo Races - 7pm ings went ok, his new orchestra were how bad it really was (both legs broken, 830-625-2807 8 Texas Polka News - April 2020 and soul….a very deep upli ing. Special NOW IN ITS 50TH YEAR! commented that when they were young And There Was beyond words. at’s Texas Fiddling." Cli ord Fryer, an avid ddle collector it was about the friendly competition --Texas Fiddler Robert Herridge. from Hallettsville, had been traveling between each other, now, for the older Fiddles to the Left, around the state for years visiting ddle ones, it’s just showing up and jamming Texas ddlers and fans of the music will festivals. In 1971, aft er talking to Frank under the trees or around the camp res. Fiddles to the Right, be heading to Hallettsville, Texas on the Zaruba, and Kenneth Henneke, they e ease of the ddle and accompanying long weekend of April 25th thru the 28th decided to give it a go. ey rented Wied guitar make it ideal for a couple of folks to sit down and start playing and before Fiddles All Around for several days of friendship, fun, and Hall, Fryer invited some ddling friends, and the three put on what they thought long there are several more folks ddling "Texas old-time ddling instilled the ddling music at the Fiddler’s Frolics. might be just a one-o show for a music along. is may go on for hours oblivious spirit of Texas music pioneers in my son, Attendees are guaranteed outstanding style that wouldn’t get much attention in to the competition occurring on stage. Jonathan, and I. As you play or listen, Texas ddling, Texas food, Texas the heartland of Czech polka and waltz Texas ddling is not about how fast you waves of feelings pass through body, mind, friendship, and Texas fun. music. Over 1,000 people showed up, play, it’s the power or punch behind the cheered the music, and drank forty-seven playing, while leaving “breathing room” www.fiddlersfrolics.com 16-gallon kegs of beer. ey decided to try between the notes. it again the next year with similar results. In the 49 years since then, the festival OLD-TIME FIDDLING: A th has moved into the sprawling Knights of SHORT HISTORY Columbus grounds (with plenty of RV Old-Time Fiddling (OTF) contests have hookups) in Hallettsville, expanded the been a part of Texas music culture since event into three days of festivities, added the late 1800s. e term “old time” a very successful BBQ cooko , and added refers to music your ancestors played. a Cajun event. Wes Westmoreland III, In 1899, there was an advertisement in a 50 a multiple ddling winner states it’s the Houston paper for an old-time ddler to best in the state, and local music follower join a traveling troupe that specialized Karen Kurtz says that it is her most in entertaining Confederate veterans. APRIL 23-26 favorite festival. Around that same time in Dallas was an k OF c hALL Everything in Texas is more better OTF contest where the classic ddle songs and more unique, that’s an established Old Dan Tucker (pre-1843) and Arkansas 361-798-2311 2020 fact. In an attempt to describe Texas Traveler (1830ish) were featured. Thursday, April 23 Saturday, April 25 Sunday, April 26 ddling, Jim “Texas Shorty” Chancellor, In 1900, the Galveston paper noted a ve-time national champion, describes that Brenham was hosting an OTF 6:00 p.m. Jam Session Hall Activities Hall Activities Jam session where it as such: “ ink of a beautiful woman contest but predicted it would never catch 9:00 a.m. Contest - Freshman Division 9:30 a.m. Guitar Accompanist Contest everyone gets to play. 1:00 p.m. Contest - Gone to Texas without any make-up on and no jewelry. on. e contest was a rousing success, 10:30 a.m. Texas Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame 8:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Dance TBA at would be a basic ddle tune such as pro ting the promoter $200. e winner Friday, April 24 Texas Music At Its Best! 11:30 a.m. Senior Division (65 and over) Old Joe Clark. A Texas ddler would then was from Caldwell, however a one-armed 1:00 p.m. Texas State Championship Fiddle Contest start embellishing a note as the beautiful Confederate veteran did pretty good 5:00 PM Cajun Fun Night 5:00 p.m. Cliff & Velda Fryer Crawfish by the flat, gumbo, woman might put on some make-up, then and was showered with coins from the Broken Championship Play Off red bean & rice and Burgers. the ddler would add an extra draw on audience. Later that same year, contests Hall Activities Alibi Outside Activities the bow as the woman might put on an were held in San Antonio and Fort Worth. 6:00 p.m. Anything Goes Fiddle Contest 6:30 p.m. Music & Entertainment by: 10:00 a.m. Barbecue Showmanship earring. e ddler would maybe double e contests proved to be crowd pleasers. 1:00 p.m. Texas Unlimited Band stop on a note as the woman would apply In 1905, El Campo held an OTF eye-liner; and so on, until the basic song contest with a Stetson hat as rst-place Doug has ru es and ourishes while retaining prize. e contest was sponsored by Kershaw its original beauty.” Ladies Aid Society of the Christian Shane Smith & e contest is mainly for ddlers Church. J.B. McClatchey of Lavaca the Saints within the borders of Texas, there is County won a three-dollar bow. a category for others, but they do not Taylor held a OTF contest in 1910. 1:00 p.m. Texas State Championship Bonnie Riley Barbecue Cook-Off Judging qualify for the Texas State Champion In 1915, at the Robinson Creek School, title. A special competition is for trick west of La Grange, an OTF contest Josh 2020 TICKETS ddling where the ddle is held in was held with the Cotton Eyed Joe and Keith Junot Sally Goodin taking honors as top Ward Thursday Night ...... FREE unusual positions or di erent group Friday Night Hall Entertainment...... $15.00 members may play your ddle and visa- songs. e La Grange American Legion Saturday Fiddle Contest ...... $ 8.00 sponsored a 1921 OTF contest where Outside Activities Saturday Night Dance (ONLINE) ...... $21.00 versa; it’s all about fun. Texas ddling Saturday Night Dance (AT THE DOOR).....$27.00 1-6 p.m. Keith Junot, Bonnie Riley & Chris Rybak lends itself to family participation more ddlers and dancers took home a rst Sunday Fiddle Contest ...... $ 8.00 prize of 10 dollars (currently $142). e Chris Rybak 3:00 p.m. Barbecue Cook-Off Judging WEEKEND PASS ...... $52.00 than some other styles, both in the family 5:00 p.m. Cook-Off Awards Children 10 and younger FREE (Excluding Saturday Dance) bands or the lineage, i.e. my father was advertisement declared that “a large a champion, my uncle was a champion, number of old-time ddlers who will KNIGHTS OF COLUM- BUS COUNCIL #2433 my grandfather was a champion, etc. e take us back to the days of yore and 361-798-2311 ddle contests also serve as a large family make some of the present generation MIKE reunion, where everyone knows each feel that their parents did not miss much STROUP ENTERTAINMENT other’s children. One gentleman ddler enjoyment a er all. SHARA FRYER & Fiddlers Frolics is a Every Texas ddler attributes their BARRY SILVERMANN 501c3 corporation commented that “some of them know way too much about each other.” Another interest in ddling to Mr. Eck Robertson. Texas Polka News - April 2020 9 the area and had many a dance at his FF 2020 SCHEDULE house. He came to this area when he was e Fiddlers Frolics kicks o ursday a youngster in 1853 and passed away in evening, April 23rd with a jam session. 1911. It appears that every couple of years Friday evening, April 24th has the or more frequently an OTF contest was Anything Goes Fiddle Contest that is the held with a small radius of Hville. trick ddling competition. It’s also Continued on next page Moravia Fest Celebrating 131st APRIL 25TH, 2020 Anniversary! At the Historical Moravia Store - Est. 1889, Moravia, Texas (Halfway between Hallettsville & Schulenburg on FM 957) In the 1920s, recorded country music reported the widow of an OTF had passed was melodic string music (vocals, banjo, away. ey had been a vaudeville act. South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters and guitar out front with ddle as e continuing awareness of the ANTIQUE FARM EQUIPMENT SHOW background) with lyrics about the glory of OTFiddler was evident when a Hearne God or disasters. Eck and Henry Gilliand humor columnist announced his run Show Starts @ 10:00 AM/Tractor Ride @ 3:00 PM (guitar) literally showed up at the door for Governor in 1941 on the platform of 2018 Show Features: 1 Cylinder Engines & Ag Mechanics, Restoration Projects of RCA Victor Records and asked to be lifetime pensions for OTFiddlers. When Join us for the Tractor Ride! recorded. e story goes that they refused Gene Autry toured Texas in 1943, his An hour ride through the country side. (participants must furnish their own ride) to leave until recorded. ey recorded 16 opening act was a champion OTFiddler. commercial recordings in the years 1922 Fiddling has always been in the and 1929. e traditional songs Arkansas Hallettsville (Hville) area. In 1892, Mark Halata & Texavia Traveler, Turkey in the Straw, Sallie two ddlers from Hope gave a crowd 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM Goodin, and Great Big Taters were huge a great show. In 1894, the local paper Victor Rodriguez 3-5 PM sellers which astounded RCA Victor and editorialized that it was “Hard to get $2.50 have been designated as the beginnings of for the preacher, but easy to get $5.00 for a Come Join us for a Good Ol' Time!! current country music. ddler. Later the same editor commented Help Henrietta & Frankie celebrate 24th anniversary as owners of Moravia Store. ese 16 recordings e ectively tell the that a group of prominent men were going ~ SHOW SPONSORS ~ history of old-time music in the 1920s and shing on the river for several days and a alerted record companies to the market good OTFiddler could make some good Mr. & Mrs. Larry Osina • Wenglar’s Pipe & Iron Supply for old-time ddling music. is was money if he went along. In 1896, the Speaks(ville) columnist in For information: Moravia Store at 979-562-2217 or email [email protected] made locally evident in 1925 when Hajek’s the Hville paper lamented the loss of their STWSCT Show - Mark Hermes at 361-772-4619 or email [email protected] Confectionary in Schulenburg announced champion ddler George Anderson as they had “ ree New Old Time Fiddling” he had relocated to Smother’s Creek (just records for sale. west of Hville); two years later, Anderson e OTF popularity kept rolling was ddling at a dance in Yoakum and through the decades: Austin being was described as whole souled and big Austin, the paper was advertising a group hearted (as is the ddlers you will meet at of OTFiddlers who called themselves the the Frolics). Federal Moonshiners. is was during In 1900, the Hville Fire Department prohibition in 1931 and the group was put on a giant celebration that had an sponsored by Federal Tires. Two years OTF contest (also a biggest foot and later, OTFiddlers played at Governor baldest head competition). e ddler Dance time 8-11:30pm unless otherwise noted. “Ma” Ferguson's inaugural reception. had to be over 50 years of age, and rst All dances are open to public and singles are welcome. prize was $6. e following year Yoakum OTFIDDLER STORIES sponsored an OTF contest. In 1905 « All events canceled thru April » A false alarm was sounded by a Houston another OTF Contest was held in Hville paper in 1931 when they reported: during a multiday city-wide trade fair. IN AN EFFORT TO HELP CONTAIN THE SPREAD OF COVID 19 AND AT THE “Today the modern tendency for jazz is Local merchants donated over 40 prizes DIRECTION OF THE CDC, WE HAVE DECIDED TO CANCEL ALL LODGE crowding out the old-time ddler and and the contest was held in the District EVENTS THROUGH APRIL. THIS INCLUDES DANCES, MEETINGS, BINGO, dancers.” eir predication was obviously Courtroom in the Courthouse. Will MEMBER EVENTS, PLAYGROUND ACCESS, ETC. PLEASE KNOW THAT THE BOARD IS HAVING ONGOING DISCUSSIONS ABOUT HOW AND WHEN WE misguided for the following year, Texas Henry of Koerth and Vol Butts of Salem WILL REESTABLISH ACCESS TO THE FACILITIES. WE APPRECIATE YOUR newspapers reported that an old-time won rst places. Vol was 15 years old. UNDERSTANDING AND PLEASE DO BE SAFE OUT THERE. ddler was run over by a drunk cowboy Crockett Jones of Mustang Creek had and the following year the Bryan paper a reputation of being the best ddler in 1435 Beall Street | Houston, TX 77008 | 713-869-5767 | Lodge88.org 10 Texas Polka News - April 2020 Cajun Fun Night with music by legendary Kershaw was playing the ddle at ddler, Doug Kershaw with Chris Rybak, the age of ve, and with his mother on Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center Keith Junot, and Bonnie Riley. guitar, played his rst gig at the local Saturday at 9:30, the Accompanist drinking establishment with the enticing Contest starts the morning. Juniors name Bucket of Blood. His younger (under 15) will compete. At 1 pm out-of- brother, Rusty, and him formed a band state ddlers will be able to compete for and began playing the other local bars the Gone To Texas championship. to feed the family. At the age of 9, they As all of this takes place inside the hall began learning English, but it was on Saturday, outside will have free shows another 10 years before they started with Keith Junot, Bonnie Riley, Chris incorporating English lyrics into their Rybak, and Sean Orr, and dozens of jam Cajun music. Rusty and Doug were quite sessions around the grounds. successful touring and were accepted Saturday night, Broken Alibi, Shane into the Louisiana Hayride and later the Slavnost -May Fest Smith and the Saints, and Josh Ward Grand Ole Opry. will play for a dance in the hall. ey began cutting a series of singles On Sunday morning the in the late 1950s however the military Accompanying Guitarist competition intervened and both brothers served begins at 9:30. To clarify, a contest ddler three years. A er the service, they is not a soloist, but plays along with a rhythm guitarist. e guitarist sets the rejoined and released Louisiana Man and beat for the ddler, so if the guitarist Diggy Liggy Lo which reestablished their makes a mistake it can cause the ddler fame. However, Rusty gave up the music to lose. ey are very important to the business, but Doug persevered and made competition. the next big leap by appearing on the Following competition and the Johnny Cash Show in 1969 (same show induction of the newest members into the with Bob Dylan). Texas Fiddler’s Hall of Fame, the men’s In the age of serious electric rock- senior division ddle-o will be held at n-roll, Doug and electric Cajun music 11:30 am, with the open category Texas became hot property, He performed at State Fiddle Championships counting o the top rock venues in California and at 1 pm. A er the top three ddlers have New York. Talk/variety shows were also been chosen, they advance to the Clyde big draws and included: Ed Sullivan; e and Vera Fryer Playo to determine the Tonight Show; Mike Douglas; a regular 2020 State Champion. on Music Country USA; Merv Gri n; Dinah Shore; Mary Tyler Moore Special; John Wayne Special; Midnight Special SUNDAY, MAY 17 Doug Kershaw to with Wolf-Man Jack; and a member of Celebrating 23 Years of TCHCC! e Fiddlers ree with Itzhak Perlman Headline Frolics and Jean-Luc Ponty. Tribute to Czech-Texas Immigrants of All Years Doug Kershaw was born in 1936 and Most shows tried to bill him as an raised in a musical family on a houseboat overnight sensation, but he stunned Ceremony at 10:30 am near Louisiana’s Calcasieu River, which them when he told them he already makes him the real deal on being Cajun. Meal served starting at 11:30 am had sold 18 million records. He wrote e lyrics that he wrote to Louisiana Man $10/person – includes meal and ALL events were autobiographical and happened to be and recorded the Mamou Twostep the the rst song ever broadcast back to earth title song for the movie Heaven's Gate, Music by Czech Harvesters 11:30am-4pm from the moon during the 1969 Apollo 12 and had acting roles in the movies Fun for the Whole Family! Mission. From an alligator- lled swamp Zechariah, Days of Heaven, and to the barren lunar surface, that’s quite a Medicine Ball Caravan. Visit booths by the Czech-founded Organizations of Texas reach for any song. Even though he does not read or write music, Kershaw has composed Czech Village & Museum Tours Doug Kershaw thousands of songs, having recorded Pastry Shop • Classic Car Shows • Gift Shop nearly 500 other songs such as Cajun Joe, and Rita, Put Your Black Shoes On. Raffle • Country Store Over the decades his career has seen Food/Drinks Available All Day the usual rollercoaster ride of a musician who keeps on playing. Kershaw proudly celebrates his Cajun heritage worldwide, and frequently says that he is the last of Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center his kind to emerge from the Louisiana 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas 78945 bayous. In 2009, he was inducted into e 888-785-4500 • [email protected] • CzechTexas.org Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, and in 2016 into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame. Texas Polka News - April 2020 11 traditional German Grand March. Country to Central Texas as often the Sunshine Lady whose duties Each concert held in June and July as possible to attend dances and were to send cards to cheer up will have an additional featured became members of the Swiss Alp ailing members. They also were guest artist performing alongside the Dance Club. sponsors of private dances, usually Boerne Village Band. In 2010 the couple moved to the with the Donnie Wavra Orchestra Swiss Alp community as their social performing. lives had become centered around Dot was a member of Hermann Remembering the music of Central Texas. They Sons, of Schulenburg and German joined the local German singing American Heritage Society. In 2013, Dorothy Ellebracht club and in costumes attended the Dorothy proudly held the title as Dorothy Mae (Hassmann) Ellebracht, Saengerfests wherever they might Senior Citizen of the Year in Fayette 86, of Schulenburg, passed away be. From 2013 to 2015, Clinton County. peacefully on Feb. 27, 2020. Dorothy was the president of the Po.L.K. She is survived by her loving was born in Wilson County, on July of A. Texas Chapter and Dot was husband of 23 years, Clinton. Boerne Village Band 6, 1933, daughter of Arthur and Leona (Boldt) Hassmann. Celebrates 160 Dot graduated from college in 1977 and taught elementary school for Years 16 years. Recognized as “the longest Before teaching, she worked in continuously playing German band banking and was also a costume outside of Germany,” the Boerne designer, sewing for private dance Village Band proudly presents its studios. A er retiring she continued 160th Anniversary celebration at sewing and quilting. She sewed children’s and doll clothing. Dot also this year’s Summer Abendkonzertes sewed hats that she donated to Texas Celebrating – Summer of 2020 series in downtown Boerne, Texas. Oncology for women who had lost Established in 1860 by their hair. Abendkonzerte Season German immigrant Karl Dienger, On April 27, 1996, Dot married Boerne Village Band with Featured Guest Performers the Boerne Village Band has Clinton Ellebracht in Fredericksburg. prevailed throughout some of is was the 150th birthday of America’s greatest tragedies - at Fredericksburg; they delayed their times dwindling down to handful honeymoon as they both sang in the of members who practiced and Community Choir. Dot and Clinton performed in dance halls and were both members of the Austin barns of Kendall County – and has Saengerunde. continuously provided German Clinton and Dot loved the heritage music for the Texas hill happiness that dancing to German country through their 160 years. and Czech music brings. When All performances start at 7:30 pm Photographs of the past depict dancing and Dot spied a person Main Plaza 100 North Main Boerne Texas the band in elaborate military style sitting down with a frown on their uniforms to frontier clothes and suit face, she would smile at them with June 6 Kickoff Saturday Das Ist Lustig jackets in the 1930s and '40s. Today’s her radiant smile and sparkling eyes Sugarland, Texas costumes, started in the 1960s, and keep smiling each pass they June 9 Abendkonzerte Tuesday Beethoven Maennerchor consist of German vests, embroidered made, and would usually make them San Antonio, Texas shirts, hats for the men and brightly smile. ey commuted from the Hill June 23 Abendkonzerte Tuesday Alpine Express colored dirndls worn by the female Austin, Texas musicians of the band. is year’s 160th celebration July 7 Abendkonzerte Tuesday Tubameisters San Antonio, Texas will be free and open to the public. e ve concerts will nd the Die Froehliche Tanzgruppe July 21 Abendkonzerte Tuesday Fredericksburg TX Boerne Village Band performing Previous Band Vocalists for audiences young and old as Born Boerne now elsewhere USA they picnic on the lawn of the Main Finale Round Top Brass Band Plaza, enjoying the music and July 25 Saturday Round Top, Texas dancing under the moon and stars. e series kicks o on Sat., June 6 In case of rain please go to the www.boernevillage band.com website with a concert to be opened with a Clinton and Dorothy Ellebracht or the City Parks and Recreation website for details 12 Texas Polka News - April 2020 SPRINGFEST IN WEIMAR one side and Hwy. 77 on the other, April means it’s time for the it creates an “H” on the map, and CZECH & THEN SOME annual St. Michael’s Springfest in leads you to Queen of the Holy Polka! Polka! Polka! Bus Tour Weimar. e picnic will be held Rosary Church. on Sun., Apr. 26 at Veterans Park, e church’s annual spring just a couple of blocks west of the picnic will be held Sun., May 3. Chicago • Benton Harbor, MI • Seward, OH church. e day begins with the choir Start the day at the Polka singing traditional Czech hymns Mass at the church at 10:30 am at 9:15 am before the Polka Mass with music provided by the Lost at 10 am. A er church, get in JUNE 4-9, 2020 Cause Band. Over at the park, line to purchase your ticket to a fried chicken and sausage dinner barbecue pork and sausage dinner. 6 days & 5 nights serving starts at 11 am. at’s Dance in the pavilion to Texas when the Czechaholics crank up Sound Check and Czechaholics. including nights in Robinsonville, MS; the music in the pavilion, followed Take a break from dancing to Chicago; South Bend, by Black Cat Choir. participate in the auction, silent Auction begins at 1 pm, Bingo auction, Bingo, cake walk, country IN; Indianapolis; Searcy, AR starts at 2, and corn hole is set store, games, or just sit and visit for 4. Plenty of kids’ activities, with friends and family and enjoy Gold Strike Casino in Robinsonville – Thursday country store, cake walk, and the music! See ad below. Playing at a Chicagoland Sokol – Friday, 7-11 pm much more. See ad below. As of press time, these two picnics The Dank, Benton Harbor – Saturday, 6-10 pm COME TO THE BIG H! had not been canceled. Please Czech Dancers Polka Club, Seward – Sunday, 2-6 pm Hostyn, that is. Located on FM check with the church websites and 2436, intersecting with FM 609 on polkabeat.com for updates.
St. Michael Holy Rosary Parish Catholic Church Hostyn Weimar, TX Spring Picnic Sunday, May 3
Free polka music & dancing in the pavilion Texas Sound Check (11a-3p) Czechaholics Sunday, April 26 (3-7p) Polka Mass @ church 10:30A Choir will sing Featuring Lost Cause Band traditional Czech hymns 9:15 am Polka Mass 10 am Fried chicken & sausage dinner Veteran's Memorial Park BBQ pork/sausage dinner Starts @ 11A Plates: $10 $10/Adult $5/Child Drive-thru take-home plates available at Hamburgers (a er 2p) St. Michael Family Center $10 * Bingo * Drawings * Cake Walk * $725/person based on double occupancy Music & Dancing in the Pavilion * Auction (1p), Silent Auction * 11A-8:30P * Country Store * Games * Reserve your seat today! Danny or Yvonne Zapletal Czechaholics & Black Cat Choir * Plant/Cake Wheels * 972-875-2036 or [email protected] Auction 1P Bingo 2-6P 1889 birthplace of Katolicka Jednota Texaska * * * (KJT, Czech Catholic Union of Texas) * Corn Hole 4P * 10% of the pro ts will be donated to Fayette * Country Store * Cake Walk * County Welfare Board & Meals On Wheels * Kids Games - Fish Pond, Train Ride, www.czechandthensome.com Plinko & More! * Hostyn is just o Hwy 77, south of La Grange Texas Polka News - April 2020 13
CHURCH PICNICS BROUGHT TO YOU BY TEXAS POLKA NEWS
April July 06 HOLY TRINITY 04 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 26 ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC 04 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Falls City (830) 254-3539 Hungerford (979) 532-4747 Frydek (979) 885-3131 St. John (979) 798-5888 13 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 04 ASCENSION CATHOLIC 26 ST. MICHAEL'S CATHOLIC 05 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS Marak (254) 697-4861 Bastrop (512) 321-3552 Weimar (979) 725-6714 Dubina (979) 725-8461 13 ST. MARY OF ASSUMPTION 11 HOLY CROSS 12 ST. JAMES CATHOLIC Taylor (512) 352-2175 East Bernard (979) 335-7551 May G o n z a l e s (8 3 0) 6 7 2 -2 9 4 5 13 VSETIN CZECH MORAVIAN 11 CHURCH OF THE VISITATION CHRIST LUTHERAN 02 19 ASCENSION OF OUR LORD Hallettsville (361) 798-5722 Lott (Westphalia) (254) 584-4983 Pattison (281) 934-8218 Moravia (361) 798-5888 13 HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC 11 OUR LADY OF VICTORY 03 QUEEN OF THE HOLY ROSARY 19 ST. MATTHEW Yorktown (361) 564-2893 Victoria (361) 575-4741 Hostyn (979) 247-4441 Jourdanton (830) 769-3687 13 HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC 11 ST. ANTHONY CATHOLIC 03 ST. ANTHONY DE PADUA 24/25 ST. MARY OF VISITATION Rosenberg (281) 342-3089 Columbus (979) 779-3131 Danbury (979)922-1240 Lockhart (512) 398-4649 19/20 ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE ST. STANISLAUS ST. ROSE OF LIMA 11 03 26 NATIVITY OF VIRGIN MARY Ennis (972) 875-2834 Anderson (936) 873-2291 Houston (713) 692-9123 Penelope (254) 533-2325 ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC PEACE LUTHERAN ST. MATHIAS 20 11 03 Moulton (361) 596-4674 Hurst (817) 284-1677 Magnolia (281)356-2000 August ST. WENCESLAUS HOLY COMFORTER CHRIST LUTHERAN 02 STS. PETER & PAUL 20 17 10 Holman (979) 743-3117 Kingwood (281) 358-6500 Loebau (409) 884-0333 Frelsburg (979) 732-3430 ST. JEROME ST. LUKE CATHOLIC ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 02 ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA 26/27 17 15 Houston (713) 468-9555 Temple (254) 773-1561 Fayetteville (979) 249-7449 Palacios (361) 972-2446 ST. JOSEPH ST. THOMAS MORE ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC 27 17 17 02 Cyclone (254) 985-2280 Austin (512) 258-1161 Deanville (979) 535-4125 Yoakum (361) 293-3518 ST. JAMES CATHOLIC HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC IMMANUEL LUTHERAN 27 18 24 02 Seguin (830) 379-1796 Yoakum (361) 293-3033 Dime Box (979) 884-3100 La Vernia (830) 253-8121 27 IMMANUEL LUTHERAN 18 GUARDIAN ANGEL 24 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC 09 ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC Hallettsville (361) 798-5888 Killeen (254) 634-2772 Wallis (979) 478-6532 Weimar (979) 725-6714 27 ST. MARY CATHOLIC 18 ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC 23/24 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 09 ST. MARY OF ASSUMPTION Shiner (361) 594-3836 Rosanky (String Prairie) Wall (325) 651-7551 West (254) 826-3705 (830) 839-4580 18 ST. PAUL CATHOLIC 24 ST. PAUL LUTHERAN/SERBIN 15 ASSUMPTION OF VIRGIN MARY Giddings (979) 366-9650 27 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Smithville (512) 237-3299 Praha (361) 596-4674 Sealy (979) 885-3868 18 ST. MARY CATHOLIC 24 ST. JOSEPH/STONEHAM 16 ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC Navasota (936) 894-2223 27 ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE Bremond (254) 746-7789 Hillje (979) 648-2864 El Campo (979) 543-3770 25 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC June 16 ST. MONICA CATHOLIC La Grange (979) 968-3430 07 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC Cameron (254) 697-2107 October ST. MICHAEL ARCHANGEL ST. MARY CATHOLIC 25 Flatonia (361) 865-3568 23 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 03 Needville (979) 793-3787 07 HOLY TRINITY CORN HILL Cistern (361) 865-3568 Smithville (Pin Oak) 25 ST. PAUL LUTHERAN (979) 542-0217 Jarrell (512) 863-3020 23 ST. MARY CATHOLIC Columbus (979) 732-2423 13/14 ST. MARY CATHOLIC Ellinger (979) 378-2277 03 QUEEN OF ANGELS 25 STS. PETER & PAUL Dickinson (281) 337-2508 Windthorst (near Wichita Falls) Bellville (979) 865-0676 September TRINITY LUTHERAN (940) 423-6687 03 25 OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN 06 NATIVITY OF VIRGIN MARY Corpus Christi (361) 884-4041 14 ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC Houston (713) 290-9087 High Hill (979) 743-3117 QUEEN OF HOLY ROSARY Hallettsville (361) 798-2128 04 25 HOUSE OF PRAYER 06 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Hostyn (979) 247-4441 14 ST. ROSE OF LIMA Fayetteville (979) 378-2277 Houston (281) 488-4439 04 HOLY ROSARY Schulenburg (979) 743-3117 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE 06 Frenstat (979) 535-7704 ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN Cuero (361) 277-9062 November 20 04 ST. LUKE’S CATHOLIC OUR LADY OF LOURDES Winchester (979) 242-3444 06 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC 08 Loire (830) 393-6021 Victoria (361) 575-3813 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Hallettsville (361) 798-5888 21 04 ST. ROCH CATHOLIC ST. JOSEPH Ammannsville 06 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 08 Shiner (361) 594-3836 Mentz (979) 732-3460 Boling (979) 532-3593 28 UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 04 SACRED HEART CATHOLIC Lyons (979) 596-1456 06 ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC Plantersville (936) 894-2223 Crosby (281) 328-4871 STS. PETER & PAUL 28 06 ST. STANISLAUS 04 ST. ANN CATHLOLIC Church Picnics will run through Plum (979) 247-4441 Chappell Hill (979) 836-3030 La Vernia (830) 743-3117 October. You can also check polkabeat. 28 FAYETTEVILLE BRETHREN 06 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 04 HOLY CROSS com for the year-round schedule. Fayetteville (979) 220-1289 Granger (512) 859-2223 Bay City (979) 245-6379 To add a picnic to the list or make 28 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS 06 HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN 04 ST. MATTHEW corrections, call 281-836-5362 or send Granger (512) 859-2223 Warda (979) 242-3333 Houston (713) 466-4030 an email to [email protected]. 14 Texas Polka News - April 2020 as you all know has gripped you and your families a very Po.L.K. of A. is quite a busy Po.L.K. of A. Texas the nation. I pray that a cure Blessed Easter. klub, and if you are wondering and/or remedy can be found And as always, we look what we are all about, please quickly and that it is effective forward to seeing you down the come check us out. Everyone to stop and/or at least slow this road, on the dance floor or just is welcome; and if you would epidemic. having a great time at so many like to become a member, you As events are being happenings around the area. can contact Betty Tidwell/ Membership Secretary at cancelled minute by minute Take time to thank our [email protected] and for precautionary measures, we military, police, EMS, and she will be more than happy to By Kathy Cernosek, President still have the radio and tv. firefighters who put their [email protected] send you an application, or if I will be in contact with the lives on the line every day for you see anyone in red and white Po.L.K. of A. officers and board us. On behalf of Po.L.K. of just ask them about becoming a Greetings to everyone. I would as to our meeting in July, and A. “THANK YOU” for your member. like to take this opportunity to as details and information service. See you on the dance floor! hope everyone is staying as safe changes minute by minute, we as possible with this virus that will inform our members and has taken over the world and the public. Our major concern that you and your loved ones is that everyone is kept safe. are as safe as possible. This I would also would like to wish
July 12 Membership Meeting Po. L. K. of A. American Legion, Sealy TEXAS CHAPTER Music by Celebrating Czech Melody Masters 30 years of loving polka! 1-5 pm Barefoot Becky & e Ivanhoe Dutchmen made a stop at the National Hall in Polka Lovers Klub of America Fort Worth on the band's Texas Tour in February. Danny Zapletal, leader of Annual Dues: Couple $30 / Single $15 Czech & en Some submitted this photo of Becky and her band and CATS, Klub newsletter 2 times/year, 2 free dances/year, parade oat, scholarships, support of along with some special guests - Harold Strand, who had his own band and polka organizations, shared activities w/Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum played with Texas Dutchmen; Gordon Strand, who plays with Alan Walling and For more info: polkabeat.com/polk-of-a-texas-chapter-i Alpenmusikanten; and Nic Dunkel and his wife, Pam, from Wisconsin. Nic has Kathy Cernosek, President, 281-739-2685 played with Brian and Mississippi Valley Dutchmen and Karl and the Country Betty Tidwell, Membership Secretary, 281-452-4174 Dutchmen as well as many other bands. Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum - HOELSCHER HAUS Monarch 250 W. Fairgounds Rd. La Grange, TX The museum promotes polka music, song, and dance. Displays feature artifacts & memorabilia from Polka Lovers Klub of America Texas Chapter Printing and polka bands. Open by appointment & during TCHCC events. Free admission. For the Finest in Visit our new exhibits in the Msgr. Joseph M. Hybner Center Quality Printing Become a member! Only $12/yr. in the Houston area PO Box 72, La Grange, TX 78945 Info: Willie Bohuslav 512-347-1078 Evelyn & Larry Maresh 6605 McGrew, Houston, 77087 or [email protected] Owners & Polka Promoters 713-645-2845 TexasPolkaLovers.com 501(c)(3) organization Texas Polka News - April 2020 15
Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center Genealogy Library • Reception Hall MICHAEL CRAIG’S POLKA SHOW Texas Czech Village •Amphitheater Heard On KRXT 98.5 FM In Rockdale Museum Exhibits Mon - Fri From 11:00 AM To 12:00 Noon And On Sunday From 1:15 To 6:00 PM Gift Shop – Featuring Many Things Czech! Call The Live Request Line 512-446-6985 Or Email [email protected] Music CDs • Cookbooks • Books • Kolace Candles Listen Live On Line At [email protected] Czech Crystal • Garnet/Czech Crystal Jewelry For professional DJ Services and sound re-enforcement for your wedding, Aprons • Wooden Toys • Accordions • Baby Bibs T-shirts • Rosaries • Czech Blown-Glass wedding reception, anniversary, church picnic or fundraiser Painted Egg Ornaments • Magnets call MICHAEL CRAIG at the Taylor studio 512-365-7530 Leave Message. Caps • Czech Greeting Cards Joe Patek Re-Creation Concert DVD now in stock! Order online at CzechTexas.org
250 W. Fairgrounds Rd. La Grange, Texas | 979-968-9399 or 1-888-785-4500 Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm | Sat 10 am-3 pm Tours available! CzechTexas.org or [email protected]
Alfred Vrazel's Polka Show polkaconnection.com - Since 1955 - Your connection to polka music from around the world! Sundays 12-2:30pm KMIL 105.1 FM Browse for amazing artists & CDs Listen to samples of your Listen online KMIL.COM favorites or use the app SIMPLE RADIO for Smart Phone Buy online & pay no domestic Email requests: [email protected] shipping or [email protected] or call 254-593-3021 Or call for our free catalog CDs - www.vrazelspolkaband.com (515) 664-8405
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POLKA MUSIC 24/7 KBEC Czech Melody Time Polka Party Your Favorite with Danny Zapletal Sundays with Thomas Durnin New Time! 10am-Noon Music & Shows Wednesdays 7-8 pm Polka music on your computer Listen online @ kbec.com Log on to the World’s 24 hours a day! Send your requests for birthdays, Most Listened to Plus many LIVE and anniversaries & other celebrations to Polka Network On 91.7 HD3 & webcast pre-recorded shows [email protected] live at koop.org SPJST #18 Hall Elgin, TX Sunday, 3-7 pm / $8 Kitchen Open Dance schedules, features, Advertise in the April April photos, videos. 04 Kasey Thorton Band (8:30P-12:30A) Texas Polka News 05 Charles/Fab 4 (3-7P) 05 Red Ravens Sign up for our free weekly Reach your customers for 11 Bri Bagwell/Matt Moeller (8P-12A) e-blast that brings the weekend 19 Nathan Colt Young (3-7P) 26 GEEZER (3-7P) Check our Our April dance as little as $25/month. Facebook schedule (and weekly May page or 02 All Request polkabeat to has been canceled! laugh) to your inbox Contact see if dances Dueling Piano(9:30P-12A) are still every Thursday. See [email protected] 03 Texas 361 (3-7P) happening. home page to sign up! $10 254-723-8853 702 Hwy 95 N / 512-285-3100 to get started. 348 CR 391E facebook.com/sweethomehall 16 Texas Polka News - April 2020 DJ Profile: Larry Sodek MUSIC REVIEW By Justin Everett JOHNNY CASH tempo and jaunty that you almost forget the simplicity of its content Larry Sodek has been keeping the Essential & Proud (nothing more than a song about a polka tradition alive by hosting his man who carries luggage on a train). polka show on KVLG in La Grange Nevertheless, Johnny and his band for many years. Larry had plenty mates deliver a rocking rendition of of positive things to say about his the song that will lift your spirits. radio show. There is significance behind The almost angelic-like another song on this recording. I TPN: How did you get started in background vocals on The Rebel radio? Walk The Line was not only one of Johnny Yuma is probably the Cash's biggest hits, but since he did LS: The opportunity became highlight of the song as Johnny available to me when Lee Roy not have a drummer at the time, blends his lead vocals smoother Cash placed a dollar bill between Matocha passed. He had a few than glass. radio stations in Texas. The radio By Justin Everett the strings of his guitar and As this album moves on to [email protected] strummed it while recording this station in La Grange contacted me Johnny's hits from the 1960s, one and asked if I would be interested track. Johnny's idea for this really can't help but find Ring Of Fire, The Essential Johnny Cash, is the in continuing Lee Roy's show. I paid off since I myself thought there as the most enjoyable track of perfect title for this album because accepted the position and have been was a drummer on this song at first. that decade. Whether it's the twin it displays Johnny's musical abilities there ever since. Plus, Johnny's powerful singing and Mariachi-style trumpets that carry through the decades of his career. Luther Perkins only playing on two the tune or the "train traveling The first song on this album is Hey TPN: What is your favorite part strings of his electric guitar give down a track" beat, this tune is sure Porter, from Johnny's early days about being a radio DJ? this song that unique "Tennessee to please any music lover. at Sun Records. This tune is so up Three Piece Combo" vibe. LS: Making my listening audience There also are a few duets on happy. There are still lots of people this album. The one that sticks out that love polka and waltz music. 712 Lyons Ave, Schulenburg, TX the most has to be Jackson, which Polka music always seems to bring 979-743-4752 Johnny sings with his wife June out the happiness in people. Open u/Fri/Sat 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Carter Cash. Johnny and June show texaspolkamuseum.com their true love for their Southern TPN: Do you have any fond roots by excitedly chanting this memories from playing with Ellinger Now working on our anthem about taking a vacation to Combo and Central Texas Sounds? Jackson, Tennessee. LS: The guys were a great bunch to 5th Bands of Texas CD! As this recording continues play and travel with. I cannot pick We have 68 bands featured on Vols 1-4. If you know of a to journey through the years of just one memory because there are group who has NOT submitted already, please have them Cash's music, any fan of Johnny's so many. But I enjoyed meeting do so! All forms & instructions are on our website. would have to take pleasure in the same great people and making his self-penned composition, The friends as we continued to play For more information contact Man In Black. In this song, Cash our music at a lot of great halls, Roy Haag (830) 625-8262 explains why he always wears black. picnics, private dances, and parties. For Johnny, wearing black is not just a fashion style, but mainly a Larry Sodek declaration as he references in the lyrics that he wears to honor people who have hard lives and Vietnam troops (since this song was written SUNDAY APRIL 19 at the height of the war). Cash's 3-6:30PM voice proclaims his beliefs and the listener would not be wrong to get a determined feeling in their bones. LostCANCELED! Cause This album is sure to give any music lover enjoyment and pleasure. It is free for listening on Spotify and you can pull up every song on YouTube. Texas Polka News - April 2020 17 Wherever we played, we always had to polka music every day for it to within myself," Krause remarked. most well-known bands around, the a good time. be considered a good day," Mason "Whether it be writing trombone one and only, Red Ravens. Playing declared. arrangements for me to play on his alongside them and other legends TPN: What do you like to do in your The sound of music had a rapid and Joe Zetka Jr.’s CD (which is like the Shiner Hobos, with David free time? affect on the young prodigy. Mason ALMOST done), or teaching me the Kocurek, has been an amazing remembered his first time picking LS: I do some barbecuing and I still Beautiful Shepherd Polka by ear in experience," Krause said. up his go-to instrument. "One time, do play music. What I really enjoy less than 30 minutes at his house; Mason has plenty of aspirations most is getting to spend time with while listening to one of the bands I will always have a blast and will play, I saw one person playing the after he graduates. my family and grandchildren. continue to keep playing with a "One dream I would love to trombone. I thought to myself how good friend like him. Many folks cool it would be to play like him accomplish is starting a polka band Larry Sodek's Polka Show can be have come up to me at dances and one day. Little did I know what the with Mason Nesvadba," Krause heard on KVLG 1570 AM Mon.-Sat. have asked if Mason is my brother, future would have in store for me," responded. from 1-2 pm and on Sun. from 1-3 but he is literally the brother I never Mason said. That dream realized as Mason pm. You can also listen online at He recalled how he found had." kvlgbuk.com Krause doesn't spend all of Nesvadba made this announcement his true talent and that it wasn't on his Facebook page on Mar. 12: exactly a great start. "While in his time blowing the horn. "In my middle school, there was a band free time, you can find me going "The sound system has been tested Mason Krause, night where to church out and Mason Krause and myself prospective picnics, would officially like to announce Straight To The band dances at the creation of the M&M Playboys. members local dance This is a huge step in the right Brass Table go and test halls, working direction of keeping the rich Czech By Justin Everett out different at home on musical heritage of Fort Bend and brass and multiple surrounding counties alive and Many people would agree that one woodwind projects, well. We plan on evolving this into a instruments of the most beautiful things to see or even to figure bigger band in the coming years." is a young musician carrying on a practicing "Ever since I played in my first out which good ole style of music that everyone loves. would be jam session at the January 2019 polka music at Mason Krause, surely does that best suited Rosenberg Battle Dance, to the first superbly. Krause is a newcomer to for each home," Mason time Lawrence Svetlik invited me commented. the polka scene but has adapted to student," Mason Krause and Mason Nesvadba are onstage to play two songs with the the M&M Playboys. "I also like to the environment without struggle. Mason Red Ravens at their dance in Shiner, Mason plays trombone in the hang around I have wanted to be a part of a band Needville High School band and friends and just have a good time." remembered. "I went straight so I can bring the enjoyment of lately has been branching out to to the brass table and my band Krause is also beginning to playing with various polka bands in director said I would not be good make fond memories in the music polka music to one and all." his area. at brass, so he suggested I go to the scene, which is what being a The M&M Playboys provide The town of Damon is very woodwind table. After walking to performer is really all about in my polka music for your listening close to Rosenberg and Needville, the woodwind table, the lady there opinion. pleasure for parties, reunions, Texas. Damon used to be known as asked me to hold out my arms. "The best memories can be gatherings, etc. Contact Mason N at Damon's Mound, a salt dome. For When I proceeded to do so, she made onstage, and I believe some 979-285-4077 or Mason K at 979- Mason, the town is known as "home said I would be a great fit for the of the best onstage memories I have 997-5528 to book the Playboys for sweet home." trombone, so that's what I decided made thus far are with one of the your next event. The year 2001 was more than to go with." lucrative for the United States. After learning all of the aspects Brooks & Dunn's song Only In of trombone from his band class, America was a hit and a country Mason began playing in public and music anthem. Gasoline was $1.46 recently performed with three other young musicians at a dance the per gallon and the 9/11 disaster was American Legion Hall in Rosenberg. Eight Dances a Year. the talk of the world. That was also One of those young musicians was SAT APR 18 the year Mason Krause was born. Mason Nesvadba (accordion player Czechaholics 7-11 PM Mason recalled his early for the Red Ravens). Krause knows Moravia, TX exposure to music in his hometown. Nesvadba as his mentor and dear "Once I started listening to polka friend. music on other occasions besides "Mason has been and will SAT AUG 22 the Damon Church Picnic, I continue to make me a great realized how amazing and beautiful performing musician who strives Dujka Brothers 7-11 PM the music was. I now must listen for the best and the greatest East Bernard/Brenham, TX 18 Texas Polka News - April 2020 DANCES - FESTIVALS - EVENTS - LIVE MUSIC
is is the schedule at press CISTERN: Sean Orr, live music, country/ Monday, April 6 Saturday, April 11 time. Please check venue honky tonk @ Cistern Country Store, AUSTIN: Charles ibodeaux/Austin CANYON LAKE: Cajun Night w/Ca Va websites or call to con rm. 8:30P-12:30A…361-865-3655 Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30- Bien @ Damn Red Barn, 8:30-11:30P… COLUMBUS: FFA Boots & Bling w/ 8:30P...512-282-2586 830-964-3276 Also check polkabeat.com as Nathan Colt Young @ Colorado Country CISTERN: Mama Tried, live music, we update the schedule daily. Fairgrounds, 6:30-11:30P Tuesday, April 7 Texas country @ Cistern Country Store, POSTPONED!!!GOLIAD: Billy Mata GERONIMO: e Gathering Music 8:30P-12:30A…361-865-3655 @ Schroeder Hall (Ad p. 20) Show (1st Tues) @ VFW, 7-10P… POSTPONED!!!GOLIAD: Parker Wednesday, April 1 830-305-8829 or 830-379-0506 McCollum @ Schroeder Hall (Ad p. 20) MORAVIA: Mike Stroup/Moravian HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi HOUSTON: Houston Accordion HALLETTSVILLE: Southpaw @ Blase’s Woodpeckers @ Moravia Store, 6-10P Lechner’s, 6-10P…713-782-1180 Association Jam (1st Tues) @ Son Nam Hall, 8P-12A…361-772-4329 (Ad p. 20) LA GRANGE: Trey Yenger @ Mullins Vietnamese Restaurant, 2903 Woodridge HOUSTON: Auf Geht’s @ Rudi PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, Prairie Store, 8P-12A…979-247-4220 @ Winkler, 6:30P…713-649-2780 Lechner’s, 6-10P…713-782-1180 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 MCGREGOR : Rocky King Band @ 5J KENDALIA: Max Stalling @ Kendalia SAN ANTONIO: Burgundy @ PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, Dance Hall, 9P-1A…254-709-0536 Halle, 8:30P…210-863-1100 Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30P... 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 MOULTON: 2nd Annual Craw sh Boil KILLEEN: Glen Collins/ e Alibis @ 210-661-2422 w/Blue Denim Band @ Pavlas Tavern, Wednesday, April 8 American Legion, 7-11P…254-634-8091 ursday, April 2 7:30P (Ad p. 20) HOUSTON: Auf Geht’s @ Rudi LA GRANGE: e Bandits @ Mullins NEW BADEN (Franklin): New Baden AUSTIN: Charles ibodeaux/Austin Lechner’s, 6-10P…713-782-1180 Prairie Store, 8P-12A…979-247-4220 Cajun Aces @ Cypress Grill, 6:30-8:30P… Jamboree (1st Sat) @ Community Center, PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, MOULTON: Bill Pekar/Rainey Bros @ 512-358-7474 6 -10P…979-828-2231 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 Pavlas Tavern, 8P (Ad p. 20) CANCELED!!!BASTROP: Farm Street NEW BRAUNFELS: Chubby Knuckle SAN ANTONIO: Bimbo @ Martinez PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Opry (1st urs) Choir @ Krause’s Café, 7:30-10:30P Social Club, 7:30-10:30P... Biergarten, 5-10P…832-569-4141 CANCELED!!!FLORESVILLE: (Ad p. 7) 210-661-2422 RED ROCK: Nathan Colt Young @ Floresville Opry (1st urs.) RED ROCK: Glen Collins/ e Alibis @ SCHULENBURG: Sean Orr @ Watterson Hall, 8P…512-321-2010 PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, Watterson Hall, 9P-1A…512-304-5860 Sengelmann Hall, 7P…979-743-2300 SWEET HOME: Bri Bagwell/ 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 CANCELED!!!SCHULENBURG: 7th Matt Moeller @ Community Center, 8:30P-12:30A (Ad p. 15) CANCELED!!!WACO: Roger Kirby & Annual Sausagefest ursday, April 9 NEW BRAUNFELS: Soul Sessions @ Texas Heartbeat @ Sul Ross Center, CANCELED!!!SEALY: Dujka Brothers Krause’s Café, 6-9P (Ad p. 7) Sunday, April 12 (Lions Sealy Dance Club) @ American AUSTIN Friday, April 3 PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, : Glen Collins/ e Alibis @ Pilot Legion, 7:30-11P…281-435-9601 Knob VFW, 3-7P…512-243-8011 CISTERN: Vic Rodriguez, Karaoke 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 SWEET HOME: Kasey ornton Band SAN ANTONIO & Dancing @ Cistern Country Store, : Terry Cavanagh Duo 8P-12A…361-865-3655 @ Community Center, 8:30P-12:30A Friday, April 10 @ Riverwalk Biergarten, 2-6P… EAGLE LAKE: Rabbs Creek @ (Ad p. 15) BASTROP: Sean Orr @ 602 Brewing 210-212-7299 SAN ANTONIO: Rick Rice @ Martinez Community Center, 8-11P…979-234-2903 Sunday, April 5 Co., 7P…512-321-3577 FULSHEAR: Texas Legacy Czech Band @ CISTERN: DJ Superman, Karaoke Social Club, 3-6:30P...210-661-2422 CANCELED!!!ELGIN: Red Ravens @ Fulbrook Gazebo Concert Series, 7-9P & Dancing @ Cistern Country Store, SPJST Lodge 18, 3-7P (Ad p. 15) Monday, April 13 POSTPONED!!!GOLIAD: Jerry James 8P-12A…361-865-3655 GERONIMO: Carol Cochran/Shades of AUSTIN: Charles ibodeaux/Austin @ Schroeder Hall (Ad p. 20) ELM MOTT: Roger Kirby/Texas Country @ VFW, 3-6:30P…830-305-8829 Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30- HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Heartbeat @ American Legion 7-10P… or 830-379-0506 8:30P...512-282-2586 Lechner’s, 6-10P…713-782-1180 254-822-1218 NEW BRAUNFELS: Tony Taylor @ HALLETTSVILLE: GEEZER @ Blase’s Hall, 3-6:30P…361-772-4329 POSTPONED!!!GOLIAD: Jade Marie Tuesday, April 14 Krause’s Café, 7-10P (Ad p. 7) Patek @ Schroeder Hall (Ad p. 20) GERONIMO: Jam Session (2nd Tues) @ SEGUIN: Randy Carson @ Silver Center, CANCELED!!!HOUSTON: HOUSTON: Auf Geht’s @ Rudi VFW, 3-6:30P - Musicians, singers, and 7:30-11P…830-303-6612 Winchester @ VFW #10352, 2-5:30P (Ad Lechner’s, 6-10P…713-782-1180 listeners are welcomed…830-303-9903 WALLIS: Al Sulak/Country Sounds @ p. 23) LA GRANGE: Reagan Hicks @ Mullins PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, KC Hall, 6-8P during Fish Fry SAN ANTONIO: Terry Cavanagh Duo Prairie Store, 8P-12A…979-247-4220 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 @ Riverwalk Biergarten, 2-6P… VICTORIA NEW BRAUNFELS: Slim Bawb : Crossroads Country Opry Saturday, April 4 210-212-7299 (2nd Tues) @ VFW, 7P…361-579-8460 CANCELED!!!AUSTIN: Craw sh SAN ANTONIO: Monte Good @ (Zydeco) @ Krause’s Café, 7-10P (Ad p. 7) Festival @ Carson Creek Ranch Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30P... PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Wednesday, April 15 BASTROP: Paul Schlesinger/Knights of 210-661-2422 Biergarten, 6-10P…832-569-4141 AUSTIN: Glen Collins/ e Alibis @ Texas Swing @ Gracie’s, 7-11P… SWEET HOME: Charles/Fab 4 @ SEGUIN: Wrangler Country @ Silver South Austin Senior Center, 7-9:45P… 512-332-2991 Community Center, 3-7P (Ad p. 15) Center, 7:30-11P…830-303-6612 512-978-2400 Texas Polka News - April 2020 19 DANCES - FESTIVALS - EVENTS - LIVE MUSIC
HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi @ Mullins Prairie Store, 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 Texas Stage: Trees Marie, 12-1P; James Lechner’s, 6-10P…713-782-1180 8P-12A…979-247-4220 SAN ANTONIO: Countyline @ Steinle, 1:30-2:30P; Mason Lively, 3-4P; PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, NEW BRAUNFELS: Czechaholics Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30P... Copper Chief, 4:30-6P; Jamie Lin Wilson, 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 (Goodtime P/W Club) @ Eagles Hall, 210-661-2422 6:30-8P; Bonnie Bishop, 8:30-10P; Radney SAN ANTONIO: Good Ole Boys @ 7-11P (Ad p. 17) Foster, 10:30P-Close (Ad p. 5) Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30P... PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s ursday, April 23 PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s 210-661-2422 Biergarten, 5-10P…832-569-4141 NEW BRAUNFELS: Armadillo Races Biergarten, 6-10P…832-569-4141 SHINER: Shiner Fireman’s Fest – Nathan @ Krause’s Café, 7-10P (Ad p. 7) ROSENBERG: Twilights (Happy ursday, April 16 Colt Young, 8P PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, Cousins Dance Club) Public Dance @ CANCELLED!!!BRENHAM: 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 American Legion, 8-11:30P…281-232-3531 Bluebonnet Opry (3rd urs) @ Silver Sunday, April 19 or 281-232-4238 Wings Ballroom GERONIMO: TBA @ VFW, 3-6:30P… Friday, April 24 NEW BRAUNFELS: Statesboro Revue 830-305-8829 or 830-379-0506 CISTERN: Vic Rodriguez, Karaoke Sunday, April 26 @ Krause’s Café, 7-10P (Ad p. 7) HALLETTSVILLE: Czechaholics @ Blase’s & Dancing @ Cistern Country Store, FRYDEK: Grotto Picnic w/Texas Sound PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, Hall, 8P-12A…361-772-4329 8P-12A…361-865-3655 Check, 4-8P 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 HOUSTON: Texas Hold ’Em @ VFW POSTPONED!!!GOLIAD: Rick Evans GERONIMO: Glen Collins/ e Alibis @ SEGUIN: Silver Opry (3rd urs) @ #10352, 2-5:30P (Ad p. 23) Band @ Schroeder Hall (Ad p. 20) VFW, 3-6:30P…830-305-8829 or Silver Center, 7-9P…830-303-6612 POSTPONED TILL ELM MOTT: Roger Kirby/Texas 830-379-0506 OCT!!!HOUSTON: Harris Co CHS Heartbeat @ American Legion 7-10P… HOUSTON: Hit-N-Run @ VFW #10352, Friday, April 17 Springfest @ SPJST Lodge 88 254-822-1218 2-5:30P (Ad p. 23) BURTON: Cotton Gin Fest Kicko @ SAN ANTONIO: Terry Cavanagh Duo CANCELED!!!HOUSTON: Dri wood MUENSTER: Germanfest – White Horse Tavern - Allison & Two By @ Riverwalk Biergarten, 2-6P… @ SPJST Lodge 88 Tanzhalle: Das Ist Lustig, 10-11:30A; Fours, 7:30-11:30P (Ad p. 6) 210-212-7299 LA GRANGE: Pettit Brothers Alpenmusikanten, 12-1:30P; Das CISTERN: DJ Superman, Karaoke SAN ANTONIO: SA Country @ Trio @ Mullins Prairie Store, Ist Lustig, 2-3:30P; Morgan & Her & Dancing @ Cistern Country Store, Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30P... 8P-12A…979-247-4220 Boyfriends, 4-6P. Texas Stage: e 8P-12A…361-865-3655 210-661-2422 MUENSTER: Germanfest – German Brehm’s Band, 12-1:30P; Nikki & Ryan, HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi CANCELED!!!SCHULENBURG: Lost Tanzhalle: Das Ist Lustig, 12-3:30P; 2-4P; Billy Hogan, 4:30-6P (Ad p. 5) Lechner’s, 6-10P…713-782-1180 Cause (Swiss Alp Dance Club) @ KC Hall, Ennis Czech Boys, 4-5:30P; Opening SAN ANTONIO: Terry Cavanagh Duo LAGO VISTA: Glen Collins/ e Alibis 3-6:30P (Ad p. 16) Ceremony, 5:30P; Ennis Czech Boys, 7:30- @ Riverwalk Biergarten, 2-6P… @ K Oaks Ballroom, 7-11P SEATON (Temple): Jerry Haisler/Melody 9P; Alpenmusikanten, 9:30-11P. Texas 210-212-7299 PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s 5 @ Sefcik Hall, 6-9P…254-985-2356 Stage: Nikki & Ryan, 1:30-2:30P; Blackout SAN ANTONIO: Tom Teboe @ Biergarten, 6-10P…832-569-4141 SWEET HOME: Nathan Colt Young @ Betty, 3-4:30P; Hotel California, 5-7:30P; Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30P... SEGUIN: Jay Eric & Friends @ Silver Community Center, 3-7P (Ad p. 15) Inversion Band, 8P-Close (Ad p. 5) 210-661-2422 Center, 7:30-11P…830-303-6612 PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s SWEET HOME: GEEZER @ Monday, April 20 Biergarten, 6-10P…832-569-4141 Community Center, 3-7P (Ad p. 15) Saturday, April 18 AUSTIN: Charles ibodeaux/Austin SEGUIN: Bob Appel @ Silver Center, WEST: Spring Awakening Dance @ BURTON: Cotton Gin Festival – PAR for Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30- 7:30-11P…830-303-6612 KC Hall w/Czech & en Some, Dujka the Horse, 12-2P; Leather & Lace, 2-4P; 8:30P...512-282-2586 Brothers, 1-6P (Ad p. 4) Dujka Brothers, 4-6P (Ad p. 6) LA GRANGE: Fayette County Country Saturday, April 25 BURTON: Lost Cause @ White Horse Music Opry (3rd Mon) @ KC Hall, AUSTIN: Glen Collins/ e Alibis @ Monday, April 27 Tavern, 6P (Ad p. 6) 7P…979-966 -3568 Guero’s Taco Bar, 6:30-9P…512-447-7688 AUSTIN: Charles ibodeaux/Austin CISTERN: Mitchell Crain Band, live CISTERN: Abel & e Boyz, country/ Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30- music, Texas country @ Cistern Country Tuesday, April 21 lite rock @ Cistern Country Store, 8:30P...512-282-2586 Store, 8:30P-12:30A…361-865-3655 HOUSTON: Houston Accordion 8:30P-12:30A…361-865-3655 DRIFTWOOD: Mark Newman Craw sh Association Jam (3rd Tues) @ Pizza Inn HALLETTSVILLE: Blue Denim @ Blase’s Tuesday, April 28 Boil w/Charles ibodeaux/Austin Cajun on Mangum & 18th, 6P…713-861-2389 Hall, 7-10:30P…361-772-4329 PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, Aces @ Camp Ben McCullough, 5:30- NEW BRAUNFELS: Comal County LA GRANGE: Texas Sound 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 7:30P Country Music Show (3rd Tues) @ KC Check @ Mullins Prairie Store, CANCELED!!!SAN ANTONIO: San CANCELED!!!GOLIAD: Tails & Tunes Hall, 7:30-10P…830-625-2279 8P-12A…979-247-4220 Antonio Accordion Assoc. (Last Tues.) @ Craw sh Cooko @ Schroeder Hall, 11A- PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, MUENSTER: Germanfest – Tanzhalle: Chester's Hamburgers 9P (Ad p. 20) 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 German Band of North Texas, 10A-12P; WACO: Roger Kirby & Texas Heartbeat HALLETTSVILLE: Charles/Fab 4 @ Czech Harvesters, 12-1:30P; Das Ist @ Sul Ross Center, 7-10P...254-752-6412 Blase’s Hall, 7-11P…361-772-4329 Wednesday, April 22 Lustig, 2-3:15P; Czech Harvesters, 3:45- HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi 5:15P; Ennis Czech Boys, 5:45-7P; Das Ist Wednesday, April 29 Lechner’s, 6-10P…713-782-1180 Lechner’s, 6-10P…713-782-1180 Lustig, 7-8:30P; Ennis Czech Boys, 8:30- HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi LA GRANGE: Collin Dwigans PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, 9:30P; Alpenmusikanten, 9:30-11:30P. Lechner’s, 6-10P…713-782-1180 20 Texas Polka News - April 2020 DANCES - FESTIVALS - EVENTS - LIVE MUSIC
PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, FAYETTEVILLE: Firemen’s Feast w/Lost Sound Check, 11A-3P; Czechaholics, 3-7P 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 Cause, 4:30-7:30P (Ad p. 12) SAN ANTONIO: Texas Rim Shot @ NEW BADEN (Franklin): New Baden HOUSTON: Southern Breeze @ VFW Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30P... Jamboree (1st Sat) @ Community Center, #10352, 2-5:30P (Ad p. 23) SAN ANTONIO: Darrell & Mona 210-661-2422 6 -10P…979-828-2231 PULASKI CLUB OF ARIZONA CANCELED!!!PEARLAND: Tony McCall @ Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30P... ursday, April 30 4331 E McDowell Rd Phoenix 85008 Booth Day 210-661-2422 602-275-9329 pulaskiclubaz.org NEW BRAUNFELS: Ruthie Foster @ RED ROCK: Glen Collins/ e Alibis @ SWEET HOME: Texas 361 @ April 25 & 26 Krause’s Café, 7-10P (Ad p. 7) Community Center, 3-7P (Ad p. 15) Watterson Hall, 9P-1A…512-304-5860 e Boys (Maryland) PLANO: Alan Walling @ Bavarian Grill, SEALY: Al Sulak/Country Sounds (Lions 6:45-10P…972-881-0705 Sealy Dance Club) @ American Legion, Monday, May 4 November 14 & 15 AUSTIN: Charles ibodeaux/Austin Dennis Polisky & Maestro's Men 7:30-11P…281-435-9601 Friday, May 1 Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Cafe, 6:30- (Connecticut) SWEET HOME: All Request Dueling POSTPONED!!!BRENHAM: 130th 8:30P...512-282-2586 Friday 6 pm FREE (Meet & Greet) Maifest @ Fireman’s Park Piano @ Community Center, 9:30P-12A Saturday 6-10 pm $12 EAGLE LAKE: Blue Denim @ (Ad p. 15) Tuesday, May 5 Sunday 2-6 pm $12 Community Center, 8-11P…979-234-2903 GERONIMO: e Gathering Music Kids under 12, free Check the club's website or Facebook page SEGUIN: Vernon & Friends @ Silver Sunday, May 3 Show (1st Tues) @ VFW, 7-10P…830-305- CORPUS CHRISTI: Czech Melody for information on hotels. Center, 7:30-11P…830-303-6612 8829 or 830-379-0506 Masters @ Moravian Hall, 4-7P (Ad p. 23) HOUSTON: Houston Accordion ELGIN Always call ahead before heading to the Saturday, May 2 : Lost Cause @ SPJST Lodge 18, Association Jam (1st Tues) @ Son Nam venue. Also check out polkabeat.com for POSTPONED!!!BRENHAM: 130th 3-7P (Ad p. 15) Vietnamese Restaurant, 2903 Woodridge the latest schedule updates, and sign up for Maifest @ Fireman’s Park HOSTYN: Holy Rosary Picnic - Texas @ Winkler, 6:30P…713-649-2780 the weekly Weekend Lineup e-blast.
Live MUSIC Venues
The International Polka Association is a Join Today! 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!
Visit ipapolkas.com/store to join, or send your check to: John Krawisz, Financial Secretary Dues are only $15 a year. International Polka Association You’ll receive 6 newsletters to keep PO Box 1484 up with IPA events, radio shows, Plainfi eld, IL 60585 and award news. APRIL Our April events - Jerry James (4/3); Billy Mata (4/4); Jade Marie Patek (4/10); Parker McCollum (4/11); Tails & Tunes Crawfish Cook-off & Music Fest (4/18 canceled); Rick Evans Band (4/24) - will Weddings * Receptions * Rehearsal be rescheduled. Dinners * Birthday Parties * Watch our website for the new dates! Anniversaries * Live Music 11501 FM 957 361-772-1954 979-562-2217 SchroederHall.com • 12516 FM 622 • Goliad, TX www.themoraviastore.com Texas Polka News - April 2020 21 SWISS ALP CLUB APRIL 18th Annual Festival & Dance DANCE CANCELED Notes The Swiss Alp Dance Club has canceled its Apr. 19th dance with Lost Cause. SPRING INTO POLKA IN Next scheduled dance is May 17th with WEST! Fritz Hodde & Fab 6. See ad, p. 16. e Columbus Hall in West invites you May 29-31, 2020 to spring into polka at the annual Spring HIT THE ROAD TO IOWA Amana Colonies RV Park & Convention Facility - Amana, IA Awakening Dance on Sun., Apr. 26 from Get your RV spruced up and ready Always the weekend after Memorial Day 1-6 pm. Czech & en Some and Dujka for the first road trip of the summer Brothers will provide the music and you traveling to Beckster Fest, always held Friday May 29/4pm -10pm Saturday May 30/12 -10pm Sunday May 31/12 - 6pm the weekend after Memorial Day. This can feast on a chicken fried steak dinner. Barefoot Becky Mark Vyhlidal Orchestra Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen year’s event takes place on May 29-31 at See ad, p. 4. & Ivanhoe Dutchmen 12-1:30pm/3-5pm 10:30am Polka Mass Amana Colonies RV Park & Convention 4-5:30pm/7-8:30pm Carol & The Keynotes 12-1:30pm/3-4:30pm 1:30-3pm/5-7pm GOODTIME SPRINGTIME Facility and will once again feature Mark Vyhlidal Orchestra Malek's Fishermen 5:30-7pm/8:30-10pm Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen Goodtime Polka & Waltz Dance Club in five top bands – Malek’s Fishermen, 7-10pm 1:30-3pm/4:30-6pm New Braunfels invites you to put a spring Mark Vyhlidal Orchestra, Carol & The Keynotes, Gary’s Ridgeland in your dance step on Sat., Apr. 18 with Wooden Dance Floor • Air Conditioned Building Dutchmen, and, of course, Barefoot music by the Czechaholics. e dance is Ronneburg Restaurant - Food & Drinks!! set for 7-11 pm at Eagles Hall. The dance Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen. club hosts eight dances a year on Saturday No need to worry about going Tickets: Single Day Pass: $15, 3 Day Pass - $40 nights or Sunday a ernoons. Guests are from venue to venue. It's all in one always welcome, and memberships are air-conditioned hall with a great For RV Reservations: For more info: available. Check out the club happenings wooden dance floor. Enjoy top 319-622-7616/AmanaRVPark.com Toll Free: 877-499-7133 on its Facebook page! See ad, p. 17. accommodations at the campground 60 acres of level campground, 450 campsites: Becky Livermore with showers, restrooms, laundromat, dry, electric & water, full hookup. 1257 Ivanhoe Rd Showers, Restrooms, Laundromat, Shopping, Mt Vernon, IA 52314 ELGIN APRIL DANCE shopping, dining, bike trails, theater, Dining, Bike Trails, Theater, Golf www.barefootbecky.com CANCELED and golf. Ronnenburg Restaurant on SPJST Lodge 18 has canceled the Apr. 5th site will be serving up great meals and dances with the Red Ravens. Check the cold beverages throughout the fest. lodge’s Facebook page and polkabeat.com See ad, p. 21. Insuring & Enriching Lives Since 1897 to con rm May dances – Lost Cause on the 3rd and Glen Collins & e Alibis on PICK THE COTTON GIN On recently approved Annuity VI plans the 17th. See ad, p. 15. FESTIVAL 5-Year Single Premium Deferred Annuity The 31st annual Cotton Gin Festival 3.00% current rate * 1.65% guaranteed rate after 5 years HOUSTON VFW CANCELS is set for Sat., Apr. 18. It’s one of those APRIL 5TH DANCE unique events that combines great 10-Year Single Premium Deferred Annuity Houston VFW #10352 has canceled music and activities with a history 3.00% current rate * 1.65% guaranteed rate after 10 years dances until a er Easter. If dances resume lesson! The Texas Cotton Gin Museum Texas Hold ’Em is scheduled for Apr. keeps the legacy of cotton alive for all Qualifi ed and Non-Qualifi ed Flexible Annuities 19th and Hit-N-Run on the 26th. e generations through the maintenance 3.00% current rate * 1.65% guaranteed rate dances are from 2-5:30 pm. Check out the and preservation of the 1914 Burton Rates effective thru April 30, 2020 VFW’s Facebook page or polkabeat.com Farmers Gin -- the oldest operating to con rm dances. See ad, p. 23. cotton gin in America. RAs • Roth IRAs • Universal Life The festival starts at 10 am with I APRIL AT SWEET HOME the Main Street Parade and includes 10-Year Term • 15-Year Term • 20-Year Term • 30-Year Term Sweet Home Music City’s April schedule the Children's Bicycle Parade. Family Whole Life • 10-Year Pay • 20-Year Pay has Kasey ornton Band on Sat., Apr. activities and contests are held Paid Up at Age 65 • Final Expense • Single-Pay Whole Life 4, Charles & Fab 4 on Sun., Apr. 5, Bri throughout the day. Bagwell and Matt Moeller on Sat., the Enjoy music by PAR for the Horse – 11th, Nathan Colt Young on Sun., the Paul Murski, Allison Crowson, Robert Call your local agent or 19th, and GEEZER on Sun., the 26th. Zientek; Leather & Lace; and Dujka visit spjst.org for more information. First weekend in May is cool, too, with Brothers. Visit the food booths, arts SPJST Home Offi ce: 800-727-7578 All Request Dueling Piano on Sat., May & crafts booths, children's barnyard, 2 and Texas 361 on Sun., the 3rd. Check out folklife demonstrations, antique engine Tell them you read about it in the Texas Polka News! Sweet Home’s Facebook page and polkabeat. exhibits, com to con rm dances. See ad, p. 15. Continued on next page 22 Texas Polka News - April 2020 FRIENDS OF TEXAS POLKA NEWS THEY APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS
*LIFE INSURANCE *ANNUITIES *YOUTH CAMPS *IRA/ROTH IRA *COLLEGE P.O.Box 297 SCHOLARSHIPS La Grange, TX 78945 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION 979-968-5877 www.kjtnet.org
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Dance Notes Park in Muenster. Enjoy two stages and remembrance during the annual out next to MoraviaPhotos Store. by Earline e South Berger TexasOkruhlik jam-packed with great entertainment! Slavnost (May Fest) on Sun., May 17. Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters will host Continued from page 21 Ennis Czech Boys and Alpenmusikanten Festivities begin with a ceremony at 10:30 its annual show on Sat., Apr. 25, starting and free tours of the cotton gin from 12-3 will create the polka vibe on Friday. am paying tribute to all Czech-Texas at 10 am. Bring your tractor to join the pm and see cotton ginning demonstration Hotel California, e Original Tribute Immigrants. ride through the countryside starting at 3 at 3 pm. See ad, p. 6. to the Eagles will headline the evening A delicious fried chicken dinner will be pm. en help Henrietta and Frankie Filip entertainment. On Saturday, the German served beginning at 11:30 am. Plenty celebrate their 24th year of keeping the beer WHITE HORSE KICKS OFF Band of North Texas welcomes all to the of Czech-style desserts will also be cold and the music going at the Moravia COTTON GIN FEST festival. Das Ist Lustig joins the lineup available, along with refreshing beverages Store with Victor Rodriguez providing the Stop by the White Horse Tavern on Fri., with Bonnie Bishop, Copper Chief and of all kinds. e Czech Harvesters of music in the a ernoon and Mark Halata & Apr. 17 to enjoy the music of Allison Radney Foster. Sunday bands include Ennis will provide the music from 11:30 Texavia playing for the evening dance. is & e Two By Fours from 7:30-11:30 Das Ist Lustig, Alpenmusikanten, am to 4 pm. Visit booths by the Czech- year also marks the 131st anniversary of the pm. e White Horse will be open on and the Brehm’s Band. Enjoy dance founded Organizations of Texas, tour the Moravia Store. See ad, p. 9. Saturday serving breakfast, lunch, and performances by Whitney High School Czech Village and museum. Enjoy the supper, and featuring live music from and STV Almrausch. See ad, p. 5. Classic Car Show and shop the Pastry POLKA BY THE OCEAN noon on. Lost Cause will take the stage at Shop, Country Store, and the Kopecky The Czech Heritage Society of South 6 pm. See ad, p. 6. SLAVNOST IN LA GRANGE Gi Shop. See ad, p. 10. Texas invites you to a dance on Sun., e Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural May 3 from 4-7 pm, at Moravian Hall. MUENSTER GERMANFEST Center (TCHCC) in La Grange invites MORAVIA FEST IS THE BEST Czech Melody Masters will provide the Wilkommen to the 45th annual you to welcome spring with a family You know spring has sprung when you see music. See ad, p. 23. Texas Polka News - April 2020 23
ROAD TRIP WITH CATS Accordion Cowboy Czech & Then Some of Ennis Texas Legacy Texas Sound Holub Polka invites you to join them on the Chris Rybak Czech Band Check Band Band Polka! Polka! Polka! tour of Midwest towns from June 4-9. This Polkas & Waltzes Benny Okruhlik Polka...Waltz... Any size combo 5314 Tatum Lane six-day, five-night tour includes Country & Western Classic Country Cajun & Tex-Mex for any event Spring, TX 77389 spending nights in Robinsonville, 281-353-5892 Festivals, Church Picnics, Miss., where you can try your luck 270 County Rd. 201 Music for all occasions Ben Orsak Private Parties at the Gold Strike Casino; Chicago, Hallettsville, TX 77964 3511 Margaret Needville, TX 77461 Contact John Holub South Bend, Ind.; and Searcy, 361-772-4703 or 512-963-6660 Bob Suttie 979-732-9456 Ark. See ad, p. 12 for details and [email protected] 281-380-0273 979-793-7828 reservation deadlines. Czech out chrisrybak.com [email protected] TexasSoundCheck.com 2 CDs available
HOUSTON Kovanda’s Kenny James Blue Denim Auf Geht’s VFW POST Czech Band For a Variety of Music Band Musik 10352 281-997-7456 Authentic Czech Polka Classic Country “Happy Music, Alpine and Waltz Music Polkas & waltzes Sundays Yodeling, Gemutlichkeit” Bookings: 2-5:30 p.m. Kathryn Jolly 713-728-3750 David, Martha, Troy German/Czech/Variety Country/Variety [email protected] Clinto & Russell Randy Adams Dance Recordings: (713) 898-4734 Steven Kutra 979-885-7144 (979) 234-6176 [email protected] April “Solo accordionist with [email protected] 05 Winchester (Canceled!) kovandasczechband.org the sound of a band.” Like us on Facebook! AufGehtsMusik.com 12 Happy Easter! 19 Texas Hold 'Em 26 Hit-N-Run Dance & Swing Out May Czech Melody Al Sulak & Tom Visentin 03 Southern Breeze Masters The Country DON PEACHEY Captain Accordion 10 Happy Mother's Day! Czech and German Sounds & the BAND 17 Liz Talley/Dusty Spur Old World Entertainment Polkas and Waltzes LET’S GO DANCING! 24 Detour Country Music for dancing, Classic Country, GOOD MUSIC 31 Hit-N-Run Western Swing singing, listening Polka • Waltzes Recordings: Check our Facebook page or for your special event polkabeat to con rm dances. Dennis Svatek PO Box 252 Don Peachey Band PO Box 36, Burnett, WI 53922 512-695-1065 Orchard, TX 77464 920-689-2215 281-488-8343 16035 Waverly Dr Houston 77032 [email protected] 979-885-9246 Non-Smoking / BYOB Nite or Day [email protected] 281-443-2023 czechpolka.com [email protected] They’ll Brighten Your Way!
GEEZER Litt’l Fishermen/ Call us doo wop. Bohemian Dance Sun., May 3 THIS Call Call us be bop. Sponsored by Call us oldies....whatever!!!!! Dutchmen Czech Heritage Society of SPACE IS Theresa 9 or 6 piece South Texas Cernoch German/Czech polka band or 10 piece Music by NOW Parker ballroom & variety Czech Melody Masters You know you love the music from the 50s 281-836-5362 and 60s!!!!!! We are bringing back the Roy G Haag, 1334 Rivercrest 4-7 pm $8 AVAILABLE Texas dance hall music you grew up with! Come join us!! Dr, New Braunfels TX Moravian Hall 78130-3438 5601 Kostoryz Rd Corpus Christi For info, Call Don Causey 830-625-8262 chssouthtexas.org 361-215-9163 210-269-1457 [email protected] 24 Texas Polka News - April 2020
TEXAS POLKA NEWS PRSRT STD Polka Smiles - Brought to you by Slovacek's US POSTAGE 118 VINTAGE PARK BLVD #443 PAID HOUSTON, TX 77070 BRYAN TX 77802 PERMIT #23 Scenes from Bexar County Czech Fest @ Martinez Hall; Alex Meixner in Address Service Requested New Taiton; Rosenberg Happy Cousins; Blue Denim @ Sweet Home
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Visit us at our retail locations in Snook or in West on I-35. Slovacek.com | [email protected]
Find us in your grocer s meat section.