Texas Polka News - March 2016 Volume 28 | Isssue 2 INSIDE Texas Polka News THIS ISSUE 2 Bohemian Princess Diary Theresa Cernoch Parker IPA fundraiser was mega success! Welcome new advertiser Janak's Country Market. Our first Spring/ Summer Fest Guide 3 Editor’s Log Gary E. McKee Polka Sax Man More Salute to Steel 3 From the TPN Archives Donnie Wavra July 2006: 40th National Polka By Gary E. McKee Festival Story on Page 4 4-5 Featured Story Polka Sax Man 6-7 Czech Folk Songs Program; Ode to the Songwriter 8-9 Steel Story Continued 10 Festival & Dance Notes 12-15 Dances, Festivals, Events, Live Music 16-17 News PoLK of A Report, Mike's Texas Polkas Update, Czech Heritage Tours Special Trip, Alex Says #Pep It Up

18-19 IPA Fundraiser Photos 20 In Memoriam 21 More Event Photos! 22-23 More Festival & Dance Notes 24 Polka Smiles Sponsored by Hruska's

Spring/SummerLook for the Fest1st Annual Guide

Page 2 Texas Polka News - March 2016 polkabeat.com Polka On Store to order Bohemian Princess yours today!) Texas Polka News Staff Earline Okruhlik and Michael Diary Visoski also helped with set up, Theresa Cernoch Parker, Publisher checked people in, and did whatever Gary E. McKee, Editor/Photo Journalist was asked of them. Valina Polka was Jeff Brosch, Artist/Graphic Designer Contributors: effervescent as always helping decorate the tables and serving as a great hostess Julie Ardery Mark Hiebert Alec Seegers Louise Barcak Julie Matus Will Seegers leading people to their tables. Vernell Bill Bishop Earline Berger Okruhlik Karen Williams Foyt, the Entertainment Chairperson Lauren Haase John Roberts at Lodge 88, helped with ticket sales. Vernell is always willing to try new things that will bring people to the Lodge and polka dance. Contact By Theresa Cernoch Parker Mark Hiebert captured the event Theresa Parker, Texas Polka News in photos. Ever since I enlisted Mark P.O. Box 800183 • Houston, TX 77280 Wow! What an event! The Super to help with the creation of the Jimmy 281-836-5362 Bowl Polka Party fundraiser for the Brosch Czech polka bands book, he has [email protected] | Gary: [email protected] International Polka Association Hall of supported me in covering polka events, Fame was amazing. About 400 people never once saying, “Oh, I think I’m attended the Squeezebox dance at busy that day.” Ads/Media SPJST Lodge 88 on Feb. 7. And football Harold and Mary Lou Lawson are Articles, ads, letters to the editor deadline: 1st of the month for the next month fans were able to make it home in time probably my biggest fans since my to see the Denver Broncos win the dad is no longer here to claim that Ad Rates 1/3 page: $170 1/8: $55 Super Bowl. Congrats to Gary Kubiak, Full page: $455 1/4 page: $115 1/16: $35 title. They did a little of everything 1/2 page: $255 3/16 page: $75 fellow St. Pius X High School alum - decorating, seating, telling me to and Polish guy. Wish you could have remain calm. I love them both more Discounts available for multiple runs. worked your magic with the Texans! than they’ll ever know. Combo deals available for ads in TPN and polkabeat.com. I digress. The Texas Polka News It was great working with Danny Contact Theresa Parker for information. sponsored the Super Bowl Polka Zapletal, the new IPA Hall of Fame Party and the volunteer team made it director, and Mollie and Ted Lange. happen. First, thanks to my husband, They planted the seed of an idea to On The Cover John, who I am grateful that he have a fundraiser for IPA and they Mark Hiebert captured this image of Donnie Wavra at Sengelmann decided to stay married to me after knew that Houston was the place to the event. He watched me take phone Hall on July 1, 2012. Donnie and his orchestra provided the music have it. It is great to work with like- for a Texas Heritage Music and Dance Club fundraiser. reservations, brought in packages that minded people who have a passion for piled up on our dining room table, polka! The result was a mega successful carried all those packages into the fundraiser. Read more about it and see About Texas Polka News Lodge, then helped attendees find their the photos on page 18. seats. Second, thanks to my friends Be sure to check out our Spring The Texas Polka News was started by Julius resumed publishing in September 2014. who did whatever needed to be done and Summer Fest Guide. There are Tupa of Houston in 1987 with the mission In addition to polka, the paper covers to make sure all was well at the event – so many festivals and church picnics to preserve and promote polka music and other dance hall music including Country, dance. When Julius passed away in 2002, Western Swing, and Cajun, and celebrates my BFF since junior high, Sarah Case scheduled, we want to be sure you and her husband Steve. It was Steve’s his wife, Marie, continued as publisher, live music, such as Opry, across the state. have a guide to help plan your spring and his friend, John Rivard, took the reins Theresa also founded polkabeat.com in job to serve the Bloody Marys to the and summer weekends. I am very volunteer crew and band that morning as volunteer editor. John stepped down as 2010 to honor the memory of her dad, proud to announce and thank our new editor in June 2014, and Marie sold the Willie “Bill” Cernoch, to promote polka and he did a fine job. My friend Sarah advertiser – Janak’s Country Market paper to Theresa Cernoch Parker, who music and heritage. is used to me saying, “I need your help – who will be bringing you the church planning this event!” and as usual she picnic information through September. stepped up to make it all a success. Leroy and Alice Janak brought Get/Give The Texas Polka News Pat and Louis Vrazel said “Sure, some of their summer sausage to the we’ll help coordinate the auction.” They Continue the polka tradition! Give your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, battle dance in Rosenberg in January. did an outstanding job as more than nieces and nephews a subscription to Texas Polka News. We’ll extend your current TPN subscription one month for each subscription you designate as a family gift. Published $800 was raised. Their son, Jarrod, Talk about good! I can’t wait to go by the Country Market just outside of monthly. One year (12 issues) for $25. managed the Squeezebox merchandise Clip this out & mail check for $25 (outside U.S. $40) to The Texas Polka News table and brought some kolaches from Hallettsville for lunch soon! P.O. Box 800183 Houston, TX 77280. Or click on the TPN link on polkabeat.com to Texas Polka News advertiser Hruskas These are exciting times for polka subscribe or renew online with a credit card. for the silent auction. Wes and Julie in Texas. I was stoked to see the packed Matus showed up in their matching house at the El Campo Polka Fest at Name ______green Mollie B shirts and helped Taiton Community Center, and the Street ______decorate the tables, check folks in, overflow crowds at the Squeezebox City ______ST ______Zip ______dances in Hallettsville and Houston. and sell Telstars CDs. (Yes, there are Ph ______Email______Telstars CDs available thanks to the As Alex Meixner says, “It’s all good.” Wes taking on this project. Check out Polka On! ❏ New ❏ Renewal ❏ Gift ❏ Address change (include old address) Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 3 his jazz-flavored steel guitar was the Editor's Log instrument that set apart this new Western Swing sound from other More Salute to Steel genres. Soon Leon McAuliffe, Herb Remington, Noel Boggs, and dozens others followed suit each with their own style. The amplified steel reeked havoc among other string instruments. Not only was it loud, it was a move away from the "traditional" string From the TPN Archives: July 2006 bands (drums were still not allowed.) When Hank Penny's band was invited ENNIS NATIONAL featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales. By Gary E. McKee to play on the Grand Ole Opry, it was POLKA FEST Of course the street dancing followed to suggested that his steel player, Noel As reported in the July 2006 issue the music of the Czechaholics. Polka Date: March 2016. Last month's Boggs, bring a dobro instead of his The traditions continued on Memorial Polka DJ Johnny Krajca, marked 41 column on the impact of the steel guitar steel. Penny refused on the grounds Day weekend with the 40th Annual years of broadcasting polka music with in the music world promised more steel that it stifled his band's creativity. a live remote program Sunday morning National Polka Festival in Ennis enlightenment. bringing polka enthusiasts from across from the KJT Hall, with musical LET'S ROCK support from Harry Czarnek & the the state and the nation to this Texas The widely cast net has also yielded town south of Dallas. Texas Dutchmen. As with other musical instruments This annual celebration included Meanwhile, the Polka Mass was on the list of steel guitar players and images of three of The Beatles playing dancing in three air-conditioned halls, at the KC Hall. styles is infinite. So the editor will lap steels while recording, and one of all within a few minutes of each other For those who wanted to combine cast a wide net and see who gets some by free shuttle bus or your car. The a little shopping with their weekend of ink this month. Apologies to all the music and dancing featured 11 great dancing, Maggie’s Fabric Patch was in great steelers that aren't included, bands, including the Mark Jirikovec the K. C. Hall. but you know who you are and so do Band from Wisconsin. It all turned into Of course there was food available your fans. Playing steel is like most one big party over three days. in all three halls. instruments, either you're really good Festivities started Friday evening But the music was the main or you're really not. with music by the Harvesters. James attraction. Bands included, the Dujka & Debbie Macik of Decatur (TX) were Brothers, Mark Halata & Texavia, Fritz selected King and Queen of the 40 Hodde & Fabulous Six, Red Ravens, THE BEST OF THE BEST Annual Festival by winning the dance Vrazels , Brave Combo, Jodie Mikula, In the 1930s, according to Eldon contest. Their official duties include Czech Melody Masters, Harry Czarnek/ Shamblin (Bob Wills' guitarist), Bob appearing at each of the halls during Texas Dutchmen, Czech and Then Dunn was THE steel guitarist. Dunn the weekend, and participating in the Some, and Mark Jirikovec. Quite a line- was one of the first to amplify his parade. up! lap steel and then magnetized the The Festival also honored all Royalty The Oklahoma Czech Dancers strings to give it a distinct trumpet- for the past 20 years with a special provided entertaining performances in like sound. After Dunn joined Milton all three halls on Sunday. ceremony and identifying sashes. Many Brown and His Musical Brownies, were seen dancing at various halls Hats off to the entire National Polka during the weekend. Festival Committee for another great John Lennon event. Aren’t you glad you live in Texas? The big downtown parade was Saturday, George on a pedal steel. John Lennon played a lap-steel (a Hofner 5140 From Our Readers Hawaiian Standard) as lead guitar on the song For You Blue. Wow! You did a wonderful job on the Julie & Wes Matus, Spring Other steel players in the rock article for Dancehall Sounds 10th Year Please renew us for another year of world include Dave Lindley (Dylan, (February 2016). I also really enjoyed printed polka delight! Jackson Browne,) and Jerry Garcia reading the article about all the steel Valina & Ross, Sugar Land (Grateful Dead, New Riders of the guitar players and history. Thanks again Purple Sage). David Gilmour's (Pink for the wonderful article and all of your Keep up the good interesting news. God Floyd) celestial musings on Dark Side support. Bless! of the Moon with a basic steel was a Allen Pollard, Bishop Rita Janak, Shiner wonderful counterpoint to the band's use of heavy electronically-altered Thank you for all you do to keep the Thank you for keeping polka music instruments. TPN going and so interesting! Always a alive! We appreciate all your hard work. pleasure to see it in our mailbox! Greg & Joan Griffin, Gonzales Bob Dunn Continued on page 8 Page 4 Texas Polka News - March 2016 Kidnapped by Lee Roy Matocha Or How an Underage Sax Player Was Transported Across County Lines to Play Polka By Gary E. McKee Donnie, age 5, with dad, Ralph.

In 1968, a 16-year-old Donnie Wavra from the rafters. Playing with Lee was sitting in on saxophone with the Roy he became part of a historic Lee Roy Matocha and Harold Ilse dance as the other two bands were at a small event in Ellinger. After Joe Patek and the Vrazels. After Lee Donnie Wavra, Roy Garcia, Gary Hoelscher, Ralph Wavra, Harold Ilse, Wayne Holub. the gig, Lee Roy asked Donnie if he Roy witnessed Donnie’s ability to wanted to sit in with him again that handle his music in this high-profile grade by playing along with their Orchestra, and the Hub City evening. Donnie jumped in the car setting, Lee Roy recruited Donnie father, Ralph, whose father played Dutchmen. Another unique facet with Lee Roy and they headed to into his orchestra. dulcimer for family entertainment. of his career was that during his East Bernard. When they arrived at Donnie had the good fortune to formative years and later in life, Riverside Hall there were cars parked RAISED ON POLKA attend St. Anthony's Parochial he was fortunate to play with his everywhere. Donnie was quickly Growing up in Columbus, Donnie School where Herbert Kloesel was father in the Ellinger Combo and initiated into the world of big Texas and his brothers, Duane and David, the music teacher. Herbert was a the Ilse Orchestra, and with both Polka. People were literally hanging began learning music before the first dedicated instructor of music. his brothers at different times in the Between his father's trumpet Wavra Orchestra. lessons and the structured SOUTH TEXAS instruction of Kloesel, Donnie had SINCE 1973 to skip high school band because After putting in a couple of years in POLKA & SAUSAGE FEST he was already playing in several the Harold Ilse Orchestra, Donnie MARCH 18, 19, & 20, 2016 dance bands, including the Harold took over the leadership of the Ilse Orchestra, Lee Roy Matocha band when Harold passed away. On Knights of Columbus Hall • Hallettsville, TX Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council #2433

FRIDAY NIGHT SUNDAY 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. THE CZECHAHOLICS SHINER HOBO BAND THE MORAVIANS BATTLE DANCE FISH FRY - Starting at 5:00 p.m. 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. Dine In or Plates To Go ENNIS CZECH BOYS LEO MAJEK ORCHESTRA SATURDAY THE RED RAVENS 3:00 p.m. KofC Hall POLKA MASS CONCERT Supper: Meal to be served at 4:00 p.m. 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Dance: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Meal Begins at 10:30 a.m. DUJKA BROTHERS & JODIE MIKULA Serving throughout the afternoon

Sausage, Sauerkraut, German Potatoes & Kolaches Featuring homemade chicken noodle soup $10.00 FRIED CHICKEN will also be served on SUNDAY Per Person - Per Day All net proceeds benefit Knights of Columbus Fund (Does not include cost of meal) for Sacred Heart School Athletic Program

CAMPER HOOK-UPS | www.KCHall.com | More Information: (361) 798-2311 Kenneth Renger, Ivan Fajkus, Franklin Hruska, Lee Roy Matocha, Donnie Wavra, Bailey Mahlmann Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 5 indoor show doesn't mean that you ignore the weather. At a gig in the sunny south, an ice storm hit while the Wavra Orchestra was playing southwest of Houston. The wedding reception was cut short as the bathroom plumbing had frozen. The band 1967. Henry Adamek, Dale Meyer, Donnie Wavra, Bennie Trilicek, Ralph Wavra, Ludwig Krause Wayne Holub, Ralph Wavra, Pete Spoelstra, George Koudelka, David members opted to Wavra, Donnie Wavra take the back roads formal music lessons. would play, but after a shaky few instead of the for-sure Playing in the LG school band notes, everyone fell in line and mess awaiting them on I-10. gave him an opportunity to play at a they took off playing a great night Donald suggested that they state competition at the University of of music thanks to Donnie's sheet drive with one set of tires just off Houston football stadium. In an all music. the road for traction which worked bands finale, he remembers how, due reasonably well, while keeping an to size and acoustics, the bands at MORE THAN A DRIZZLE eye on the trailer which slid around the end of the field were still playing ALERT on the ice. They crept along when the LG band at the 50-yard Just because you're playing an Continued on page 6 line finished.

NEVER MISSED A BEAT The trials and tribulations of being 3rd Annual January 1, 1973, the Donnie Wavra an orchestra leader are many and Orchestra was formed. Their format unsung besides dealing with the Schulenburg SausageFest was a mixture of waltzes, polkas, temperament of musicians and Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 country, and popular big band dance frugality of event mangers. One tunes. The local area provided more evening at a scheduled gig at the 11:30am-10:00pm than steady employment. Sons of Hermann hall in Houston, One of Donnie's favorite Donnie had gotten too sick to play, venues was the Vrazel Ballroom in and then four other members of the SAUSAGE-MAKING CONTESTS Danbury. The hall was always full band also called in sick. NEW CONTESTS: HOMEMADE WINE, SAUERKRAUT, AND PICKLES and after the gig the Vrazel family This was before "constant Some judges will be chosen from the audience….it could be you! always made sure the band had contact" cell phones and Donnie, big barbecue sandwiches. Donnie sick as a dog, was feverishly trying The Shiner Hobo Band - 12:00-2:00 also occasionally played with The to find replacements. Through the The Czechaholics - 2:30-4:30 Travelers. musician's network of friends, a band One key member of the was located. Mark Halata & Texavia - 5:00-7:00 Wavra Orchestra has been Donald That night, Donald Cernosek Texas Dream - 7:30-Close Cernosek. Donald came to the band and Daniel Kurtz were the only two after playing cornet with the Adolph members that showed up unsure FREE ADMISSION Falke, Adolph Migl, and Ray Baca if they would be playing. Soon, Street Dance • Arts & Crafts Booths • Food Booths Open at 12:00 Orchestras for over a decade. He some strangers with instruments Children's Activities 1:00-5:00 Easter Bunny 3:00-5:00 had gotten his desire to play cornet appeared. Donald said that this Antique Cars and Tractors • Motorcycles at an early age and when the one- was the first time he met Mike Gest (Downtown Schulenburg on historic North Main Street) room school house in Mullins and the others: Gene Lichnovsky, For information call the Greater Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce Prairie closed, he transferred to La George Jurecka, and Bob Walla. He 979-743-4514 or 866-504-5294 or E-mail: [email protected] Grange High School and received had doubts how a group of strangers www.SchulenburgSausageFest.com Page 6 Texas Polka News - March 2016 behind a bandstand, please thank Donnie Wavra him for all the years of great dance music. Continued from page 5 towards Columbus from Manvel, Free Music Program barely moving across the bridges. After taking seven hours to go the Explores Origins of 90 miles, they arrived safely in Texas Czech Folk Columbus to worried family as the sun came up. Songs There was another time when a black rain cloud loomed over the Enjoy the presentation Varied hills of Kerrville as they came into and Vibrant Sources of the Czech town. Just a short distance from Song in Texas – a lecture/demo by the gig, the sky opened up, rapidly accordionists and music scholars flooding the town. The band pulled Frances Barton and Dr. John Novak into a store parking lot in high July 1, 2012 @ Sengelmann Hall for Texas Heritage Music & Dance Club fundraiser. (L-R) Donnie in support of their forthcoming Wavra, Donald Cernosek, George Koudelka, Glenn Orts, Gary Kunkel, and Duane Wavra./Mark book. This free event is Sun., April ground and had to sit there till the Hiebert photo water drained from the streets to 17 at 2 pm in the Capitol Extension music comes naturally to Donnie music of which Donnie has written reach the event and then drove the Auditorium located in the State and it was always a pleasure and the arrangements to provide the final several blocks to the event. Capitol in Austin. a honor to play in the orchestra. smooth sound that people love Frances and John have been George should know as he is a to dance to. His reputation as an compiling a collection of folk and MUSICIAN, ARRANGER, degreed musicologist, a retired band arranger led to Joe Patek asking him LEADER popular songs of Czech Texas instructor, and has over 60 years to come up with new versions for for several years and are nearing George Koudelka, the orchestra's dance band experience. several songs including the Youth long-time drummer, says that completion of their project. The Most of the musicians use sheet and Pleasure Polka. Donnie also did finished songbook will contain 90 multiple arrangements for Lee Roy songs familiar to most people in the Matocha, the Vanek Orchestra, and Texas Czech community and will the Jessie Hickl Orchestra. include the music, chords, Czech The 1970s and early 80s were lyrics, English translations, English Save the Date! FREE Public Dance good to the Wavra Orchestra with regular bookings. Every Saturday lyrics if there are any, and historical of the month, they played the halls and folkloric information on each Saturday, May 14, 2016 in Cat Spring, Kenney, Milheim, song. They plan to complete the Coshatte (later Fireman's Hall) book in 2016. in Industry, and then back to Cat The music program is offered in Spring. Towards the end of the 80s, conjunction with the multi-media exhibition Texas Czechs: Rooted SPJST Lodge # the crowds were getting sparse and 88 the venues were closing. This was in Tradition, which is currently occurring in most rural halls as the on display at the Capitol Visitors regular dancers aged and the kids Center through June 11, 2016. It were living in cities where the music was produced by the nonprofit was progressive and louder. organization PolkaWorks and co- Donnie has decided to retire and curated by Texas Czechs Lori Najvar disband the orchestra this spring to and Dawn Orsak. It’s a Polka On Party! Help Us Celebrate! spend more time with family. The The exhibit highlights orchestra has three public dances community traditions and activities John and Theresa Parker have been married 10 years! in May - Maifest in Anhalt on on text/photo montage panels, May 21, Swiss Alp Dance Club in presenting a contemporary picture And PolkaBeat.com begins its 6th year! Schulenburg on May 22, and St. Paul of the diversity and richness of Lutheran Church picnic in Serbin. Texas Czech culture today. It also Donnie will continue playing includes photographs, artifacts, and occasionally and the orchestra will short documentary films shown in a Mark Halata & Texavia | 8-11:30pm reunite for special occasions. So if multi-media “station.” you see Donnie on the streets or See ad, p. 10 for more info. Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 7 musical heritage began in German at two venues - Running M Bar and Texas Independence Songwriter's Ode to the beer gardens and halls in the late Templin Saloon on the square in Festival on Facebook. 1800s. The 1960s and 70s brought historic Gonzales. Friday evening • Songwriter Serenade Contest, May Songwriter Willie Nelson and country music is open mic at the Templin Saloon, 7, Moravia. Entries accepted until along with other songwriters such as By Mike Stroup and nine songwriters will perform at March 30. songwriterserenade.com Jerry Jeff Walker and Michael Martin Templin and Running M beginning at • Wildflower Arts & Music Murphey. The combination of the 1 pm Saturday. At 9 pm, Walt Wilkins Festival, May 20-22, Richardson. Songwriter: an individual who country, folk, and rock venues plus the and the Mystequeros end the Templin wildflowerfestival.com writes lyrics, melodies, and growing reputation of Austin being Saloon stage and Aaron McDonnell • Kerrville Folk Festival, chord progressions for songs, the place where struggling musicians closes the Running M stage. May 26-June 12, Kerrville. could launch their careers became a typically for a popular music magnet drawing like-minded people. Don't forget these tried and true kerrvillefolkfestival.org genre such as pop or country Austin is not the only hotbed of contests and events coming up: Please support this live music and music. A songwriter can also music/songwriters in Texas. Houston • Texas Independence Songwriter's the people who create it. Hope to see be called a composer, although has been historically famous for the Festival, March 4-6, Gonzales. See you listening somewhere. the latter term tends to mainly blues and is at present a growing music scene. Amarillo is home be used for individuals from to many artists as is San Antonio the classical music genre and Fort Worth. Songwriters and (Wikipedia). musicians can be found throughout the state, some on the road and some Texas is known around the world as non-performing writers. for many things such as its size, history, energy, cowboys, and music. SUPPORT SONGWRITER Most of that music is made by Texas EVENTS/VENUES songwriters, such as Scott Joplin, 1st Texas Cindy Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, If you are a songwriter or enjoy 1st Texas Townes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson, listening to new and veteran IndependenceIndependence Buddy Holly, Don Henley, Rodney Crowell, Guy Clark, Songwriter’sSongwriter’s and Lightnin' Hopkins. These songwriters cross a FestivalFestival wide spectrum of musical genres and styles. In the past few years "Americana Music" has been arch 4-6, 2016 used to describe a genre M that is a mix of roots music - folk, country, bluegrass, rock, western swing, and rhythm and blues. Much of G Americana music usually onzales, TX is performed with acoustic instruments. Confirmed TEXAS MUSIC Wildflower Arts & Music in Richardson./Festival photo Friday - March 4 DATABASE 7pm Open Mic, Templin Saloon artists include: Texas is blessed with songwriter songwriters, there are many places Live Music, Running M Bar & Grill Mitch Jacobs festivals, contests, and audiences. and events to be found throughout the Emily Herring Seems as though there are never year. See the list below. Saturday - March 5 ($10 Day Pass) enough good-paying venues for the Some venues (some are listening Chuck Hawthorne singer/songwriter. However, new rooms, no cell phones or conversation Songwriter 40-minute shows Bill Pekar venues and festivals are still being during the show) are Anderson Fair, Beginning @ 1pm, Templin Saloon created. A resource for venues, Houston; Cactus Cafe, Austin; Bugle Beginning @ 1:30pm, Running M musicians, and bands is the Texas Boy, La Grange; Dosey Doe's, The NNING Music Office (gov.texas.gov/music), Woodlands; Mucky Duck, Houston; RU Sunday - March 6 a state-funded business promotion 2nd Mondays at Hallet Oak Gallery, office and information clearinghouse Hallettsville, Poor David's Pub, Dallas; 12:30pm Gospel Music for the Texas music industry. and Old Quarter Cafe, Galveston. Texas-Style Brunch, Templin Saloon Austin's official motto is the A new songwriter festival is being Music Capital of the World and is introduced this year. The Texas For more information: best known for its variety of live Independence Songwriter's Festival 713-598-6331 music acts. A large portion of Austin's in Gonzales, March 4-6, will be held Page 8 Texas Polka News - March 2016 Barbara Mandrell, Jerry Reed,) Don Apartment #9, Blue Eyes Crying in Editor's Log Helm (Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Continued from page 3 the Rain, For the Good Times, Paper Lefty Frizell), Herb Remington (Bob Roses, and more; not a A Ja Sam in the Wills, Merle Haggard, and Remington 25 cuts. He chose to title this country NASHVILLE SCENE Ride), and Buddy Emmons (Ray song/polka band CD, Slow Music. The cast net seems to be catching Charles, Ray Price, Judy Collins, All throughout the songs, a steel steel maestros such as Robert George Strait and almost everyone else guitar cries out for love or conveyed Randolph, whose Sacred Steel religious since the 1960s). anguish. background crossed over into the pop During conversations with Adolph Hofner's use of his music scene. In the 1930s churches numerous steel players, Emmons was brother "Bashful" on steel guitar, in Nashville that could not afford an named as an inspiration for most whose playing style was anything but organ used a lap steel in their services. of them. Emmons knew no musical bashful, opened the gates for the steel Speaking of Nashville, the cast barriers and performed all genres. in the polka world. Jimmy Brosch net yielded an overflowing abundance The editor was listening to a smooth and His Happy Country Boys soon of steelers: Paul Franklin (Mel Tillis, bluegrass tune last night when he incorporated a steel guitarist (Melvin Buddy Emmons Skarke) into his and subsequent bands to play happy music. It's time to dance! noticed some really strange drawn-out In the 1970s, David Czarnek background notes. Upon consulting with Harry Czarnek and the Texas the CD case, it revealed that Emmons Chandelier Ballroom Dutchmen, solved the problem of was sitting in on steel as he has on getting a steel player by building his thousands of other recordings. But SPJST Lodge 88 own steel and debuted it on the Red it was his contribution through his Rose album. craftsmanship in performing and 1435 Beall Street In a more contemporary time building steel guitars that has inspired Houston 77008 frame, the Red Ravens, early in their most steel players you listen to today. career, had at different times, Danny As in all genres of music, the Sat., Mar. 5 Moonglow Orchestra Big Band (Dress Code) $15 Joe Matula and Jodie Hermes as steel need to keep and meet fans' ever- Sat., Mar. 12 Red Ravens Polka/Variety $10 guitarists. Lee Roy Matocha early on changing musical tastes and keep the Sat., Apr. 2 Moonglow Orchestra Big Band (Dress Code) $15 embraced the steel guitar and hired money flowing led to not-so-subtle Sat., Apr. 9 Texas Sound Check Polka/Variety $10 "Brother Bailey" Mahlmann to expand changes. In "local" bands, money was Sat., Apr. 16 Charlie Prause Band Big Band (Dress Code) $15 his band's sound. predominately generated by playing Dances 8-11:30 pm unless otherwise noted. for dances, not record sales. Primarily, VRAZELS STEEL THE SHOW Enjoy complimentary dance instruction before all recordings were for radio airplay and The Vrazels, recognizing the need to Saturday night dances & during intermission! juke boxes, a form of advertising the encourage younger audiences in the 713-869-5767 / lodge88.org band, so fans would come to dances, mid 1960s, recruited a steel player buy a ticket, and then buy a recording. from a country band by the name of STEEL POLKA BEAT Bill Collins. To "break him in" to the polka crowd, a special arrangement Bobby Flores The emergence of country music as a popular style in the late 1900s urged Performances polka bands to diversify set lists. This evolution meant the addition of steel Sat Holt, MO Outsiders Bobby/Band Details TBA guitars - and to a lesser extent, fiddles - Mar 5 Playhouse into the polka world. The addition of a Fri 27th Heart of 200 Country Bobby/Band 8P-12A band member also drove up the band Mar 18 Texas Music Club Rd heartoftexas- fees, which led to some difficulties in Festival Brady records.com bookings. Sat Kerrville Cailloux Theater Bobby/Band 7:30P The music that is currently playing Mar 19 910 Main St 830-896-9393 in the background while this is Fri Austin Broken Spoke Bobby/Band 9:30P-1A being written is a German-produced Apr 8 3201 S. Lamar 512-442-6189 compilation of the Patek, Ellinger Sat St. Hedwig Lubianski Hall Bobby/Band Details TBA Combo, Matocha, Red Raven, Apr 9 13636 FM 1346 Rybak, and several more traditionally For more info on Bobby, the band, & his record company, please visit polka bands. The compiler (Thomas BobbyFloresBand.com and YellowRoseRecords.com Meinecke) chose songs such as Pat Strmiska Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 9 cruise Pat brought along his 1954 Champion Fender lap steel to save space and If I Were A Bird never Mike's Texas Polkas sounded better. Steve Palousek, a world-class steel player with a studio Mike Konvica thanks listeners for in Holland, Texas, has been mentor their support over the past 13 1/2 to Pat as he has been to the newest years on Live365.com. steeler, Brandon Hodde.

STEEL CONTINUES TO The web-based POLKA ON radio station site The contemporary list of steel players ceased operation in polka bands is long and some will on January 31, be unintentionally omitted, but here 2016. Duane Wavra/Mark Hiebert photo goes: • Charlie Mikeska: Jerry Haisler & of If I Were a Bird, featuring Collins, the Melody Five was written and well received by the crowds. Bill played lap steel in the • Jimmie Heinsohn: Moonglow studio and a console steel on stage. Orchestra, Texas Legacy Czech In the early 1970s, Pat Strmiska Band, Night Session joined his father, George, on guitar • Dennis Shimek: Texas Sound Check, giving them the power of two guitars J & S Playboys, Texas Dream and a steel. Thomas, another son • David Hubanek: Al Sulak and the of George, had been the Vrazels' Country Sounds drummer for several years. When • David Czarnek: Texas Dutchmen, Collins left the band Pat took over steel duties. Czech & Then Some, Moonglow Pat Strmiska had learned basic Orchestra scales and guitar licks from his father, • Willie Kaluza: The Vaneks of West who was a fast picker (the Clarinet • Allen Sparkman and Bob Adamcik: Polka was one of his favorites.) Pat's The Czech Harvesters mother, Mary Ann, played accordion • Duane Wavra: Donnie Wavra with her brother, Johnny Knatek, Orchestra who later played with Fritz Hodde. Pat made his professional debut The cast net obviously had holes in it and once again, apologies to playing bass with the Vrazels on his Needville Knights of Columbus 7067 16th birthday at Beyersville SPJST those not mentioned, as the steel hall. After a short time he took over guitar is a universal instrument. 22nd Annual rhythm guitar duties and graduated to As Lloyd Green (Steel Guitar Hall the steel position at the age of 19. of Fame) stated: "It’s an endless The Vrazel brothers selected adventure playing the steel guitar; Polka Fest songs that would smoothly integrate you’re only limited by your the steel into the Vrazels' sound. imagination." Sunday, March 13 Of course, If I Were A Bird was the 1-6 PM $10/person signature tune. Pat's favorite steel song KC Hall, hwy 36, needville was the Waiting in the Woods waltz. Featuring Pat's steel licks kicking off Charley Pride's Before I Met You waltz quickly Red Ravens & Czechaholics filled the dance floors. The addition Battle Dance of steel increased the ability of the Vrazel's to play four hour dances Kiobasa sausage, sauerkraut, German potatoes without repeating a song. $8/plate dine-in only / $3 Pitchers of beer Pat plays a single neck standard Sponsors: Lad's Smokehouse-Needville * Western Power & Hardware-Needville * CNS Welding-Rosenberg * Finnegan Chrysler/ steel and is competent on dobro and Jeep/Dodge-Rosenberg * Finnegan Chevy/GMC/Buick-Rosenberg mandolin. On the Vrazels' Alaskan Jimmie Heinsohn/Gary E. McKee photo All proceeds benefit KC Charities kc7067.com Page 10 Texas Polka News - March 2016 spring! The Ravens will perform the one who will benefit. Dance to Festival & Dance for the club on Sun., April 10, from the music of the Red Ravens and 3-6:30 pm, at the KC Hall in Schu- Czechaholics. “Win” stuff in the Notes lenburg. Mark your calendars for live and silent auctions. Enjoy the the club’s schedule for the rest of the LUCK OF THE IRISH CAJUN barbecue sandwiches. Door prizes year: Donnie Wavra Orchestra on will also be given hourly. The Cajun French Music Association May 22, Dujka Brothers on Aug. 14, Purchase your chance to win in Houston will host La Recolte on Al Sulak/Country Sounds, Oct. 23, two tickets to Polkafest at Sea, Sat., March 26, from 7:30-11:30 pm and Moonglow Orchestra on Dec. the cruise featuring Jodie Mikula at the KC Hall on Whitney Drive. 11. All guests are welcome and they Orchestra, Alex Meixner Band, and Nobody will pinch you if you don’t would love to have you join the club. Dujka Brothers set for Nov. 13-19, wear green, but why not channel See ad, p. 22. 2016. The winner will be drawn on your Irish Cajun side! Get there May 29, 2016, at the National Polka about 7 pm and enjoy some of the SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL Festival in Ennis. See ad, p. 17. club’s gumbo (the Cajun version of Irish stew) and boudin. See ad, p. 20. POLKA MUSUEM The 12th Annual Texas Music POLKA BLISS IN NEEDVILLE Festival will be held from 12-7 Polka, sausage dinner, and $3 SWISS ALP SIGN OF pm on Sat., March 5, at the KC pitchers of beer. It doesn’t get any SPRING Hall in Sealy. It’s a fundraiser for better than this! The Knights of The Swiss Alp Dance Club saw some the Texas Polka Music Museum Columbus 7067 in Needville know Red Ravens – the official sign of in Schulenburg, but really you’re how to throw a party – the 22nd See Jason Roberts at BLCG at 8:30 pm, Fri., Annual Polka Fest on Sun., March March 11 on Outside Stage./Lisa Pollard photo 13, from 1-6 pm. The Red Ravens Goodtime Polka & Waltz Dance Club and Czechaholics will battle it music emphasizing Western Swing, Eagles Hall - New Braunfels out on the dance floor. Enjoy the country, and old cowboy classics but sausage, sauerkraut, and German above all, to have a good time,” Jon Guests welcome. Memberships potatoes meal. And get a designated said. See the music lineup and how Memberships/info: 830-660-4866, Available 830-660-0437 driver so you can partake in the $3 to get advance tickets in ad, p. 15. pitchers of beer. See ad, p. 9. Saturday, March 19 7-11 pm ALL HAIL POLKA & SALUTE TO THE COWBOY SAUSAGE Czech Melody Masters Austin The Best Little Cowboy Gathering The South Texas Polka and Sausage in Texas just keeps getting better Dance to polkas, waltzes, country, big band on great wood floor. Fest in Hallettsville will celebrate its Nine dances/year Sat nights or Sun afternoons. and better. The 8th annual event will 35th year of bringing you the best of 257 E. South St. From S. Seguin Ave., turn right (east) on San Antonio St. (at the square). be held March 10-13 at the Fayette polka and sausage in one fun-filled, Turn left on S. Union. Take first right on E. South St. County Fairgrounds. “It has become three-day event at the state’s largest such a popular, growing event that Knights of Columbus Hall. Usually last year we had to split the great held the fourth weekend of March, entertainment onto two different this year’s event will be held March TEXAS CZECHS EXHIBIT stages, the Dance Hall and the 18-20, since the fourth Sunday is Main Stage,” said BLCG Committee Easter. MUSIC PROGRAM Member Jon Quinn. “This is a Friday night begins with a fish weekend of great music and dancing fry with all the trimmings followed Varied and Vibrant Sources of the day and night, BBQ cookers, by a night of polka music and Czech Song in Texas by Frances Barton & John Novak children's events, historical events, dancing to the Czechaholics and the and Texas-sized hospitality!” Moravians. Tickets are still available for Saturday, the festivities begin Sun., April 17 • 2 PM • Austin reserved seats at the Outside Stage. with a Polka Mass celebrated at State Capitol -- Capitol Extension Auditorium For only $70 for a three-day pass the hall in the afternoon, with ($95 with meals) you will get to Czechaholics and Dujka Brothers 1100 S. Congress dance to some of Texas' best country providing music. Enjoy a delicious artists. “Several improvements have meal of sausage, sauerkraut, Texas Czechs Exhibit is located in the been made to the outdoor stage potatoes, chicken noodle soup and, making it twice as big with plenty of of course, tasty kolaches, starting Capitol Visitor’s Center through June room to dance on a wood floor!” Jon at 4 pm. Polka music starts at 5 pm 112 E. 11th St. —next to the Capitol said. with Dujka Brothers, followed by the “Our aim is promote the Jodie Mikula Orchestra. WWW.POLKAWORKS.ORG cowboy culture with a variety of Continued on page 22

TEXAS CZECHS MUSIC PROGRAM

Varied & Vibrant Sources of the Czech Song in Texas by Frances Barton & John Novak Sun, April 17 • 2 PM State Capitol -- Capitol Extension Auditorium 1100 S. Congress Texas Czechs exhibit is on display at the Capitol Visitor’s Center through June 112 E. 11th St.—next to the Capitol Sponsored by the State Preservation Board WWW.POLKAWORKS.ORG Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 11

Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center Genealogy Library 625 N. Main, Schulenburg, TX Reception Hall 979-743-4752 Period Houses Amphitheater Open Thurs, Fri, Sat 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Museum Exhibits texaspolkamuseum.com Gift Shop - Featuring Many Things CZECH! Bands of Texas Volume 4 CD Now Available! Variety of music CDs * Cookbooks * Books * Kolace candles Dedicated to Museum’s 10th Anniversary Czech crystal * Garnet/Czech crystal jewelry * Aprons * Wooden toys Accordions * Baby bibs * T-shirts * Rosaries * Czech multicolored blown- The Museum honors Texas Polka Bands of European ancestry - Czech, glass and painted-egg ornaments * Czech magnets * Czech greeting cards German, Polish - and polka DJs. Select from over 75 CDs plus TPMM CD And more! collection (Volumes 1-4), Czech song books, TPMM shirts and caps. 250 W. Fairgrounds Road La Grange, Texas For more information contact: czechtexas.org [email protected] 979-968-9399 1-888-785-4500 Herb Schneider, Home (281) 807-3244, Cell (832) 477-0648 Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-4 p.m. / Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or Brian Svetlik (979) 541-6166

Danny Zapletal invites you to listen every Saturday 1-3 p.m.

Czech Polka 1 p.m. central Texas Czech Polka 2 p.m. central Contact information: Danny Zapletal, 6635 FM 879 Ennis, TX 75119 [email protected]

www.wrjqradio.com DANCEHALL Polkas Free Catalog

SOUNDS MUSICAL AwardWinning VARIETY DJ Allen Pollard for the Brings you traditional recorded country dance BUTTON BOX music Two-step, polka, waltz & * CDs Learn Polka, Waltz, Schottische, Contact us 2-Step, Latin, Swing specialty dances * DVDs Available for your next today! - Chord stamp method books and cassettes public or private dance party - Easy to read, for 3 & 4 row accordions 3614594033 - For beginning thru advanced students Call Toll Free (866) 901-6138 - Internet instruction available Polka music on your computer [email protected] 24 hours a day! Send for flyer. Marge Ford - Plus many LIVE and Old Time Music Co. pre-recorded shows 247POLKAHEAVEN.COM P.O. Box 92294 Anchorage, AK 99509 907-561-6862 l [email protected] SPJST #18 Hall POLKA Elgin, TX Sunday, 3-7 pm / $8 KBEC Polka Party MUSIC 24/7 Kitchen Open with Danny Zapletal Sundays 9-11 a.m. Your Favorite March Listen online @ kbec.com 6 Glen Collins Music & Shows March Send your requests for birthdays, 06 Lost Cause 13 Fritz Hodde/Fab 6 anniversaries & other celebrations Log on to the World’s 13 Charles/Fab 4 (3-7 pm) April to Most Listened to April [email protected] Polka Network 03 Red Ravens ($10) 3 Glen Collins 10 Charles/Fab 4 (3-7 pm) 10 Jerry Haisler/Melody 5 17 EZ Country (3-7 pm) 2-6 pm $8 unless otherwise noted. 702 Hwy 95 N / 512-281-3711 Advertise in the Texas Polka News 348 CR 391E SweetHomeHall.com Page 12 Texas Polka News - March 2016 DANCES - FESTIVALS - EVENTS - LIVE MUSIC Monday, February 29 VFW, 8P-12A HUNGERFORD: KJT-KJZT Benefit Gathering @ Fayette Co. AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/ GOLIAD: Tracy Byrd @ Schroeder Dance – Red Ravens @ Hungerford Fairgrounds - Dance Hall – Rocky Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Hall, 8P Hall, 1-5P King, Noon; Jeff Woolsey, 4P; Jake Cafe, 6:30-8:30P GONZALES: 1st Texas PEARLAND: Kenny James @ King’s & Tommy Hooker, 8P; Main Stage INDUSTRY: Four County Opry @ Independence Songwriter’s Festival Biergarten, 5-8P – Rance Norton, 12:30P; Landon Fireman’s Hall, 7-9:30P Songwriter 40-minute shows @ SAN ANTONIO: Czech Heritage Dodd, 4:30P; Jason Roberts, 8:30P Templin Saloon & Running M; Society Dance – Mark Halata/ (Ad p. 15) Tuesday, March 1 Night shows: Walt Wilkins, Aaron Texavia @ Martinez Social Club, PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s GERONIMO: The Gathering Music McDonnell(Ad p. 7) 2-6P Biergarten, 6-10P Show @ VFW, 7P GRANGER: Kenny Orts @ Cotton SWEET HOME: Lost Cause @ SAN ANTONIO: The Countrymen HOUSTON: Houston Accordion Club, 9P-1A Community Center, 2-6P (Ad p. 11) @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8P Association Jam @ Son Nam HOUSTON: Moonglow Orchestra Vietnamese Restaurant, 2903 @ SPJST Lodge 88, 8-11:30P (Ad p. Monday, March 7 Saturday, March 12 Woodridge @ Winkler, 6:30P 8) AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/ LIBERTY: Liberty Opry on the LIBERTY: Liberty Opry on the Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Square – 50s & 60s Elvis Tribute, Wednesday, March 2 Square – Gospel, 2P Cafe, 6:30-8:30P 2P SAN ANTONIO: Vernon Doege @ NAVASOTA: Jeff Woolsey/ GIDDINGS: Lone Star Opry @ GRANGER: People’s Choice @ Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30P Dancehall Kings @ Western Club, Giddings High School, 7:30P Cotton Club, 9P-1A SCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ 8P Featuring Billy Mata, Shelly King, HOUSTON: Red Ravens @ SPJST Sengelmann Hall, 7P NEW BADEN: New Baden Sally Carlson, Beverly Crocker Lodge 88, 8-11:30P (Ad p. 8) Jamboree @ Community Center, LA GRANGE: Best Little Cowboy Thursday, March 3 6-10P Tuesday, March 8 Gathering @ Fayette Co. AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/ PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s VICTORIA: Crossroads Country Fairgrounds - Dance Hall – Jody Austin Cajun Aces @ Cypress Grill, Biergarten, 5-10P Opry @ Jaycee Hall, 7-9:30P Nix, 4P; Billy Mata, 8P 6:30-8:30P SAN ANTONIO: 3rd Crockett Featuring Billy Mata Main Stage – KR Wood, 10A; BASTROP: Farm Street Opry @ Fiddle Fest @ The Alamo Kristyn Harris, Devon Dawson, Bastrop Convention Center, 7P Celtaire String Band, 10:15A; Wednesday, March 9 Ginny Mac, Jean Prescott & Featuring Justin Trevino Tennessee Valley Authority, SAN ANTONIO: Bimbo/Borderline Brook Wallace, 11A; Jody Nix EL CAMPO: Czechmates @ 11:15A; RJ Smith, 12:15P; Mario @ Martinez Social Club, 7:30- Fiddle Extravaganza, 1:30P; Lake American Legion, 7:30-10P (Ad p. Flores, 1:15P; Frio Dou w/Ron 10:30P Travis Fiddlers, 3P; Billy Mata, 5P; 22) Knuth, 2:15P; Jason Roberts & Rick SCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ Kristyn Harris, et al, 7P; Johnny THE WOODLANDS: Texas McRae, 3:15P Sengelmann Hall, 7P Bush, 10P (Ad p. 15) Ramblers (60+ Dance Club) @ S. SAN ANTONIO: Cactus Country PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s County Community Center, 6:30- @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8P Thursday, March 10 Biergarten, 5-10P 9:30P SEALY: 12th Texas Music Festival @ DRIPPING SPRINGS (Austin): ROSENBERG: Charles/Fab 4 KC Hall, 12-7P - Czechaholics, Red Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun (Happy Cousins) @ American Friday, March 4 Ravens (Ad p. 17) Aces @ Hudson’s on Mercer, 7-10P Legion, 8-11:30P EAGLE LAKE: Rabbs Creek @ WEBSTER: Kenny James @ Alpine EL CAMPO: Odessa @ American SAN ANTONIO: Matt Rogers/ Community Center, 7:30-10:30P Brauhaus, 6-9P Legion, 7:30-10P (Ad p. 22) Chansons Et Soulards (CFMA) @ GONZALES: 1st Texas LA GRANGE: Best Little Cowboy Hermann Sons, 7:30-11:30P Independence Songwriter’s Festival Sunday, March 6 Gathering @ Fayette Co. SAN ANTONIO: Bobby Flores/ Open mic, Templin Saloon; Live AUSTIN: Jason Roberts @ Little Fairgrounds - Dance Hall – Rance Yellow Rose Band @ Leon Springs music, Running M Bar/Grill, 7P Longhorn Saloon, 4-8P Norton, 3P; The Survivors, 7P; Dancehall, 8P (Ad p. 7) ELGIN: Glen Collins @ SPJST Main Stage – Jeff Woolsey, 7P (Ad SAN ANTONIO: Landon Dodd @ GRANGER: Texas Family Tradition Lodge 18, 3-7P (Ad p. 11) p. 15) Leon Springs Dancehall, 8P @ Cotton Club, 8:30P-12A GERONIMO: Good Ole Boys @ Waco: Spur City Rounders @ PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s VFW, 3-6:30P Friday, March 11 Shriner’s Hall, 8P Biergarten, 6-10P GONZALES: 1st Texas CONROE: Glenn Lenderman (60+ WEBSTER: Kenny James @ Alpine Independence Songwriter’s Festival Dance Club) @ Conroe Activity Brauhaus, 6-9P Saturday, March 5 Gospel brunch, Templin Saloon Center, 6:30-10P COLUMBUS: Lost Cause @ Shaws (Ad, p. 7) CORPUS CHRISTI: Dancehall Sunday, March 13 Bend Social Club, 8:30P-12:30A GRANGER: Can’t Hardly Playboyz Sounds @ VFW #3837, 8P-12A ELGIN: Fritz Hodde/Fab 6 @ SPJST FORT WORTH: Billy Mata @ @ Cotton Club, 5-10P GRANGER: The Pearl Snaps @ Lodge 18, 3-7P (Ad p. 11) Stagecoach Ballroon, 8P HOUSTON: Loose Change @ VFW Cotton Club, 8:30P-12A NEEDVILLE: Polka Fest @ KC GERONIMO: Justin Trevino @ #10352, 2-6P (Ad, p. 20) LA GRANGE: Best Little Cowboy Hall, - Czechaholics, Red Ravens, Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 13 DANCES - FESTIVALS - EVENTS - LIVE MUSIC 1-6:30P (Ad p. 9) Dance Club) @ Conroe Activity Club) @ American Legion, 8-11:30P Thursday, March 24 GRANGER: Can’t Hardly Playboyz Center, 6:30-10P Webster: Kenny James @ Alpine BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas @ Cotton Club, 5-10P GIDDINGS: Lost Cause @ The Bull Brauhaus, 6-9P Country Music Festival @ Brady HOUSTON: Country Jim/Allstars Pen, 8:30-11:30P Civic Center - Jake Hooker/ @ VFW #10352, 2-6P (Ad p. X) GRANGER: Out of the Blue @ Sunday, March 20 LA GRANGE Outsiders, 8P-12A : Best Little Cowboy Cotton Club, 8:30P-12A BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas HOUSTON Gathering @ Fayette Co. HALLETTSVILLE: Polka & Sausage : Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Country Music Festival @ Heart of Lechner's, 6-10P Fairgrounds - Cowboy Church, Festival @ KC Hall - Czechaholics, Texas Events Center - Norma Jean’s 10A (Ad p. 15) Moravians, 6-11P (Ad p. 4) Cowboy Church Show w/Justin PEARLAND: Kenny James @ King’s HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Friday, March 25 Trevino, 3-5P BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Biergarten, 5-8P Lechner's, 6-10P GERONIMO : Glen Collins/Alibi @ Country Music Festival @ Brady SAN ANTONIO: Countrymen @ PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s VFW, 3-6:30P Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30P Biergarten, 6-10P GRANGER: Can’t Hardly Playboyz Civic Center - Johnny Bush/ SWEET HOME: Charles/Fab 4 @ SAN ANTONIO: Rocky King Band @ Cotton Club, 5-10P Bandeleros, Justin Trevino & Community Center, 3-7P (Ad p. 15) @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8P HALLETTSVILLE: Polka & Sausage Amber Digby, 8P-12A TOURS: Spur City Rounders @ Festival @ KC Hall - Red Ravens, CONROE: James Garner (60+ Monday, March 14 Tours Hall, 7P Majeks, Ennis Czech Boys 1-8P (Ad Dance Club) @ Conroe Activity AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/ p. 4) Center, 6:30-10P Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Saturday, March 19 HOUSTON: Detour @ VFW GRANGER: Monte Good @ Cotton ANHALT Cafe, 6:30-8:30P : Jake Hooker/The #10352, 2-6P (Ad, p. 20) Club, 8:30P-12A Outsiders @ Anhalt Hall, 8P-12A SAN ANTONIO: Jim Byrom @ HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Tuesday, March 15 BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30P HOUSTON: Houston Accordion Country Music Festival Lechner's, 6-10P SEATON (Temple): Jerry Haisler/ PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Association Jam @ Pizza Inn on Heart of Texas Country Music Melody 5 @ Sefcik Hall, 6-10P Mangum & 18th, 6P Museum – Tommy Horton Show, Biergarten, 6-10P 10A; Brady Civic Center – Darrell Wednesday, March 16 McCall, Curtis Potter, Tony Booth, Monday, March 21 Saturday, March 26 AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/ BRADY HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Pretty Miss Norma Jean, Justin : 27th Heart of Texas Lechner's, 6-10P Trevino, Kim Murray, Frankie Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline Country Music Festival SAN ANTONIO Miller, Mona McCall, Jeff Woolsey, Cafe, 6:30-8:30P Country Music Museum – Tommy : Country LA GRANGE Tradition @ Martinez Social Club, Amber Digby, Kaye Tolson, 2P : Fayette County Horton Show, 10A; Brady Civic 7:30-10:30P concert; 8P dance Country Opry @ KC Hall, 7:30P Center – Doug Stone, Darrell SCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ FAYETTEVILLE: Pettit Brothers @ McCall, Heather Myles, Tony Sengelmann Hall, 7P Pivo’s Ice House, 8P Tuesday, March 22 Booth, Amber Digby, Pretty GRANGER: Jason Allen @ Cotton BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Miss Norma Jean, Landon Dodd, Thursday, March 17 Club, 9P-1A Country Music Festival @ Heart Dottsy, Rance Norton, Jade Jack, 2P BRENHAM: Bluebonnet Opry @ HALLETTSVILLE: Polka & Sausage of Texas Events Center - Justin concert; 8P dance Silver Wings Ballroom, 7P Festival @ KC Hall - Jodie Mikula Trevino & Friends, 7-11P GRANGER: Debonaires @ Cotton Featuring Dottie Jack, Rocky King, Orchestra, Dujka Brothers, 5-11P EDNA: Flag City Opry @ Jackson Club, 9P-1A Hayden James (Ad p. 4) County Services Building, 7P HOUSTON: La Recolte @ KC Hall EL CAMPO: Texas Mavericks @ HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi #2917, 7:30-11:30P (Ad p. 20) American Legion, 7:30-10P (Ad p. Lechner's, 6-10P Wednesday, March 23 HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi 22) KERRVILLE: Bobby Flores/Yellow BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Lechner's, 6-10P PEARLAND PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Rose Band @ Cailloux Theater, Country Music Festival @ Events : Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-10P Biergarten, 7-10P TBA Center - Open Jam, 6P NEW BRAUNFELS: Czech Melody WEBSTER: Kenny James @ Alpine HOUSTON: Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Brauhaus, 6-9P Friday, March 18 Masters (Goodtime Club) @ Eagles Lechner's, 6-10P AUSTIN: Billy Mata @ Broken Hall, 7-11P (Ad p. 10) PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s ROUND ROCK: Music Series - Sunday, March 27 Spoke, 8P Charles Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun PEARLAND BRADY: 27th Heart of Texas Biergarten, 5-10P : Enzian Buam @ King’s SAN ANTONIO: Billy Mata @ Aces @ Main Street Plaza, 6-8P Biergarten, 10A-3P Country Music Festival @ Brady SAN ANTONIO Civic Center - Bobby Flores/Yellow Leon Springs Dancehall, 8P : Jim Bolado @ ROBSTOWN: Dancehall Sounds @ Rose Band w/Darrell McCall, Tony YOAKUM: The Moods @ Turner Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30P Community Hall, 4-7:30P Booth, 8P-12A Hall, 8P-12A (Ad p. 22) SCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ WALLIS CONROE: Texas Roadrunners (60+ : Red Ravens (Wallis Dance Sengelmann Hall, 7P Continued on next page Page 14 Texas Polka News - March 2016 DANCES - FESTIVALS - EVENTS - LIVE MUSIC

Monday, March 28 HOUSTON: Moonglow Orchestra Tuesday, April 5 LIBERTY: Liberty Opry on the AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/ @ SPJST Lodge 88, 8-11:30P (Ad p. GERONIMO: The Gathering Music Square – 50s & 60s Rock-n-Roll, 7P Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline 8) Show @ VFW, 7P Nocona: Jason Roberts Band @ Cafe, 6:30-8:30P LIBERTY: Liberty Opry on the HOUSTON: Houston Accordion Daddy Sams, TBA INDUSTRY: Four County Opry @ Square – Gospel, 2P Association Jam @ Son Nam PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Fireman’s Hall, 7-9:30P NEW BADEN: New Baden Vietnamese Restaurant, 2903 Biergarten, 5-10P SAN ANTONIO: San Antonio Jamboree @ Community Center, Woodridge @ Winkler, 6:30P ROSENBERG: Lazy Farmers Accordion Assoc. Meeting, 6P 6-10P ROUND ROCK: Charles (Happy Cousins) @ American @ Chester’s Hamburgers, NE SAN ANTONIO: Almost Patsy Thibodeaux/Austin Cajun Aces @ Legion, 8-11:30P Loop 410 between Nacogdoches & Cline @ Leon Springs Dancehall, Taste of Round Rock, 6-8P SAN MARCOS: Pettit Brothers @ Broadway 8P Kent Black’s BBQ, TBA TOMBALL: Justin Trevino @ VFW, Wednesday, April 6 SHINER: Shiner VFD Dance w/Los Tuesday, March 29 9P-1A SAN ANTONIO: Country Kolaches @ VENUE, TBA WACO: Spur City Rounders @ Sul TOMBALL: German Heritage Tradition @ Martinez Social Club, ST. HEDWIG: Bobby Flores/Yellow Ross, 7P Festival @ Historic Downtown 7:30-10:30P Rose Band @ Lubianski Dance Matt Tolentino’s Royal Klobasneks, SCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ Hall, TBA Wednesday, March 30 Auf Geht’s, Round Top Brass Band, Sengelmann Hall, 7P ST. LAWRENCE: Jodie Mikula SAN ANTONIO: Most Wanted @ Chris Rybak, Tuba Meisters, Das Orchestra @ St. Lawrence Parish Martinez Social Club, 7:30-10:30P Ist Lustig, Alex Meixner Band, Thursday, April 7 Hall, 7-11P SCHULENBURG: Pettit Brothers @ Armstrong Family Band, Pat AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/ Sengelmann Hall, 7P Gavin/Buckaroo Band, The Siekers, Austin Cajun Aces @ Cypress Grill, Sunday, April 10 Rebecca Jane, Joe Brikha (Ad, 6:30-8:30P ELGIN: Jerry Haisler/Melody 5 @ Thursday, March 31 Spring Fest Guide) BASTROP: Farm Street Opry @ SPJST Lodge 18, 3-7P (Ad p. 11) EL CAMPO: Charlie Merta @ Bastrop Convention Center, 7P GRANGER: Can’t Hardly Playboyz Sunday, April 3 EL CAMPO: Gravel Road @ @ Cotton Club, 5-10P American Legion, 7:30-10P (Ad p. ELGIN 22) : Glen Collins Band @ SPJST American Legion, 7:30-10P (Ad p. HOUSTON: Texas Ramblers @ TOMBALL Lodge 18, 3-7P (Ad p. 15) 22) VFW #10352, 2-6P (Ad, p. 20) : German Heritage GRANGER Festival Kick-Off Party @ : Can’t Hardly Playboyz THE WOODLANDS: Mike Gest/ SAN ANTONIO: Monty Good @ @ Cotton Club, 5-10P Night Session (60+ Dance Club) Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30P Landhaus Nikodemus, 7P HOUSTON Alex Meixner (Ad, Spring Fest : Bootleg Country @ @ S. County Community Center, Schulenburg: Red Ravens (Swiss Guide) VFW #10352, 2-6P (Ad, p. 20) 6:30-9:30P Alp Club) @ KC Hall, 3-6:30P SAN ANTONIO: S.A. Country @ SWEET HOME: Charles/Fab 4 @ Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30P Friday, April 8 Community Center, 3-7P (Ad p. 11) Friday, April 1 SWEET HOME BRYAN: Justin Trevino, Jake : Red Ravens @ AUSTIN: Bobby Flores/Yellow Rose & Tommy Hooker @ Kurten Community Center, 2-6P (Ad p. Band @ The Broken Spoke, 9:30P- Community Center, 8P-12A 22) 1A 2016 EAGLE LAKE: Lost Cause @ TOMBALL: German Heritage GRANGER: The Pearl Snaps @ Community Center, 7:30-10:30P Festival @ Historic Downtown Cotton Club, 8:30P-12A U.S. Music Events GRANGER: Steel Country Outlaws Walburg Boys, Dujka Brothers, PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s @ Cotton Club, 8:30P-12A Chris Rybak, Das Ist Lustig, Alex Biergarten, 6-10P PEARLAND: Enzian Buam @ King’s Meixner Band, Armstrong Family APRIL 2 Biergarten, 6-10P Band, Traveling Murphys, Sheila Saturday, April 9 3rd Sausage Festival ANHALT: CFMA San Antonio SAN ANTONIO: Hunter A. Smith Lee & Friends (Ad, Spring Fest Schulenburg, Texas (Ad p. 5) @ Leon Springs Dancehall, 8P Guide) Crawfish & Shrimp Boil TOMBALL: German Heritage Gulf Coast Playboys, 2-5P; Kevin APRIL 3 Festival @ Historic Downtown Monday, April 4 Huval/The Ouevls, 6-10P (Ad, 21st Czech Spring Fest Auf Geht’s, Chris Rybak, Alex AUSTIN: Charles Thibodeaux/ Spring Fest Guide) Houston, Lodge 88 FORT WORTH: Justin Trevino @ Meixner Band, Blue Yonder, Kenny Austin Cajun Aces @ Evangeline (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) James (Ad, Spring Fest Guide) Stagecoach Ballroom, 8:30P-12:30A Cafe, 6:30-8:30P Granger: Jeff Woolsey @ Cotton GIDDINGS: Lone Star Opry @ APRIL 1-3 Saturday, April 2 Club, 9P-1A 16th Tomball German Heritage Giddings High School, 7:30P HOUSTON GATESVILLE: Spur City Rounders @ : Texas Sound Check @ Festival - Tomball, Texas VFW, 8P Featuring Myra Rolen, Lorraine SPJST Lodge 88, 8-11:30P (Ad p. 8) KENDALIA (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) GRANGER: Kenny Orts @ Cotton Chavana, Todd Gross, Kevin Ray : Billy Mata @ Kendalia Club, 9P-1A Adams Halle, 8P Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 15 DANCES - FESTIVALS - EVENTS - LIVE MUSIC

APRIL 9 MAY 26-29 Bremond, Texas Pulaski, Wisconsin Annual Crawfish & Shrimp Boil 22nd Polka Fest @ Larry Olsen (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) pulaskipolkadays.com / 920-822-3869 Anhalt, Texas Farm - Lake Benton, Minnesota (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) larryolsenband.com / 507-368-9627 JUNE 24-26 JULY 22-24 54th Clarkson Czech Days 48th Hammler Summerfest APRIL 16-17 MAY 27-29 Clarkson, Nebraska Hamler, Ohio 27th Cotton Gin Festival 50th National Polka Festival clarksonczechdays.com hamlersf.com / 419-350-3391 Burton, Texas Ennis, Texas (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) JUNE 25-26 AUGUST 5-7 Sealy Music Fest 39th Schulenburg Festival APRIL 21-24 MAY 27-29 Sealy, Texas Schulenburg, Texas Fiddlers Frolics Crawfish Festival (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) Fredericksburg, Texas JUNE 29-JULY 3 Hallettsville, Texas AUGUST 5-7 fiddlersfrolics.com (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) 42nd Polka Fireworks Champion, Pennsylvana 55th Wilber Czech Days MAY 27-29 polkafireworks.com / 708-594-5182 Wilber, Nebraska APRIL 22-24 48th Polka Festival & Convention nebraskaczechsofwilber.com 41st Germanfest United States Polka Association JULY 1-3 Muenster, Texas Independence, Ohio Altrusa Polkafest AUGUST 5-7 (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) uspapolka.com / 330-410-5568 Black Creek, Wisconsin PoLK of A Musicfest travelwisconsin.com Glencoe, Minnesota APRIL 22-24 MAY 26-JUNE 12 polkofa.com / 507-744-2966 5th Wisconsin Dells Polka Fest Kerrville Folk Festival JULY 8-10 Chula Vista Resort Kerrville, Texas 41st Ellsworth Polka Festival JANAK'S CHURCH PICNIC dellspolkafest.com / 773-889-6811 kerrvillefolkfestival.org Ellsworth, Wisconsin SCHEDULE [email protected] Spring/Summer Fest Guide APRIL 29-MAY 1 JUNE 3-6 JULY 21-24 Add a dance/festival: Springtime Music & Polka Festival 14th Beckster Fest [email protected] Go to Osseo, Wisconsin Amana, Iowa 38th Pulaski Polka Days PolkaBeat.com every week for updates. rhythmplayboys.com / 715-533-1968 (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) 8TH ANNUAL MAY 6-7 JUNE 11 126th Maifest 26th Kolache-Klobase Festival Brenham, Texas East Bernard, Texas ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) Best Little MAY 7 JUNE 13 Moravia Fest 34th Cesky Den (Czech Day) Cowboy Gathering in Texas Moravia, Texas Hillsboro, Wisconsin THURSDAY-SUNDAY (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) ceskyden.com / 608-516-3994 March 10-13, 2016 Fayette County Fairgrounds - La Grange, TX MAY 6-8 JUNE 17-19 35th Polish Fest 10th Polish Festival - Houston MAIN STAGE LINEUP FEATURING: houstonpolishfestival.com Milwaukee, Wisconsin polishfest.org Jeff Woolsey • Rance Norton • Landon Dodd •Jason Roberts • K.R. Wood MAY 15 Kristyn Harris • Devon Dawson • Ginny Mac • Jean Prescott • Brook Wallace JUNE 17-19 Jody Nix • Lake Travis Fiddlers • Billy Mata • Johnny Bush 15th Slavnost (May Fest) Willard Polka Festival TCHCC, La Grange, Texas DANCE HALL SCHEDULE (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) Willard, Wisconsin travelwisconsin.com THURSDAY: Rance Norton • Darrell & Mona McCall • Tony Booth MAY 20-22 FRIDAY: Rocky King • Jeff Woolsey • Jake and Tommy Hooker JUNE 22-25 Wildflower Arts & Music SATURDAY: Jody Nix • Billy Mata Festival - Richardson, Texas 3rd Ocean Beach Park Polka Days wildflowerfestival.com New London, Connecticut PLUS: BBQ Cookoff • Jody Nix Fiddle Extravaganza • Chuckwagon Exhibits (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) Sunday Cowboy Church • Dutch Oven Demonstrations • Children Events MAY 20-22 JUNE 23-25 Andalusian Horse Demonstrations • Western Arts & Craft Show and much more! Chmielewski International Polka Stump Lake Polka Festival Festival - Hinckley, Minnesota Lakota, North Dakota PROCEEDS BENEFIT YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS funtimeband.com / 218-372-3616 whiteroseband.com / 701-381-9051 For Schedule of Events, Complete Motel Listings, RV Park Info, visit us at: MAY 21 JUNE 24-25 BestLittleCowboyGathering.org 141st Maifest - Anhalt, Texas (Ad, Spring/Summer Fest Guide) 29th Polish Festival Days Free parking for self-contained RVs | BYOB - Beer and Setups Available Page 16 Texas Polka News - March 2016 picnics, festivals, and craft shows are Nanocosm Inc. (the parent Po. L.K. of A. Texas just around the corner. Along with Live 365.com Ceases company of Live365) was a technology that comes parades and a lot of good startup founded by two roommates music to fill the air and the scuffle of Operation from the Princeton class of 1981, shoes on the dance floor. whose initial product was NanoHome, The PoLK of A is quite a busy Mike's Texas Polkas a 3D "Virtual Home" website featuring klub, and if you are just wondering Seeks New Home 3D homepages. what we are all about, please come The first release of Live365 was check us out. Everyone is welcome to HUNGERFORD - Mike's Texas built by a small team at Nanocosm; our events, and I encourage you to Polkas, a web-based radio station went it had its beginnings in a hosted By Kathy Cernosek, President become a member. off the air on Jan. 31 when community radio project developed Just contact our Membership Live 365.com ceased operation due to by employee Andy Volk in his free Nothing like hitting the ground Secretary Betty Tidwell at 281-452- lack of financial backing. time using Shoutcast technology, and running as we prepared for our 4174 or [email protected] and Mike started his station in June later modified by employee Brian annual fundraiser held in Wallis on she will be more than happy to send 2002 as a hobby for the love of polka Lomeland. Feb. 21, and the dedication of the you an application. Or if you see music, and would have celebrated his In 1998, Andy Volk shared the Msgr. Joseph M. Hybner Center at the anyone in red and white at the next 14th anniversary this year. idea with Nanocosm CTO Peter Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum dance, just ask them about becoming Live 365 was a listening and Rothman, and they developed the in La Grange, planned for Feb. 28. a member. broadcasting network which included concept for a new large-scale hosted As the weather is turning to See you on the dance floor or on over 5,000 stations of various genres. community radio service dubbed nicer days you know that church the float at a parade. Mike's music included songs in the Live365. Cajun and Tejano genres along with Live365's explosive growth after polkas and waltzes. He had listeners launch in July 1999 quickly eclipsed from all parts of the country and NanoHome, and the company soon world. shifted to solely focus on Live365 and Look for our "I'll really miss my listeners and online audio streaming services. loyal fans that I made over the past At launch, broadcasting and float in Spring & years," Mike said. listening on Live365 were free of Po. L. K. of A. The procedure of uploading songs charge. TEXAS CHAPTER Summer Fest in his library of over 500 and 300 in Mike said he will look for an his play list, took him years to transfer alternate website server to continue his parades! from compact discs and vinyl records. station in the near future. "I would like to thank all the polka "I'll have to see what else is bands who sent me their recordings available out there that will be very over the years," Mike said. reasonably priced and user friendly." Polka Lovers Klub of America Annual Dues: Couple $24 / Single $12 Klub newsletter 2 times/year, 2 free dances/year, parade float, scholarships, support of Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum polka organizations, shared activities w/Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum For more info: polkabeat.com/polk-of-a-texas-chapter-i The Board of Directors cordially invites you to the Kathy Cernosek, President, 832-544-0716 Betty Tidwell, Membership Secretary, 281-452-4174 Blessing, Dedication, and Ribbon-Cutting of the

Monarch Msgr. Joseph M. Hybner Center at 2 pm Printing Sunday, February 28 For the Finest in Quality Printing The Center is located in back of the in the Houston area PLCTM - Hoelscher Haus. Info: Willie Bohuslav 512-347-1078 or 512-779-8050 Evelyn & Larry Maresh 6605 McGrew, Houston, 77087 Owners & Polka Promoters 713-645-2845 TexasPolkaLovers.com 250 W. Fairgrounds Rd. La Grange 78945 Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 17 on the bus. Not exactly an endorsement by Czech Heritage The cruise portion is all his weirdness. But that's okay, Alex Tours Celebrates inclusive complete with all-balcony said. "Having him share the link suites and a drink package. "The to the commercials with his three- 20 Years with ports of call are fantastic with a plus million followers was okay variety of excursions available at with me," he said. Special Trip each port," Steavy said. "Please Alex said he is proud to be join us!" See ad, below for contact associated with a great company information. like Hormel, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. "I'm really excited about this Alex Meixner Says gig, and am thankful for the Pep It Up! Pepperoni. opportunity and support from Alex said the actors in the my fans and friends - especially Alex Meixner is a one-man pep commercials did not know he my kids who are excited about band. For those of us in the would be coming in to pep things seeing Daddy on television. I Steavy Jakubik and Renee Valek polka world who have seen him up, so the looks on their faces are got major cool points when my of Czech Heritage Tours are perform, we already know this. priceless. commercial showed up on recently celebrating their 20th year of The advertising geniuses at Hormel Of course, the first to do a on Nickelodeon," Alex said. guiding tours to Europe. They realized it, and now everyone parody on My Sharona was Wierd So, is this the image we want have so many repeat travelers that knows it. If you haven't seen the Al Yankovic with My Bologna. the accordion and polka to have? they are launching a new venture commercials featuring Alex singing Once the commercials started Why not, said Alex. "Everybody for the September 2016 tour - a Pepperona to the tune of My airing, Weird Al tweeted "Um" and needs to lighten up and not take combination land and cruise Sharona (by The Knack), no doubt shared the link to the commercial life so seriously." package. you will soon. videos. Indeed. It's time to #pep it up! On the two-week trip, they will Alex said it was a blast taping visit the Czech Republic, Austria, the commercials in LA last Germany, Italy, France, and Spain. October, complete with a driver "It’s going to be a fun-filled tour and an assistant. "It was strange not featuring a six-day land portion having to decide if I should book including Prague and Cesky the Rodeway Inn or splurge with 12th Annual Krumlov in the Czech Republic, an extra $10 for the Red Roof plus," Oktoberfest in Germany, Salzburg he said. Czech Heritage Tours and Innsbruck in Austria, and Performing of course wasn't Texas Music Festival Presents Milan in Italy," Renee said. the hard part of taping the Saturday, March 5 Our 2016 "Then we will embark on a commercials. He spent the majority 12-7P European Tours! seven-day Mediterranean cruise of his time getting use to the bass KC Hall 1390 US 90 Sealy June 12-25, 2016 including ports of Cannes and drum contraption he had to wear. Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, Corsica in France, Palma de "It took a while to get used to the Austria,sold Czech out! Republic Mallorca and Barcelona in Spain, cables and find the right balance," Red Ravens and Naples, Florence, and Pisa in he noted. & Sept. 26-Oct. 10, 2016 Italy." The 30-second spots present Czechaholics Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, The land package includes three scenarios of boredom - a Italy, France, Spain round-trip air from Dallas-Ft. life sucks poetry reading, city Admission only $10/person Featuring 6-day ground tour & Worth International Airport, council meeting, and museum Hall opens @ 11A Hourly Door Prizes 7-day Mediterranean cruise tour. Alex marches into each set Limited Live Auction luxury bus transportation, quality For more information, please visit hotels, breakfast and dinner daily singing a peppy tune, including Silent Auction (items accepted at event) CzechHeritageTours.com with select lunch meals, unlimited the Pepperoni Polka, accompanied BBQ sandwiches thru the day by the accordion, bass drum, Contact Steavy Jakubik or Renee Valek beer, wine and soft drinks, Info: Clyde Cantrell 830-456-4721 and even a trumpet in one spot. [email protected] or English-speaking tour guide, Brian Svetlik 979-541-6166 972-878-2929 entrance fees to all attractions, and The message: Pep up your food complimentary money exchange and your mood with Hormel TexasPolkaMuseum.com 219 W. Ennis Ave. Ennis, TX 75119 Page 18 Texas Polka News - March 2016 Texans Polka On at 1 6 First IPA Hall of Fame Fundraiser About 400 Texans attended a Super Bowl Polka Party with SqueezeBox, raising more than $2,000 for the International Polka Association Hall of Fame, and signing up several new members. The event, sponsored by Texas Polka News, took place on Sun., Feb. 7, at SPJST Lodge 88 in Houston. 2 Band members Mollie B, Ted Lange, and Dana Lindblad visited with fans before the dance. Danny Zapletal, IPA Hall of Fame's newest director, welcomed everyone and gave a brief history of the IPA. He also introduced Texas musician and radio DJ Alfred Vrazel, who was 7 9 inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in 2014. Alfred told everyone about his experience of attending the IPA Con- vention in Buffalo, New York, with a 3 busload of Texas polka fans and how all were treated like royalty. Mollie B read a letter from IPA President Rick Rzeszutko thanking everyone for attending the event and welcoming the Texas region to the IPA Hall of Fame. For the grand finale, SqueezeBox was joined on stage by Alfred, Danny, and John Dujka for a medley of tradi- 4 8 tional Czech polkas, When the Saints Go Marching In, and You Are My Sunshine. Photos by Mark Hiebert, Julie Matus, Earline Berger Okruhlik, John Roberts. 1.Sarah & Steve Case; 2. John Dujka, Danny Zapletal, Alfred Vrazel; 3. Kosels with Mollie B; 4. the Bates'; 5. Texas musicians in the house - David Czarnek, Valina & Ross, Alfred Vrazel, Pat Klesel, Greg Machac, Bruce Brosch, Danny Z, John Dujka, Greg Sury with Ted Lange; 6. Meet and greet; 5 7. New IPA member and TPN subscriber Gregorio Martinez with Mollie; 8. Bohemian Princess Theresa with the Stryks; 9. Alfred with his IPA Hall of Fame plaque. The plaque will be displayed in the Polka Lovers of Texas Club Museum in La Grange; 10. Betty Cznarek presents Texas-size greeting card to the band; 11. Andi & Robbie Meckna; 12. Tony & Evelyn Lister; 13. Vrazels - Jarrod, Pat, Bernice, Alfred; 14. BR Kunze & Mary Smith; 15. Audie Skweres & Bob Canino; 16. Julie Matus & Earline Okruhlik; 17. PoLK of A king & queen Russell & Barbie Loitz with Aage Oldager & Lorine Micalsky; 18. Joyce Bohuslav, Marie Tupa & Mary Lou Lawson; 19. National Polka Fest king & queen Mike & Deborah Logue with Mollie; 20. The Slivas with Harold Lawson & Louis Vrazel; 21. Lucy & Bruce Brosch. Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 19

10 17 SQUEEZEBOX IN HALLETTSVILLE

Mollie, Ted, and Dana performed before a sold-out crowd of 800+ at KC Hall on Wed., Feb. 3. Photos below by Gary E. McKee and Karen Williams: Mollie looking glam; the Darileks polka on; Rybaks on date night; Mollie and Ted making beautiful music together. 18

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13 16 21 Page 20 Texas Polka News - March 2016 community in New Jersey, where several thousand records and stacks As Joe and his wife, Nina, had led In Memoriam he learned to speak Polish, Russian, of binders of songs from every the Grand March at many Vrazel Ukrainian, and English. Greg and European ethnic region. weddings, Alfred performed three GREG HARBAR two of his brothers formed a polka A celebration of his life is songs to send Joe on his Grand March Houston musician, combo in their teens. He served in planned for Sun., Feb. 28, from to Heaven: Heaven is Such a Lovely Greg Harbar, the U.S. Army for six years based in 6-10 pm at the Continental Club in Place, Zdravas Maria, and When It's 77, passed away San Antonio. Houston. Polka Time in Texas (sung in both on Feb. 12, after Harbar moved to Houston and English and Czech). battling cancer for took up a career in radio ad sales. JOE VRAZEL It was an amazing sendoff. Jarrod several months. In 1974 he quit his job and began Joe Vrazel of Danbury passed away posted a video of Alfred's performance He was born performing full time, sometimes Feb. 12. He was 73. Vrazel Ballroom on Facebook. It has been shared many to Belorussian solo on accordion and other times was truly a family affair, as Donat times and has been viewed over 3,500 immigrants in with his full nine-piece band The and Marie Vrazel, together with their times by polka fans across Texas. Mark Hiebert photo a Pan-Slavic Gypsies. He was known to own 10 children, opened the dance hall in 1965 to share their love of polka CURTIS POTTER music. Everyone in the family helped out - from the front door to the kitchen to the bar to cleanup after the dances. The International Polka Association is a Joe was Donat's right-hand man, Join Today! non-profi t organization whose purpose is assisting with various aspects of the the advancement of polka music. Your membership dues allow the IPA to dances and the many fundraisers, continue its mission. Join today and be a part of this exciting organization! weddings, and church bazaars. After Visit ipapolkas.com/store to join, or send your check to: Donat suffered a stroke in the late 1970s, Joe took over booking the John Krawisz, Financial Secretary Dues are only $15 a year. International Polka Association You’ll receive 6 newsletters to keep bands and managing the hall. Joe and PO Box 1484 up with IPA events, radio shows, his brother, Louis, were bartenders for Plainfi eld, IL 60585 and award news. many years. Texas country music entertainer Joe loved polka music, the polka Curtis Potter passed away on Jan. bands, and the many polka fans who 23 in Abilene after a short illness. HOUSTON came from miles around to enjoy He was 75. He had been battling family fun and dancing to legendary congestive heart failure and VFW POST bands, including Jimmy Brosch & His pneumonia. Before becoming ill, he 10352 Happy Country Boys, Vrazel's Polka was actively performing, booking Band, Joe Patek Orchestra, Lee Roy dates, and getting ready to return Sundays Matocha, and countless others. to the recording studio. In fact, he 2-6 p.m. At Joes' funeral service, his was scheduled to perform at the nephew, Jarrod Vrazel, paid tribute Best Little Cowboy Gathering in La Country/Variety Cajun Dance Houston to Joe and introduced Alfred Vrazel. Grange. Dance $7 4th Saturday every month Curtis was with Hank 7:30-11:30P Thompson's Brazos Valley Band for March KC #2917 13 years, and had a successful solo 06 Loose Change recording career. 13 Country Jim/Allstars In 1984, he helped form Step March 26 One Records in Nashville. Step 20 Detour One would become the largest 27 Happy Easter! La Recolte independent label in the world April releasing projects on Gene Watson, 03 Bootleg Country Ray Price, and more. 10 Texas Ramblers April 23 In 2005, Curtis signed with 17 Texas Roadrunners Heart of Texas Records and released Sheryl Cormier several albums including two with 16035 Waverly Drive Tony Booth and Darrell McCall Houston, TX 77032 under the name The Survivors. Wood dance floor, smoke free! His last album Songs Of The Non-Smoking / BYOB Cherokee Cowboy was a tribute to his 281-443-2023 607 E. Whitney Dr. off Airline Info: Helen 281-256-3097 Joe and Nina Vrazel led the Grand March at hero, Ray Price. Willie Nelson joined their nephew Anthony's wedding at Vrazel Curtis in the studio to record the WesternDancingGala.com Ballroom in Danbury. title track for the album. Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 21 El Campo Polka Fest Dancehall Documentary Taping More than 400 polka lovers attended the 29th festival held at Taiton Community Center on Jan. Action! The Alex Meixner Band played some dancehall music on Feb. 7 at Rifle Hall in Round 31. Photos by Gary E. McKee. Top, clockwise: Band jam with Red Ravens, Fritz Hodde/Fab 6, Top as director Erik McCowan captured the dance action. Photos by Gary E. McKee - Alex Leo Majek Orchestra & several guest musicians; 5th generation Majeks, Austin and Lauren; Meixner Band Hank Guzevich, Alex, Tommy Adelphi, and Joe Tierny; Joe and Tommy had Weldon & Delores Schulte; Jerry & Martha Ann Majek; George & Mary Ann Kana; Pavlicek a chance to play cowboy thanks to Roy and Becky Gilbreath, who brought their horses to the cousins Joe and Norbert coordinated their wardrobes. party; Erik in action.

Houston Mardi Gras Cajun French Music Association members and guests let the good times roll at their Mardi Gras dance on Jan. 23. Photos by Gary E. McKee: Helen Pulnik leads the parade; Ricky Menard of Cajun Soul & Friends; future Cajun musicians; Dorothy & Gary Hester. Page 22 Texas Polka News - March 2016 making contests, and new this year, Mavericks, and Charlie Merta. Festival & Dance contests to find the best homemade There’s no dance on March 24 in Notes wine, sauerkraut, and pickles. Some observance of Easter weekend. The judges will be chosen from the first dance of the month is always a Continued from page 10 audience, so get your taste buds celebration of attendees’ birthdays ready! and the last dance of the month is Ukrainian And what’s a sausage fest without for bringing food to share. (That’s Easter Bazaar Sunday, the fun starts at 10:30 am great polka music! Enjoy the music the one I would go to!) Singles and with the same menu as Saturday and dance in the street to the all ages are welcome. See ad, p. 22. Sunday, March 20, 2016 PLUS fried chicken. Music continues Shiner Hobo Band, Czechaholics, Join us for the 36th Annual Bazaar throughout the day with Shiner Mark Halata & Texavia, and Texas SPRINGTIME IN ELGIN Noon-5 pm Hobo Band, Ennis Czech Boys, Leo Dream. You don’t want to miss the Sunday Ukrainian Parish Hall Majek Orchestra, and Red Ravens. Food booths open at noon and lineup of dances in March and April All the bands join together for a children’s activities will be held from at SPJST Lodge 18. Glen Collins Food - Crafts - Easter Eggs concert from 4:30-5 pm. See ad, p. 4. 1-5 pm, including a visit from the Easter Breads - Pastries provides the country music on Entertainment Easter Bunny! Shop the arts and March 6 and April 3. Fritz Hodde ANTON SAUSAGE IS crafts booths, and enjoy the display and the Fabulous 6 brings you polka Admission: $3 Ages 5 & under are free DATING of antique cars and tractors, and time on March 13, and Jerry Haisler Fun for the whole family! Take a break from sausage on motorcycles. See ad, p. 5. and the Melody 5 has your polka Easter Sunday weekend, then head music on April 10. The dances are 9102 Meadowshire / Houston 77037 to Schulenburg for the 3rd Annual EL CAMPO GETS YOUR 3-7 pm, the kitchen is open, and the Schulenburg Sausage Festival on WEEKEND STARTED bar is serving ice cold pivo. See ad, Sat., April 2. Anton Sausage, the The El Campo Seniors invite you p. 11. cute mascot of the event plans to to go dancing on Thursdays at the introduce his new sweetheart, Vlasta American Legion Hall from 7:30- FOOTBALL IS OVER, Pickle. You heard it here first! 11 pm. March has a great lineup GO DANCIN’ The event features sausage- with Czechmates, Odessa, Texas Sunday afternoons were made for country dancing. The VFW Hall on Waverly Drive in Houston has Senior Citizen Dance to a great lineup for March: Loose Dancers Change, Country Jim and the Every Thursday The Moods Allstars, and Detour. No dance 7:30-10 p.m. on March 27 since it’s Easter. The El Campo Saturday, March 19 dances are always 2-6 pm and 8 pm-midnight admission is only $7. See ad, p. 20. A variety of music! Red Ravens March Turner Hall Sunday, April 10 SWEET MUSIC IN 3 Czechmates (B) Hwy 111 W SWEET HOME 10 Odessa 2-6 pm / $10 Sweet Home Music City continues 17 Texas Mavericks Yoakum,Texas to bring you great country and 24 No dance 361-293-5576 348 CR 391E SweetHomeHall.com polka music on Sunday afternoons. 31 Charlie Merta In March, dance to Lost Cause and April Charles and the Fabulous 4. In 7 Gravel Road (B) April, it’s the Red Ravens (see ad at 14 Charles/Fab 4 Swiss Alp Dance Club left), Charles and the Fabulous 4, 21 Czechmates KC Hall - Schulenburg and EZ Country. See ad, p. 11. 28 Odessa (F) B=Birthday celebrations (6:30 p.m.) Sunday, April 10 F=Food night (6:30 p.m.) LEARN TO DANCE @ 3-6:30 p.m. LODGE 88 American Legion Post 251 New this year at SPJST Lodge 88 in 2241 S Hwy 71 Red Ravens Houston: arrive 30 minutes early Singles & all ages welcome! to Saturday night dances and enjoy Non-smoking/Non-drinking Guest Admission: $10/person Bring your own soft drinks, Dances held Sundays during months of Feb/Apr/May/Aug/Oct/Dec complimentary dance instruction tea and coffee provided. Guests welcome. Memberships available. from some dancing pros. They’ll also 979-543-5396 Contact: James Freytag 361-596-4357 or [email protected] be available during intermission. Texas Polka News - March 2016 Page 23 Try out your newly learned steps at A C “The New” the Lodge dances with Moonglow The Twilights The Orchestra and Red Ravens in Chris Rybak Texas V Dutchmasters March, and Moonglow, Texas D M Plainsmen Sound Check, and Charlie Prause Polkas & Waltzes M Band in April. See ad, p. 8. Country & Western Weddings • Anniversaries P Club Dances • Parties Cajun & Tex-Mex , Festivals BOBBY FLORES @ HEART & P DJ OF TEXAS MUSIC FEST 270 County Rd. 201 The Twilights Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Hallettsville, TX 77964 Eugene Janis 713-569-6270 Don Merta 361-772-4703 or 512-963-6660 [email protected] A.J. D Band will be at the 27th Annual 281-460-5273 [email protected] “Rusty” Uhyrek 281-240-4229 713-729-6097 Heart of Texas Music Festival in [email protected] Brady on Fri., March 18. They’ll be Czech out chrisrybak.com CDs Available joined by Darrell McCall and Tony Booth. The festival continues on Saturday and Sunday with Justin Kovanda’s Texas Legacy Texas Sound Incredible Trevino, Jeff Woolsey, and many more favorite Texas artists. Bobby Czech Band Czech Band Check Band Music Makers and the band will make their way to Authentic Czech Polka B O Polkas/waltzes, Kerrville on Sat., March 19 to play at and Waltz Music P & 5314 Tatum Lane country & variety Spring, TX 77389 the Cailloux Theater. See ad, p. 8. Bookings: for any occasions 281-353-5892 K J 713-728-3750 T T [email protected] New CD & ALL THINGS EASTER B O T-shirts available. Пokpoba Pokrova (Protection of the Recordings: 3511 Margaret B S Mother of God) Ukrainian Church S K 979-885-7144 Needville, TX 77461 J B [email protected] 832-781-8888 in Houston invites you to its 36th 979-793-7828 361-865-2167 [email protected] Annual Easter Bazaar from noon . TSC. [email protected] to 5 pm at the Parish Hall. Enjoy great food, beautifully decorated Easter eggs, Easter breads and Kenny James Czechmates Charles & The Czech Melody other pastries, music, and dance performances. See ad, p. 22. For a Variety of Music Best Czech Band in Texas! Fabulous 4 Masters 281-997-7456 100% Czech All the classic Texas Czech, FOR A GOOD TIME Great Accordion Music German & Western Swing Country/Western & Head to New Braunfels for a Play for any occasion Goodtime Polka & Waltz Dance Play for Polka Mass Polkas/Waltzes T D Club dance. You’ll love the great 512-296-1397 wood floor at the Eagles Hall and the F , C M 2204 Whitestone Dr friendly club members. The Czech 1-979-541-6909 979-249-5285, Austin TX 78745 Melody Masters will provide the El Campo 979-249-6976 [email protected] music for a good time on Sat., March “Solo accordionist with 1-281-455-8523 . 19, from 7-11. the sound of a band.” Katy 4. Mark your calendar for dances the rest of the year: Red Ravens (April 23), Swingin’ Dutchmen Litt’l Fishermen/ (June 18), Czechaholics (Aug. 27), Bohemian Czech & Then Some (Sept. 17), Cloverleaf Orchestra (Oct. 9), and Dutchmen Travelers Orchestra (Dec. 4). See ad, 9 or 6 piece p. 10. B A. O 3 L German/Czech polka band or 10 piece ARE YOU IN THE MOOD? ballroom & variety For a great dance? Then set the GPS C Roy G Haag, 1334 Rivercrest for Turner Hall in Yoakum on Sat., T C P Dr, New Braunfels TX March 19. The Moods will provide 281-836-5362 78130-3438 the music from 8 pm to midnight. 830-625-8262 [email protected] See ad, p. 22. Page 24 Texas Polka News - March 2016

TEXAS POLKA NEWS PRSRT STD Polka Smiles - Brought to you by Hruska's US POSTAGE P.O. BOX 800183 PAID HOUSTON, TEXAS 77280 BRYAN TX 77802 PERMIT #23 Address Service Requested

Sweet Home; Aaron & Madeline Edna Flag City Opry: Billy Mata & IPA Super Bowl Party Houston: Don Migl/Karen Williams photo Craig Schmidt/McKee photo Eschberger & Aage Oldager/ Earline Berger Okruhlik photo

Shelby Big 3: Reuben & Darlene Shelby Big 3: Jim & Michell Shelby Big 3: Steve & Clara Shelby Big 3: Cernys & Kovars/Barcak photo Houston Mardi Gras: Donn & John Grassl/Okruhlik photo Kubicek/Louise Barcak photo Kubena/Okruhlik photo Roberts/McKee photo

See more great photos at polkabeat.com/flickr

Whether you’re an Ellinger local or a Highway Family-owned and -operated since 1912, Hruska’s 71 traveler, Hruska’s offers something for continues to provide cleanliness, community and everybody – from convenience-store essentials, to home-cooking to thousands of visitors each year. one of Texas’ best cheeseburgers, to 16 varieties No matter how far folks have traveled, Hruska’s of top-notch kolaches. makes the trip worthwhile!

Located halfway between Austin and Houston, Hruska’s Store & Bakery has been serving its own tradition of deliciousness for almost a full century.

109 W State Hwy 71 | Ellinger, TX 78938 | (979) 378-2333