Texas Polka News - April 2015 Volume 27 | Isssue 3 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Texas PolkaFounded in 1987News - A Polkabeat Inc. Publication Joel Guzman/Squeezebox Mania 2 Bohemian Princess Report By Theresa Cernoch Parker Polka Fundraisers, Mason and Story on Page 4-5 the Tuba, German State Contest Results, Celebrate the Grads 3 Editor’s Log Gary E. McKee Accordion: Bagpipe with Pleats Part 3/Final 3 From the TPN Archives April 2002: Jimmy Sturr Wins 12th Grammy 4-5 Featured Story Joel Guzman: God, Family, Squeezebox Mania

6-7 Accordions Rule! Editor's Log Continued

8-9 German & Czech Fests Muenster's 40th Germanfest, Ennis' 49th Polka Fest 10-11 Dances, Festivals, Events, Live Music, and National Festivals 12-13 In the News PoLK of A, Joann's Travel, Polka Reality TV Show 14, 18-19 Dance Notes 16-17 Fiddlers, Cotton Gin, Maifest 20 Polka Smiles Sponsored by Hruska's

Page 2 Texas Polka News - April 2015

Ravens played Bohemian Princess at Lodge 88 and Texas Polka News Staff Report met his dad - Theresa Cernoch Parker, Publisher beaming from Gary E. McKee, Editor/Photo Journalist ear to ear. He has Jeff Brosch, Artist/Graphic Designer a lot to be proud Contributors: of! Mason's Julie Ardery Alec Seegers career goal is Bill Bishop Will Seegers to be a band Mark Hiebert Karen Williams director and let's Mark Karasek John Roberts hope playing in a Julie Matus Earline Berger Okruhlik polka band will be a permanent side gig! By Theresa Cernoch Parker Also proud to announce that The Contact I recently attended two fundraisers, Woodlands College Park High School one for the Texas Chapter of the Polka repeated their polka band title at the Theresa Parker, Texas Polka News Lovers Klub of America and the other 33rd Annual Texas State German P.O. Box 800183 • Houston, TX 77280 for the Texas Polka Music Museum. Contest held in February at Texas State 281-836-5362 Congrats to these organizations for University. Congrats to these kids and [email protected] | Gary: [email protected] providing great music and awesome to the thousands who participated in auctions. My husband says I have a real the German contest in music, dancing, knack for "winning" things in silent singing, drama and other categories. Ads/Media and live auctions. (Probably would Polka band second through sixth place have "won" more stuff if he hadn't been Articles, ads, letters to the editor deadline: 5th of the month for the next month went to Lanier Middle School (the only Ad Rates 1/3 page: $170 1/8: $55 sitting next to me at the TPMM live middle school polka band in the state!), auction.) Anyway, having been on the Full page: $455 1/4 page: $115 1/16: $35 Clements in Sugar Land, Boerne High 1/2 page: $255 3/16 page: $75 coordinating side of these events, I School, Smithson Valley near New know it takes a lot of time and angst Rates above are for one-time, black-and-white ad placement. Discounts available Braunfels and Cinco Ranch in Katy. for multiple runs. Additional charge for color. Combo deals available for ads in to make sure they are successful. Your Top folk dancing went to Greenville support means PoLK of A and TPMM TPN and polkabeat.com. High School (near Dallas), followed by Contact Theresa Parker for information. can continue the mission to preserve Kingwood, The Woodlands, Clements and promote polka music. and The Woodlands College Park. At the TPMM Speaking of young musicians, On The Cover event, Editor Gary singers and dancers, please note the ad McKee surprised on page 15. Let's celebrate the music Joel Guzman preparing for his annual event Squeezebox Mania taken March me with a Polka and recognize those youngsters who 16, 2015, in Austin, by Mark Hiebert, hiebertphotography.com. On! award to have a passion for music, whether celebrate our six- they decide to make it their career or month publishing not. Just send the info in the ad along About Texas Polka News anniversary and the with a photo of the graduate to me fact that we're still talking to The Texas Polka News was started by throughout Texas and the U.S. John each other. Ha! Gary's friend, artist Julius Tupa of Houston in 1987 with stepped down as editor in June 2014 to Pat Johnson of Fayetteville, created the mission to preserve and promote care for Marlys’ failing health. Marie a beautiful ceramic piece. Thanks polka music and dance. When Julius sold the paper to Theresa Cernoch Pat (and Gary)! passed away in 2002, his wife, Marie, Parker, who resumed publishing the Also at the PoLK of A continued as publisher, and his friend, paper in September 2014. Theresa also fundraiser, I had the opportunity John Rivard, took the reins as volunteer founded polkabeat.com in 2010 to editor. John’s wife, Marlys, was a regular honor the memory of her dad, Willie to visit with tubameister Mason contributor to the paper, and the couple “Bill” Cernoch, to promote polka music Nesvadba. He is graduating from were always on the floor at dance halls and heritage. Needville High School in May and will attend Blinn to study music with John Dujka and staff. I wonder if he'll take Brian Klekar's History of Get/Give The Texas Polka News The Woodlands College Park High School Polka Band Rock and Roll class. Anyway, Mason Continue the polka tradition! Give your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, blew, literally, the competition away via email at [email protected], nieces and nephews a subscription to Texas Polka News. We’ll extend your current TPN at all the state band contests, sweeping subscription one month for each subscription you designate as a family gift. Published and mail a check for $35 to the TPN monthly. One year (12 issues) for $25. all categories. He sat in with the Red post office box. Deadline is May 5. I Clip this out & mail check for $25 (outside U.S. $40) to The Texas Polka News Ravens at the PoLK of A fundraiser, will use the money from the ads to set P.O. Box 800183 Houston, TX 77280. Or click on the TPN link on polkabeat.com to using his iPhone to read music (and up TPN subscriptions for school arts subscribe or renew online with a credit card. update Facebook during breaks). departments. His inspiration? Lawrence Svetlik I wish safe travel to the Czech and Name ______of the Ravens. "I saw him play the tuba Then Some Polka Party bus heading Street ______and knew that's what I wanted to do," to Yukon, OK, and Wahoo, NE, April Mason told me. He also has a family 9-13. Danny Zapletal reports the bus is City ______ST ______Zip ______connection with the Ravens, as he is full and they're ready to roll! a cousin to Linda Lala, Shane's wife. I Polka On! at your favorite church Ph ______Email______saw Mason again in Houston when the picnic or music fest. ❏ New ❏ Renewal ❏ Gift ❏ Address change (include old address) Texas Polka News - April 2015 Page 3

accordion was released in the U.S. From the TPN Archives: April 2002 Editor's Log Venanzio Morino who had been Accordion: Bagpipe building accordions on his own in Italy, was hired by Hohner in 1928 with Pleats Part 3 to oversee accordion production. At the same time, the marketing department stepped up by forming the Hohner Accordion Orchestra, which in 1931 had 29 members. They began touring the U.S. pro- moting their product and, like the JIMMY STURR WINS while maintaining the basic Sturr polka Charleston dance and other sen- 12TH GRAMMY style. In “Gone Polka,” the Willie Nelson sations, the accordion orchestra Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra have recording of “Yellow Rose of Texas” is a became a craze with hundreds of won their 12th Grammy award, this one great example of finding good polka in By Gary E. McKee orchestras being formed. for the album, “Gone Polka.” This Rounder a traditional song with a famed country Editor’s Log Polkadate April 2015. The artist. Other Willie tunes include “Waltz Despite the Great Depression, Record features The Jimmy Sturr Orchestra editor is exploring the history of the instru- accordion sales were brisk. How- with guest vocals by the legendary Willie Across Texas,” “Just Because,” and “On The ments that entwine (most of the time) to Nelson and the great Brenda Lee. Road Again.” create the music that we dance to and sing ever, World War II put a damper on The unprecedented 12th Grammy Jimmy reaches out further in this along with. This final column explores the spending and the company’s Ger- award was announced Wednesday, Feb. Grammy-winning release, finding Sturr- scope of the accordion in today’s music. man heritage put a damper on sales. 27th at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards style polka in trademark Brenda Lee hits “Music Music Music” and “Ricochet.” In the Hohner museum, there is a in Los Angeles. Awards were presented to As the 20th century unfolded, the photograph of Hermann Göring, winners in 100 categories of music. One Brenda Lee fans will love these vocals. of those categories is for the best album of “Gone Polka” is clearly a celebration of the rapid advance in engineering and Nazi Luftwaffe leader and notorious polka music! diversity of polka. Regular fiddler Frankie manufacturing in the world resulted Nazi party leader, holding a Hohner. With 11 previous Grammy Awards, Urbanovitch draws on his Cajun roots (he’s in the mass production of the accor- it’s clear that Jimmy Sturr has the touch. a Daigle) and training to do the honors on dion, which resulted in accordions The new release “Gone Polka” continues “Big Mamou Polka.” So as to not overlook the Poles, band member John Karas for the masses. to reach out to new polka audiences while Marketing departments for de- satisfying traditional polka fans too. It has chimes in with two very Polish vocals. the Sturr touch. Overall, it’s nothing more than the cades have been trying to convince Everybody knows that Jimmy Sturr usual Grammy-quality stuff that we have the public that the accordion is a knows polka. His recent recordings all become accustomed to from the Sturr socially acceptable instrument. The try to reach out to different audiences Band. Sears, Roebuck & Company, which was the Amazon.com of its day, had From Our Readers a full-page ad in 1909 with 11 dif- ferent accordions ranging in price Vernon D. I see him all the time in the with Texas polka legends. It’s wonderful from $1.85 to $7.65. A 1916 Sears lobby at Monument Hill but never knew that you take time and care to preserve Catalog had a “Fine Toy Accordion” his notoriety! I made a point to go see the stories of Texas Czechs and important that had 10 notes, two keys and five him today and say thanks! Good article in parts of Czech culture through your folds in the bellows, and cost 98 Bill Bishop snapped this photo of Goring at the the polka news. Thanks. writing and curating polkabeat.com. Hohner Musuem in Trossingen, Germany. Brad Cutright, La Grange Stephanie Vanicek, Czech Center cents. A 1939 ad, tells you to “Swing Museum Houston an Accordion, It’s ‘Wacky’” and to On the other side of the channel, the That was a great story on Vernon Drozd. “Hit’em Hep Cat!” The accordions British were huddled in their bomb There are many more stories out there. Put Enough, enough. Start promoting new vary in price from $13.95 to $57.95 shelters. Recently, I came across a one in every issue. polka artists, not the same ones. Red and, of course, the Sears Easy Terms photograph of several dozen British Anton Fabrygel, New Braunfels Ravens, Czechaholics, Dujkas. There are others to promote. Wake up. Get out of were available. citizens taking shelter underground Thank you for all the publicity to help the dreamy world, get in the real world. An ad (1920s?) for Accordion and in the middle was a woman promote the Bexar County Czech Heritage Jacob Smith, Houston Mart, Importers, of Chicago, offers playing an accordion. Society dance and to Gary McKee for free instructions when purchasing The orchestra or big band sound coming out and all the good pictures. I enjoyed the write-up on Czech Hall in an accordion. By the 1960s, the has been around since the early Willie Rainosek, San Antonio Yukon, OK. I met my husband there. Oh what good times we had. Thanks again. same company screams “Accordion 20th Century. In the 1910s, Count Gary, I enjoyed reading Texas Polka News Janice Ferda, Medford, OK Prices Smashed!, Save Up To ½, Buy Guido Deiro, a famous vaudevillian and seeing names of musicians I know Direct At the Importer [from Italy].” star, recording artist, composer and or have known, such as Vernon Drozd, Thank you so much for continuing with About the same time, the Hohner teacher was the first piano-style ac- Gene Lichnovsky, Kermit Baca, Ray Baca, the Polka Piano Accordions Company was cordionist to hit the big time. Born Gil Baca, Julius Tupa, Fajkus, Valina and News, where attempting to convince the public in Italy, Guido left home to avoid others. I also enjoyed your great talk at I discovered the Texas German Society meeting in Bobby Flores that an accordion “Adds to the Joy an arranged marriage, and defying Houston. – the finest of Every Outing” with easy terms his father’s wishes to follow in the Rod Koenig, Houston western swing and a free instruction manual. successful family business, he began band in Texas. Hohner, the giant, first in har- playing his chromatic accordion in Theresa, thank you so much for your Went on his monicas and then in accordion the cafes and clubs in France and presentation on Saturday, Feb. 21st at the cruise and Czech Center Museum! We’re glad you had a great time. Enclosed is a photo of us. manufacturing, expanded from Germany. were able to come and share stories about Wilsie Hanzik, Needville Germany to the United States in your experience as an author working 1900. In 1903, the first Hohner Continued on page 6 Page 4 Texas Polka News - April 2015 people of Austin the finest accordion Joel Guzman: God, players that have ever squeezed the box. Family, Squeezebox The long list of past performers Mania reads like a Who’s Who of squeezers – Augie Meyer, Santiago By Theresa Cernoch Parker Jimenez Jr., Chris Rybak, Charles Thibodeaux, Ponty Bone, Steve What started out as a birthday bash Riley & the Mamou Playboys, for Joel Guzman in 2006 has become Zhenya and the Flying Balalaika an annual tribute to accordion Brothers, Corey Ledet, Debra music – all types of accordion music. Peters, UT Conjunto, Johnny Squeezebox Mania IX will be held Degollado, Jaime Deanda y Los on Saturday, April 25, at Threadgill’s Chamacos, Grupo Aztlan, Radoslav World Headquarters in Austin. Co- Lorkovic, Michael Ramos and founders Joel Guzman and Sarah Conjunto King Mingo Saldivar. Fox have been bringing the good This year is no exception. Grammy

Guzman Fox Presents Texas family connection as Joel’s award-winning accordionist Sunny dad is from San Juan and his mom Sauceda & the Electric Cowboys, is from Edinburg. They moved to Los Aztex, Charles Thibodeaux Washington in 1948. & the Austin Cajun Aces, plus members of The Flying Balalaika Joel Guzman has been called Brothers. And as always, Joel will be brilliant, extraordinary, a genius. anchoring the event. He began dazzling audiences and fellow musicians with his unique accordion artistry as a child prodigy, ACCORDION APPRECIATION causing established and respected It’s hard to picture Joel without an accordion players to christen him, accordion in his hands. He has been at an early age “El Pequeno Gigante” playing since he was 4 years old. – “The Little Giant.” Today, he is You probably would assume, like I not only a superbly accomplished did, that he honed his skills in South instrumentalist, singer and Texas or some other Southwestern performer, he is also a successful state. Wrong. He got his inspiration innovator, arranger and producer. from his accordion-loving dad in a So does someone so little farm town in Washington State. accomplished still practice? “I “My dad was a good musician and practice in my mind a lot. I am always played records of accordion constantly inspired by what I hear, music from all over – Poland, see and feel,” he said. France, Panama, you name it. He Joel credits many artists as his Saturday, April 25 would tell me, ‘They play the same influences. At the top of the list instrument you play. You should is Richard Galliano, a chromatic featuring appreciate the variety and embrace accordion player from France; it,’” Joel recalled. And there is a master accordionist Angelo Sunny Sauceda & The Electric Cowboys DiPippo, Rhode Island; Tony De La Rosa, an innovator that introduced Los Aztex electric amplification to a previously acoustic genre in the 1950s. De La Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces Rosa, like Guzman, also played the Chris Ramirez • UTES Accordions • The Flying Balalaika Brothers diatonic accordion; and then there’s Plus! The Accordion Masters and Maniacs Squeezebox Jam Esteban Jordan, another diatonic accordionist. Guzman compares Jordan to Jimi Hendrix in terms of Doors 7pm, Show 8pm-11pm sheer impact on conjunto. “He was a TICKETS $15 Advance $20 at the door Hendrix-like genius when he played jazz, rock, blues, conjunto and Tejano music with his accordion,” Threadgill’s World Headquarters • 301 West Riverside Drive Joel said. Austin,Texas 78704 • (512) 472-9304 A TRIP TO TEMPLE Joel didn’t make it down to Texas until 1979 when he was touring Mark Hiebert photo with Little Joe Y La Familia. A Texas Polka News - April 2015 Page 5 “We have a responsibility to continue our special Texas musical culture,” he said. Several of his students will perform at Squeezebox Mania, including standout Chris Ramirez from Hearne. “This festival is our way of saying, ‘Come over to the house and let’s get together to play some meaningful music that we can share with our kids,” Joel said. Charles Thibodeaux & Austin Cajun Aces Big Squeeze Finals stop in Temple introduced him to Los Aztex garnered three Czech polka music when he met Grammy nominations in the Best Before you head to Threadgill's for singer/songwriter Sarah Fox. “Sarah Tejano Album category in 2009, Squeezebox Mania, take in Texas grew up in Temple. She said, all my 2010 and 2011. Joel has won two Folklife's Big Squeeze Finals at the friends are Czech. You need to come Grammys for his work on the Sunny Sauceda Bob Bullock State History Museum. to a polka dance,” he recalled. He album Polkas, Gritos y Acordeónes boxes as well as a slew of customized Watch the next generation of can’t remember which polka band with Sunny Sauceda and David Lee Corona Classics, all his life. accordion players compete for three was playing at the dance, but he Garza, first in 2004 in the American He also believes in encouraging grand prizes in polka, zydeco and decided right then and there that he music category and in 2005 for best the next generation. He teaches wanted to move to Texas. Latin album. conjunto. 20 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at the Following the competition, Okay, maybe Sarah and not the University of Texas Elementary Czech music was the main reason enjoy a free concert featuring some ALL THINGS TEXAS School (UTES), a community of the best accordionists across the he decided to move to Texas. They engagement initiative with the goal had a lot in common. Joel came Los Aztex has toured the country state. All three winners will perform from the East Coast Lincoln of increasing the number of under- at Texas Folklife’s highly acclaimed from a family of musicians and has represented students in the college Center-type venues to House of annual Accordion Kings & Queens two brothers and six sisters. Sarah’s pipeline. The Hohner Accordion family, too, had a music tradition, Blues stops in several cities, and Festival at Houston’s Miller Outdoor has enjoyed bringing their unique Company, for which Joel is an and she has six brothers and two endorsee, provides the accordions. Theatre on Saturday, June 6. sisters. They also had a passion for Texas music to Europe in Italy, experimenting with and pushing Spain and Scotland. “We are not a Latin-based music to another level. Latin group per se, we are a cross- The couple became in demand genre group. We like to mix up a as session players, and they worked Cajun beat, a 2/4 beat with a blues with or formed their own bands, sound and throw in all things playing rhythm and blues, salsa and Texas. We produce a mixture of all conjunto music. Gradually, they these bloods. We are traditional developed their own sound, a fusion but always pushing forward,” Joel of rock, Tejano, Cajun and conjunto, explained. R&B and jazz, and formed the Joel and Sarah have also appeared in two movies – Crazy Heart in 2009, starring Jeff Bridges, and When Angels Sing in 2013, a Christmas movie with Harry Connick Jr. The latter features original music written by Sarah. Joel knows he is blessed being able to make a UTES students are into Squeezebox Mania! living playing the music he loves. group Los Aztex in 1999. Current “Surviving in the music business, I members are: Zeke Galvan, Matt thank God every day. You have to Slusher, Mark Epstein and Gabriel prioritize – God, family, squeezebox Guzman, son of Joel and Sarah, a mania,” he sai Joel is loyal to the fourth generation musician. Hohner brand of accordion, having played the company’s Anacleto Page 6 Texas Polka News - April 2015 Editor's Log: Accordion Part 3 Continued from page 3 20th Annual Czech SpringFest Sunday, April 19, 2015

11A-7P Hohner Accordion Orchestra, c. 1930 sponsored him at the 1908 Seattle SPJST Lodge 88 He was so well liked that the World’s Fair. After the fair, he began Ronco-Vercelli accordion company playing in Seattle saloons and was 1435 Beall St. soon touring the U.S. and Canadian Houston 35th Annual vaudeville circuits. Guido’s success Admission: Adults $8/Children under 11 FREE brought the accordion to the general Ukrainian public as he eventually was featured Traditional Czech Sunday Dinner in sound motion pictures. Note: His 11A-2P Easter second wife was actress Mae West. Adults: $10/Children under 11 $7 Other genres of music, such as Soup and sausage w/sauerkraut served at 1 PM Bazaar country, embraced the accordion, as Plant Booth Sunday, March 29, 2015 it was easier to haul around than a For your spring garden piano. Pee Wee King, the co-writer 11:30 a.m.-5p.m. of the Tennessee Waltz, and whose Country Store Ukrainian Parish Hall father was a professional polka Kolaches, home canned goods, 9102 Meadowshire Houston musician, brought the accordion cakes, cookies, more! to the Grand Old Opry. Hank All day lunch Thompson’s first recording session Vendor Booths includes had an accordion in the band. The Artwork, handcrafts & jewelry delicious Perogies, few bands (Bob Wills) that were Kapusta, still playing jazz after the decline Kovanda's Czech Band of its popularity were developing 11A-2P Kolbassa & Cabbage western swing and most of them Rolls! had accordions. Gene Autry’s career was just beginning to blossom Guest artist from the when his accordion player fell ill. A Home Baked Easter Paskas, guy named Smiley Burnette was Czech Republic Babkas & Pastries Galore! Hana Buchtelova Craft Booths, Children's Crafts, recommended, and Autry hired will demonstrate the art Ukrainian Easter Eggs, Entertainment him. Smiley turned out to be a of textile weaving Admission $3 multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, Convenient Parking - Rain or Shine! comedian and actor. He is probably with items for sale Chris Rybak Band the only accordionist with a star on For your dancing pleasure For booth or general information email: the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 3-6P [email protected] Sponored by Ukrainian Probably the most visible Sponsored by Czech Heritage Society of Texas National Women's League of America, Branch 118 accordionist in the mid to late Harris County Chapter 1900s was Myron Floren, the txchshcc.com / 713-349-0500 accordionist for Lawrence Welk for over 50 years. He took up the Goodtime Polka & Waltz Dance Club instrument at an early age. Myron, a natural comedian, claimed he got Eagles Hall - New Braunfels Dance Sat., May 2 his finger movements from milking Sponsored by Guests welcome. Memberships & info 830-660-4866, 830-660-0437 the cows on the family farm. The Czech Heritage Society of Saturday, April 25 South Texas truth was that he had scarlet fever, Memberships and the heavy accordion playing Club Fundraiser (7-11 p.m.) Music by Chris Rybak rehabilitated his weakened heart. Silent Auction Available Red Ravens 4-8 pm $7 Later, when he wanted to play in Dance to polkas, waltzes, country, big band on great wooden a college orchestra, the instructor dance floor. Nine dances/year Sat nights or Sun afternoons. Moravian Hall coolly informed him that there 5601 Kostoryz Road was no place for an accordionist; The Eagles Hall is easy to find at 257 E. South St. From S. Seguin Ave, turn right (east) on Corpus Christi, TX San Antonio St. (at the square), then left on S. Union, and take first right onto E. South St. just wait Myron thought. Between chssouthtexas.org / 361-215-9163 Texas Polka News - April 2015 Page 7

Midnight Special, Where Did You If your child says he sees himself Sleep Last Night?, and Cotton Fields. standing in front of great crowds of Today, the accordion is popping people, playing his accordions, you up in more venues, such as the might have another Myron Floren on TV show Madmen, the Simpsons your hands. Squeeze On! (Brave Combo episode), backing Mick Jagger on Saturday Night Live, [See more accordion photos on and Graceland, where a 50-piece polkabeat.com/flickr.] accordion orchestra played Love Me Tender and Blue Suede Shoes at Elvis’ grave. In the new Americana music scene, which mixes all musical styles, the accordion is a staple in most London street performer 2010. JoAnn McKee Mytyk photo bands. the decades with Welk and his Amana Colonies RV Park & Convention Facility - Amana, IA own orchestra, Myron proved him Located in the NW corner of Hwys 151 & 220 wrong. Ever the humorist, Myron knew more accordion jokes than anyone. “The song most requested of accordionists? Can you play Far, Far, Away?” The fusion of Continental KBEC Friday May 29 6pm - 12am For RV Reservations: 1-800-471-7616 / amanarvpark.com European styles and Mexican Polka Party Barefoot Becky’s Ivanhoe Dutchmen 60 acres of level campground styles has resulted in conjunto with Danny Zapletal 6-7:30 / 9-10:30 Over 300 Hookups gaining popularity in the southern Sundays 9-11 a.m. Karl’s Country Dutchmen - 6pc Showers/Restrooms/Laundromat U.S. Narciso Martinez, along Listen online @ kbec.com 7:30-9 / 10:30-12 with Valerio Longoria, led the Send your requests for birthdays, Lodging w/ Distance To Fest anniversaries & other celebrations to Saturday May 30 12 - 10pm Friday:Guest $12 House Saturday: Motel - 1 mile $15 revolution after World War II by Amana - 877-331-0828 [email protected] introducing a drum kit and vocals. Karl’s Country Dutchmen - 6pc Rose’sSunday: Place Bed & Breakfast $12 - 1 mile 12-1:30 / 3-5 Middle Amana - 877-767-3233 Prior to the 1940s, most conjunto 3-DayDusk to Dawn Pass: B & B - $351 mile was instrumental. Each decade saw Holy Rosary Parish Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen Middle Amana - 800-669-5773 / 319-622-3029 1:30-3 / 5-7 DieWooden Heimat Country dance Inn B & floor B - 3 miles changes that have culminated in Air conditionedHomestead - 888-613-5463 building a style that is best personified by Julie Lee’s White Rose Band - 4pc RonneburgZuber’s Homestead Restaurant Hotel - 3 miles - 7-10 HomesteadFood & - 888-623-3911Drinks! Los Texmaniacs. This ensemble Hostyn Motel 6 - 10 miles Little Amana/I80 Exit 225 - 319-668-2800 has recently performed at both the Sunday May 31 12 - 6pm Amana ColoniesFor more Heritage info: Inn - 10 miles Spring Picnic Little Amana/I80 Exit 225 - 319-668-2700 Kennedy Center and Wurstfest. Julie Lee’s White Rose Band - 4pc Becky Livermore AmanaToll Free: Colonies 877-499-7133 Clarion Inn- 10 miles After World War II, the refineries Sunday, May 3 10:30am Polka Mass Little Amana/I801257 Ivanhoe Exit 225 - 319-668-1175 Rd of Southeast Texas saw an influx of 12-1:30 / 3-4:30 Mt Vernon,AmericInn - 15IA miles 52314 Free polka music and dancing Cedar Rapids - 319-632-1800 the working class from our neighbors Malek’s Fishermen Countrybarefootbecky.com Inn & Suites - 15 miles in the pavilion 1:30-3 / 4:30-6 BecksterCedar Fest Rapids 2016: - 319-363-3789 June 3-5 to the east. They brought along their Sudbury Court Motel - 15 miles accordion-based Zydeco and Cajun Marengo - 319-642-5411 Texas Sound Crest Country Inn - 15 miles music that, when blended with Texas Texas Czech Heritage and CulturalWilliamsburg Center - 319-668-1522 Presents rock and roll, created a unique sound More Available Upon Request!! Check known as “swamp pop.” These three (11a-3p) styles have melted over into the set Slavnost For more info or questions: Wooden Dance Floor "May Fest" lists of many CenTex based polka Czechaholics Becky Livermore bands. Matilda is considered the Air Conditioned Building (3-7p) Toll Free: 877-499-7133 best swamp pop song ever recorded. Ronneburg RestaurantSunday, - Food & Drinks!! May 17, 2015 1257 Ivanhoe Rd While there was no accordion used Old Czech Hymns in church Tribute to the Immigrants of 1911-1915 9:15 a.m., Polka Mass 10 a.m. Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Meal servedMt starting Vernon, at IA 11 52314 a.m. on the original, a search reveals www.barefootbecky.com both conjunto and Czech/German BBQ pork & sausage dinner, $10/person includes meal and ALL events versions with the accordion as the hamburgers (after 2p), bingo, lead instrument. auction 1 p.m. & silent auction, Music by Fritz Hodde & The Fabulous 6 12:30-5 p.m. special drawings, country store, ~ New this year is a dance floor! ~ Huddie Ledbetter, aka Lead cake walk, plant & cake wheels, Belly, born in 1888, on a plantation games, ring toss, shaved ice in Louisiana was a prolific songwriter Hostyn is the 1889 birthplace of the Fun for the Whole Family! and interpreter. His main instrument Katolicka Jednota Texaska Czech Village & Museum Tours ~ Pastry Shop ~ Classic Car Show ~ was the guitar, but performed (KJT, Czech Catholic Union of Texas) Door Prizes ~ Gift Shop ~ Give-A-Way Drawing ~ Country Store Food & Drinks Available All Day frequently on his Cajun accordion or Hostyn is easy to find, just off Hwy 77, south of La Grange. 250 West Fairgrounds Road the windjammer as he called it. His La Grange, TX 78945 four major contributions to modern For info call Ted Hoffmann 888-785-4500 / [email protected] at 979-820-8866. set lists were: Goodnight Irene, czechtexas.org Page 8 Texas Polka News - April 2015 sure to bring a "guten apetit." Wilkommen Enjoy entertainment for the (Welcome) to the whole family, including mimes, magicians, clowns and storytellers, 40th Germanfest as well as the Karneval and Kinder Theater for the children. Delight The Muenster Chamber of in dancing, music, arts and crafts, Commerce invites you to one a rock-climbing wall, folk dancing, of the biggest parties in Texas – and two stages with non-stop Germanfest on April 24-26. entertainment, including Saturday’s Muenster was founded in 1889 by headliner, John Conlee. See Friday Noon-Midnight / Saturday 10 am-Midnight people of German heritage and entertainment schedule below. Sunday 10 am-8 pm Catholic faith. This North Texas One of the most popular events community, of approximately 1,500, is the Nagelshlagen - Tree Nailing Check this page for performance schedule. is a close-knit family in both kinship Contest. A nail/spike is hammered and kindred spirit. into a tree stump by contestants each The three-day festival attracts taking turns to see who can hammer thousands to mouthwatering the spike into the stump with the German sausage, scrumptious least amount of hits. The contest apple strudel, hearty cheeses and starts Friday and ends with a grand homemade bread, cakes and pies. Be champion declared on Sunday. Friday Saturday Sunday Alpine Village Alpine Village Dast Ist Lustig German Noon-4P Noon-1P Noon-1P / 2-3P Das Ist Lustig Tanzhalle Matt Tolentino & Whitney High Side Street Circus Royal Klobasneks School Dancers 1-2P 4-5P / 6:30-7:30P 1-1:30P / 4-4:30P Alpenmusikanten Opening Alpine Village 3-6P 2 Music Stages + Ceremony 6P Children's Stage/Carnival Alpenmusikanten 2-4P 8-11 P Das Ist Lustig 4:30-7:30P BBQ Cook-Off Alpenmusikanten 8-11P Nagelshlagen Texas Shane Mauldin Willy Kickit Crooners Brandy (Tree Nailing Contest) Alpine Village Band Noon-2P 11A - 1P 11A-Noon Stage Pat Waters Bad Habit Brave Combo 2:30-4P 1:30 – 3:30P 12:30-3P Admission Holler Time Bois D'Arcs Classic Recall 4-6P 4:30-6P 3-4:30P Saints Eleven $8 Friday Tommy & The 6:30-8P Andy Serna Dee Wops Swansong Led 5-6P $10 Saturday 6:30-8P Zeppelin Tribute Mullet Boyz 8:30-10P $6 Sunday 8:30-10P Hard Days Night John Conlee 10:30P-Close 10:30P-Close Under 8 years old Free Alpenmusikanten Monarch Where Texas hospitality and Printing For the Finest in German customs Quality Printing meet. in the Houston area

940-759-2227 Evelyn & Larry Maresh Easy to find in SE Houston at germanfest.net Brave Combo Owners & Polka Promoters 6605 McGrew, Houston, 77087 713-645-2845 Texas Polka News - April 2015 Page 9 including Grammy Award-winning Celebrate Czech Brave Combo. New this year, Alex Heritage in Ennis Meixner will join Brave Combo on Saturday and Sunday for a The National Polka Festival® in couple of polkatomic sets. See the Ennis invites everyone to come entertainment schedule below. help celebrate 49 wonderful years of Czech heritage festivities on YOUR POLKA CONNECTION Memorial Day weekend May 22-24, PolkaConnection.com will set up Get a head start on the fun at the shop at the KJT Hall during the pre-party on Thursday, May 21, from National Polka Festival. “Please stop 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the KJT Bar, by and say hello,” said Owner Chuck with music by Czech & Then Some. Stasny. You will have chance to 49th Annual National Polkabeat.com, and now the Texas browse thousands of CDs and DVDs Polka News, is proud to sponsor this from all over the world. event. Stop by for a chance to win Polka Festival some cool polka items. The festival kicks off with an Memorial Day Weekend Your connection to polka music opening dance Friday at 7 p.m., from around the world. featuring the King and Queen Dance May 22-24, 2015 Contest. At 10 a.m. Saturday, floats, Come visit us at bands and colorful costumes will the National kick-off the downtown festivities. Polka Festival in Check this page for performance schedule You will experience Czech traditions, Ennis May 22-24. or visit nationalpolkafestival.com for more info. religious customs, dancing, tastes, sights, sounds throughout historic We’re bringing our Thursday, May 21 Pre-Party @ KJT Bar downtown and at the three spacious selection of thousands of CDs & Music by Czech & Then Some air-conditioned halls (KJT, KC and DVDs to the KJT Hall, 1216 S Paris Street. See y’all there! Sponsored by Sokol Halls). Enjoy a weekend of polka dancing, Czech foods and polkabeat.com & Texas Polka News 14 sensational LIVE polka bands Call Toll Free (866) 901-6138 Friday, May 22 Thursday Night Pre-Party King & Queen Dance Contest Music by Czech & Then Some Music by Dujka Brothers @ Sokol Hall Sponsored by polkabeat.com & Texas Polka News Saturday, May 23 Friday Saturday Sunday PolkaFest Run * Parade * Kolache Eating Contest * Moravians 11:30-3 Dujka Brothers Horseshoe Tournament * Country Concert KJT Texas Sound 12:30-4 1216 S. PARIS ST. Check 4-7:30 Czech & Then Saturday & Sunday, May 23-24 Ennis Czech Boys Some 4:30-7 8:30-midnight Alex Meixner w/ 14 Polka Bands @ 3 Halls & Downtown Ennis Brave Combo Featuring Alex Meixner Joining Brave Combo 8:15-9:15 for a Manic Polka Set Brave Combo 9:45-11:30 Arts & Crafts Vendors in Downtown Ennis Dujka Brothers Praha Brothers KBEC Polka Party Sokol 7-11 11:30-3 w/Fritz Hodde & 2622 E. HWY. 34 Jodie Mikula Fabulous 6 The Moravians Texas Sound Check Orchestra 4:30-7 9-11 Fritz Hodde & Ennis Czech Boys Dujka Brothers Country Concert Fabulous 6 12:30-4 Czech & Then Some Jerry Haisler & Polka Mass Praha Brothers KC Melody 5 11:30-3 10-11:30 Brave Combo 850 S. IH 45 Texas Dutchmen Czechaholics 4-7:30 12:30-4 Jodie Mikula Orchestra Texas Dutchmen Alex Meixner w/ Brave Combo Fritz Hodde & Fabulous 6 Alex Meixner 8:30-9:30 Brave Combo 10-12:30 Jerry Haisler & Melody 5 Czechaholics Holub Polka Band Holub Polka Band Czechaholics Downtown 12:30-4 12:30-4 Page 10 Texas Polka News - April 2015 DANCES - FESTIVALS - EVENTS - LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday, April 1 Wednesday, April 8 HOUSTON BURTON HOUSTON HOUSTON East River @ VFW #10352, 2-6P, ad, p. 18 26th Annual Cotton Gin Festival Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner’s, 6-10P Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner’s, 6-10P PEARLAND See ad, p. 18 Black Cat Choir @ White Horse Tavern, SAN ANTONIO SAN ANTONIO Das Ist Lustig @ King’s Biergarten, 5-9P after Cotton Gin Fest Country Tradition @ Martinez Social Jim Bolado Country Sounds @ Martinez SAN ANTONIO Club, 7:30-10:30P Social Club, 7:30-10:30P Most Wanted @ Martinez Social Club, DALLAS Plano Civic Chorus Fundraising Gala SCHULENBURG SCHULENBURG 3-6:30P Brave Combo @ Frontiers of Flight Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall SWEET HOME Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall Museum, Love Field, 7P (downstairs), 7:30-9:30P (downstairs), 7:30-9:30P Neon Cowboys @ Community Center, 3-7P, see ad, p. 15 ENNIS Ennis Czech Boys & Fritz Hodde & Fab 6 Thursday, April 2 Thursday, April 9 YOAKUM @ Sokol Hall, 6P-12A WARRENTON BASTROP Bluebonnet Ranch Benefit Pettit Brothers @ Old Feed Store Farm Street Opry @ Bastrop Convention Shiner Hobo Band, 10:30A-12:30P GRANGER THE WOODLANDS Center, 7P Jason Roberts @ Cotton Club, 9:30P-1A Texas Ramblers (60+ Dance Club) @ S THE WOODLANDS Tuesday, April 14 HOUSTON County Community Center, 6:30-10P Glenn Lenderman (60+ Dance Club) @ S HOUSTON Walter Plant @ Parker Rd American County Community Center, 6:30-10P German Singing Society @ Liederkranz Legion, 2-6P, see ad p. 18 Friday, April 3 Hall, 7P LAKE JACKSON AUSTIN Friday, April 10 VICTORIA St. Mark’s BBQ & Dance, see ad, p. 17 Sean Orr @ Russian House, 8P AUSTIN Crossroads Opry featuring Billy Mata @ Al Sulak & the Country Sounds, 5-9P FULSHEAR Jason Roberts Band @ Broken Spoke, Jaycee Hall, 7P PEARLAND Texas Legacy Czech Band @ Fulbrook 9:30P-1A WACO Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-10P Gazebo, 7-9P FT. WORTH Spur City Rounders @ Sul Ross Center, 7P SAN ANTONIO PEARLAND Main Street Arts Fest, Brave Combo, 7:30P Off the Grid Band @ San Antonio Bier Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 6-10P PEARLAND Wednesday, April 15 Garden (behind Hyatt on Riverwalk), 2-6P HOUSTON WALBURG Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 6-10P SHINER Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner’s, 6-10P Off the Grid Band @ Dale’s Essenhaus, Shiner Fire Dept BBQ & Car Show 7-11P Saturday, April 11 SAN ANTONIO Shiner Hobo Band, 2-4P HOUSTON Countrymen @ Martinez Social Club, 7:30- WALLIS River Road Boys @ SPJST Lodge 88, 10:30P Saturday, April 4 Charles & Fab 4 (Wallis Dance Club), GATESVILLE 8-11:30P, see ad, p. 13 SCHULENBURG 8-11:30P Spur City Rounders @ VFW, 8P JOHNSON CITY Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall PEARLAND Stone Valley Music Festival (downstairs), 7:30-9:30P Sunday, April 19 Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-10P Bobby Flores @ Music Park, see ad, p. 12 ELGIN ROUND TOP KILLEEN Thursday, April 16 Glen Collins @ SPJST Lodge 18, 3-7P, Black Cat Choir @ Stone Cellar, 7-11P Rotary Crawfish Boil @ Special Events BRENHAM see ad p. 15 Center, Jerry Haisler & Melody 5, 11A-3P Bluebonnet Opry @ Silver Wings, 7:30P SAN ANTONIO HOUSTON Billy Mata @ Leon Springs Dance Hall, 8P NAVASOTA CARTHAGE 20th Annual Czech Springfest @ SPJST Off the Grid Band @ San Antonio Bier Jason Roberts Band @ The Western Club, Bobby Flores @ Panola College Lodge 88, Kovanda’s Czech Band (11-2), Garden (behind Hyatt on Riverwalk), 2-6P 9:30P-1A Auditorium, 7-8:15P, see ad, p. 12 Chris Rybak (3-6P), see ad, p. 6 SEALY NORDHEIM (26 mi SW of Cuero) James Garner @ VFW #10352, 2-6P, see ad Original Moods, 8P-12A Friday, April 17 p. 18 This Is It @ American Legion (Sealy Dance BRYAN Club), 7:30-11:30P PEARLAND SCHULENBURG Das Ist Lustig @ Murphy’s Law Pub, 6:30P Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-10P Red Ravens (Swiss Alp Dance Club) @ KC CONROE Sunday, April 5 QUIHI (9 mi NE of Hondo) Hall, 3-6:30P Texas Roadrunners (60+ Dance Club) @ DALLAS Billy Mata @ Quihi Dance Hall, 9P-1A PEARLAND Conroe Activity Center, 6:30-10P Deep Ellum Arts Festival ROSENBERG Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-9P HOUSTON Brave Combo, Pabst Stage, 2:40-3:40P Lazy Farmers (Happy Cousins Dance SAN ANTONIO Caney Creek Outlaws @ SPJST Lodge 88, SAN ANTONIO Club) @ American Legion, 8-11:30P Deco District Arts & Music Festival 8-11:30P, see ad, p. 13 Bimbo @ Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30P SAN ANTONIO TubaMeisters, noon-12:45P NORTH RICHLAND HILLS (Ft. Worth) Off the Grid Band @ San Antonio Bier Vernon Doege @ Martinez Social Club, Brave Combo @ Events Center lawn, 7P Monday, April 6 Garden (behind Hyatt on Riverwalk), 2-6P 3-6:30P GIDDINGS Cher La-Bas Texas Cajun Band (CFMA) @ PEARLAND SEATON (Temple) Lone Star Opry @ Giddings HS, 7:30P Hermann Sons, 7:30-11:30P Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 6-10P Jerry Haisler & Melody 5 @ Sefcik Hall, MARATHON YORKTOWN (33 mi S of Gonzales) TAYLOR 6-10P Dyngus Day @ The Famous Burro, 4-9P Red Ravens @ Community Hall, 8-11:30P Fritz Hodde & Fab 6 @ SPJST #29 SWEET HOME (downstairs), 7:30-11:30P Charles & Fab 4 @ Community Center, Tuesday, April 7 TOURS 3-7P, see ad, p. 15 GERONIMO Sunday, April 12 (Waco) ELGIN Spur City Rounders @ Tours Hall, 7P The Gathering Music Show @ VFW, 7P Red Ravens @ SPJST Lodge 18, 3-7P, see Monday, April 20 HOUSTON ad, p. 15 Saturday, April 18 LA GRANGE German Singing Society @ Liederkranz FREDERICKSBURG BOERNE Fayette County Country Music Opry @ KC Hall, 7P Kuckkucknest Springfest on Hwy 16 Youth Livestock Fundraiser Hall, 7:30P Houston Accordion Association Jam @ Off the Grid Band, 2-5P Bobby Flores @ Kendall County Denny's, 6969 Gulf Freeway, 6:30P Fairgrounds, see ad, p. 12 GERONIMO Tuesday, April 21 EDNA Charles & Fab 4 @ VFW, 3-6:30P Flag City Opry @ Jackson Co. Building, 7P Texas Polka News - April 2015 Page 11 DANCES - FESTIVALS - EVENTS - LIVE MUSIC

HOUSTON LOCKHART SCHULENBURG SAN ANTONIO German Singing Society @ Liederkranz Charles & Fab 4 @ Cedar Hall, 9P-1A Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall Dana Lee @ Martinez Social Club, 3-6:30P Hall, 7P MUENSTER (downstairs), 7:30-9:30P SEATON (TEMPLE) Houston Accordion Association Jam @ 40th Annual Germanfest, See ad, p. 8 Fritz Hodde & Fab 6 @ Sefcik Hall, 6-10P Pizza Inn on Mangum & 18th, 6P NEW BRAUNFELS Friday, May 1 SWEET HOME NEW BRAUNFELS AUSTIN Red Ravens (Goodtime Dance Club) Club Billy Mata @ Broken Spoke, 9:30P Neon Cowboys @ Community Center, Comal Country Music Show @ KC Hall, Fundraiser features silent auction @ Eagles 3-7P, see ad, p. 15 7:30P Hall, 7-11P, see ad, p. 6 BRENHAM 125th Annual Maifest @ Fireman’s Park SEABROOK PEARLAND See ad, p. 17 Mike Gest & Night Session @ Bay Area Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-10P Community Center, 7-10P CONROE 2015 SAN ANTONIO Liz Talley & Dusty Spur (60+ Dance Club) Wednesday, April 22 Off the Grid Band @ San Antonio Bier @ Conroe Activity Center, 6:30-10P U.S. Music Events Garden (behind Hyatt on Riverwalk), 2-6P HOUSTON EAGLE LAKE YOAKUM Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner’s, 6-10P This Is It @ Community Center, 8-11P Al Sulak & Country Sounds (Pearl City SAN ANTONIO FT. WORTH TubaMeisters @ Beethoven Home & Dance Club) @ Turner Hall, 8P-12A, June 5-6 see ad, p. 15 Mayfest @ Trinity Park POLKA FEST 2015 Garten, 5:45-6:30P Brave Combo, Main Stage, 8:30-10P Bimbo @ Martinez Social Club, 7:30- Hankinson, ND PEARLAND 10:30P Sunday, April 26 701-899-3087 / [email protected] DENTON Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 6-10P SCHULENBURG Arts & Jazz Festival @ Quakertown Park June 12-14 Pettit Brothers @ Sengelmann Hall Brave Combo, 7P Saturday, May 2 MILWAUKEE POLISH FESTIVAL (downstairs), 7:30-9:30P FRYDEK BRENHAM Milwaukee, WI Grotto Celebration: Al Sulak & Country 125th Annual Maifest @ Fireman’s Park [email protected] Thursday, April 23 See ad, p. 17 HALLETTSVILLE Sounds (11A-2:30P), Texas Sound Check (4-8P) CARRIZO SPRINGS (NW of Laredo) June 13 Fiddlers Frolic @ KC Hall, Jam session, 6P, KOLACHE-KLOBASE FESTIVAL see ad, p. 16 HALLETTSVILLE Spurs & Spikes Fundraiser, Billy Mata, TBA CORPUS CHRISTI East Bernard, TX WESTLAKE (Dallas) Fiddlers Frolic @ KC Hall Chris Rybak @ Moravian Hall, 4-8P, see 979-335-7907 / kkfest.com Concert Series @ Solano Courtyard Scott Taylor, 1-6P, see ad, p. 16 ad, p. 6 Brave Combo, 7P HOUSTON June 13 Texas Roadrunners @ VFW #10352, 2-6P, GATESVILLE CESKY DEN FESTIVAL Friday, April 24 see ad, p. 18 Spur City Rounders @ VFW, 8P Hillsboro, WI CONROE MUENSTER MORAVIA 608-516-3994 / ceskyden.com East River (60+ Dance Club) @ Conroe 40th Annual Germanfest, see ad, p. 8 Moravia Fest @ Moravia Store Activity Center, 6:30-10P PEARLAND Moravians, Mark Halata & Texavia June 19-21 FT. WORTH Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-9P See ad, p. 14 WILLARD POLKA FESTIVAL Willard, WI 715-267-6639 Brave Combo @ Fred’s Café, 8P SAN ANTONIO PATTISON (Brookshire) HALLETTSVILLE Countrymen @ Martinez Social Club, Christ Lutheran Church Festival June 24-27 Fiddlers Frolic @ KC Hall 3-6:30P Al Sulak & Country Sounds, 11A-1:30P OCEAN BEACH POLKA DAYS Chris Rybak, Dr. Zog, see ad, p. 16 SEATON (Temple) PEARLAND New London, CT HOUSTON Ennis Czech Boys @ Sefcik Hall, 6-10P Enzian Buam @ King’s Biergarten, 5-9P Oceanbeachparkpolkadays.com Grateful Geezers @ SPJST Lodge 88, SWEET HOME ROUND TOP 8-11:30P, see ad, p. 13 Black Cat Choir @ Stone Cellar, 7-11P June 26-28 Gone Country @ Community Center 3-7P, CLARKSON CZECH DAYS MUENSTER SAN ANTONIO see ad, p. 15 Clarkson, NE 40th Annual Germanfest, see ad, p. 8 WEIMAR Off the Grid Band @ San Antonio Bier 402-892-3331 / clarksonczechdays.com ROUND TOP St. Michael’s Spring Festival @ Veteran’s Garden (behind Hyatt on Riverwalk), 2-6P Enzian Buam @ Round Top Inn, 7-10P Park, Czechaholics, Red Ravens, ad, p. 14 SEALY June 27-28 SAN ANTONIO The Kreneks (Sealy Dance Club) @ SEALY KC MUSIC FEST TubaMeisters @ Beethoven Home & Monday, April 27 American Legion, 7:30-11:30P Sealy, TX Garten, 5:45-6:30P SHELBY VICTORIA 979-885-6370 / sealykofc.org Fayetteville Country Music Show @ Original Bobby Lee Nightriders @ Da Saturday, April 25 American Legion, 6:30P Costa Hermann Sons, 8P-12A, ad, p. 18 July 1-5 AUSTIN WHARTON 41ST POLKA FIREWORKS Big Squeeze Finals @ Bullock Museum, Wharton County Fair Sunday, May 3 Seven Springs Resort, Champion, PA 2-6P, see ad, p. 5 Al Sulak & the Country Sounds, 7-11P BRENHAM 708-594-5182 / [email protected] Squeezebox Mania @ Threadgill’s, ad, p. 4 125th Annual Maifest @ Fireman’s Park FT. WORTH Tuesday, April 28 See ad, p. 17 July 3-5 ALTRUSA POLKA FEST Prairie Fest @ Tandy Hills Natural Area HOUSTON ELGIN Black Creek, WI / 920-731-8869 Brave Combo German Singing Society @ Liederkranz We Are Country @ SPJST Lodge 18, 3-7P, Hall, 7P HALLETTSVILLE See ad, p. 15 July 10-12 Fiddlers Frolic @ KC Hall Wednesday, April 29 HOSTYN 40TH POLKA FEST Scott Taylor, The Washers, Wild River HOUSTON Holy Rosary Spring Picnic Ellsworth, WI Band, see ad, p. 16 Das Ist Lustig @ Rudi Lechner’s, 6-10P Texas Sound Check, Czechaholics, ad, p. 7 [email protected] HOUSTON SAN ANTONIO HOUSTON Joe Semion & Louisiana Cajuns (CFMA) @ Most Wanted @ Martinez Social Club, Detour Band @ VFW #10352, 2-6P, see ad, Add a dance/festival: [email protected] KC Hall #2917, 7:30-11:30P, see ad, p. 18 7:30-10:30P p. 18 Go to PolkaBeat.com every week for updates. Page 12 Texas Polka News - April 2015

greatly appreciated. taking folks to Branson, Po. L.K. of A. Texas With successful fundraisers we Missouri. “It is such can carry out the objectives of the a nice place to visit Klub in promoting and preserving with great hospitality, polka music. We can also give to nice hotels, great food, several polka-related non-profits beautiful scenery and and support member's children and many memorable By Clinton Ellebracht, President grandchildren with their college experiences from the education. shows,” Joann said. February was a good month for New this year is to have our The deluxe motor our Klub. We had our first board King/Queen and Prince/Princess coach tour, Sept. 21-26, meeting making plans for the wear sashes identifying them as our 2015, includes stops at Royalty. In the past Royalty wore Prince & Princess Randy & Kathy Cernosek and King & Queen a casino, Texas Country coming year. Our next general Russell & Barbie Loitz show off their new sashes./Parker photo meeting will be held in July. Watch crowns, which identified them as Music Hall of Fame in Secretary, Kathy Cernosek. Contact this space for information on date, Royalty, but did not indicate their Carthage, Kilgore Museum details are in the ad below. band and venue. organization. The board felt that and New London School Museum Our annual fundraiser, held this with the sashes would give the and Tea Room. year in Wallis, was a great success Klub more publicity. The Royalty Joann’s Travel Now Rather than go to the mall to thanks to the great support of not reports that they are being asked for do your Christmas shopping this only our members but also from information about our Klub. Booking Branson & year, travel to Europe Nov. 30-Dec. the general public. The attendance, If you have not renewed your 8, 2015, to browse the markets in the support for the raffles and the membership or would like to join European Tours Germany and Austria. “There will good interest in the silent auction is the Klub, contact our Membership From seeing your favorite classic be a great tour guide to take you country artists in the U.S. to tip- on a wonderful tour of Strasburg, toeing through Dutch Tulips and Wurzburg, Nuremburg, Munich shopping at authentic German and Innsbruck markets to see the Christmas markets, Joann’s Travel in many beautiful Christmas crafts and Needville, has an impressive lineup handmade ornaments and also learn of upcoming tours. about each city’s history,” Joann said. In the travel business for more The itinerary for Joann’s Travel Come see us in the parade! than 20 years, Joann and Jerry in 2016 features a Springtime Tulip Fabrygel are in their 10th year of River Cruise from March 30-April

Gedenke German Fest 625 N. Main, Schulenburg, TX Weimar, TX 979-743-4752 Saturday, May 9 Open Thurs, Fri, Sat 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. texaspolkamuseum.com Polka Lovers Klub of America! Bands of Texas Volume 4 CD Now Available! Annual Dues: Couple $24 Single $12 Dedicated to the 10th Anniversary of the Museum

Klub newsletter 2 times/year, with board reports, Klub activities, parade and meeting schedules; 2 free dances/year; free meal @ January meeting; shared activities with Polka The Museum honors Texas Polka Bands of European ancestry - Czech, Lovers Club of Texas Museum/La Grange German, Polish - and polka DJs. Select from over 75 different CDs plus For more information on Texas Chapter 1 contact TPMM CD collection (Volumes 1-4), Czech song books (one w/music), Clinton Ellebracht, President, 830-305-9667 TPMM shirts (T and polo) and caps. Kathy Cernosek, Membership Secretary 281-471-7672 polkabeat.com > Po.L.K. of A. Texas Chapter I For more information contact: Herb Schneider, Home (281) 807-3244, Cell (832) 477-0648 or Brian Svetlik (979) 541-6166

Bluebonnet Chapter of Texas German Society & Bellville Lions Club Bobby Flores Invite you to the 13th Annual Performances Apr 11 Johnson City Stone Valley Park Stone Valley Music Gates open @ 10 Fruehling Saengerfest 7508 Hwy 290 Festival a.m. 713-851-0163 (German Spring Singing Fest) Apr 16 Carthage QM Martin Aud. Ray Price items on 7-8:15 p.m. Panola Coll. 1109 W Panola display in museum 903-693-2017 Sunday, April 26 Apr 18 Boerne Kendall Co. Youth Livestock Details TBA Free Admission ... Free Parking … Free Entertainment … Fairgrounds 830-249-2839 1307 River Rd Fundraiser German Singing Groups May 15 Navasota Western Club 2nd Annual Shuffle 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. BBQ Chicken & 9524 Hwy 6 Loop S Festival 936-825-9070 Live Bier Garten Music Sausage Dinner May 23 Austin The Broken Spoke Dance 9:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. Free Dance and Sing-along mid-afternoon $10/plate, serving & activities 3201 S Lamar Blvd 512-442-6189 start at 11 a.m. Concordia Hall, 952 South Tesch, Bellville Sausage & Sauerkraut, Homemade For more info on Bobby, the band and his record company, please visit 979-865-3407 bobbyflores.com and YellowRoseRecords.com Desserts, Cake Walk, Vendors of Or call toll free: 1-866-264-2400 texasgermansociety.com German and Handmade Crafts Texas Polka News - April 2015 Page 13 people were not governing the POLKA KINGS REALITY SHOW PREMIERES country any longer. He approached Polka Kings presents the incredible journey of the Chardon Polka Band of Cleveland, us and asked if we were interested OH, in their foot-tapping quest to achieve mainstream status while bringing polka to the masses. In “Meet the Polka Kings” on Saturday, April 11, (REELZ, 8:30 p.m. in conducting tour groups from the Central) viewers can get to know band members – all who have interesting day jobs USA, because he was starting in the and hobbies when not on the road for the band. The first episode will air on the tour business. Of course we agreed,” following Saturday, April 18. she said. “We have covered many Rosenberg American Legion Post #271 countries such as Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Armed Forces Day Italy, and more with a wonderful tour guide who is well-educated on Polka Fest Joann and Jerry Fabrygel all the history.” 7 and Christmas on the Danube in Sunday, May 17 Joann and Jerry have been long 2-7 p.m. November/December. The seven- time members of the Polka Lovers Great wood dance floor, night tulip cruise of Holland and Klub of America Texas Chapter fun & food! Belgium makes stops in Volendam, and served as the Klub’s Prince and Doors open at noon Central Texas Sounds Arnhem and Middleburg with visits Princess in 1995. They combined $10 admission to the Kinderdjik Windmills and The American Legion Hall is Texas Legacy Czech Band their love of polka and travel when easy to find on Hwy 36, just Keukenhoff Gardens. they took a group of PoLK of A south of Rosenberg. Patriotic salute to all who have served. The Danube cruise will visit dancers two years in a row to the Wear your Stars & Stripes! Vienna, Passau, Wurzburg, National Dance Festival in Roznov, Nurmburg, Regensburg, Wachau Czech Republic. Valley and Vienna. Highlights “This was a great experience as The Chandelier include Hofburg Palace, Vienna we also learned some of the dance Opera House and Christmas routines from the Czech dancers. Ballroom markets. Joann noted there is an There were dance groups from 1435 Beall Street early booking discount for these two each country. Each country was Houston 77008 2016 trips. announced by their country name, Joann recalled how they got their but our group was announced as Saturday River Road Boys Western swing $10 start in the travel business 22 years THE TEXAS GROUP, not the USA April 11 ago. “We went on a Farm Exchange group,” she recalled. Friday Caney Creek Outlaws Country $10 April 17 Tour where we met the tour guide we “We really enjoy conducting the Friday Grateful Geezers 50s, 60s, Soul & Blues $10 have now. He was a supervisor at the tours and seeing the people enjoy April 24 time in the farming co-op, but it was their lifetime vacations.” Saturday Moonglow Orchestra Big Band l Dress Code $15 about to close, as the Communist See ad, page 15. May 2 Friday Fab 5 Beatles Tribute $10 May 8 Saturday Red Ravens Polka & Variety $10 May 9

Dances 8 - 11:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. All dances are open to public and singles welcome. 713-869-5767 l lodge88.org Page 14 Texas Polka News - April 2015 Lutheran Church in Lake Jackson and those under 18 are admitted the activities like the auction at 1 Dance Notes on Saturday, April 18. Enjoy the free. Barbecue plates will be p.m., Bingo from 2-6 p.m., along BBQ/DANCE AT ST. MARK'S polka and country provided by Al available for $10, but you win with with country store, cake walk and Sulak & the Country Sounds from the combo deal of paying only $16 treasure chest. See ad below. Bring the whole family to the annual 5-9 p.m. Admission is only $8 for the dance AND the meal. See ad, barbecue and dance at St. Mark’s page 17. SONGFEST IN BELLVILLE The 13th Annual Fruehling PICNIC TIME IN WEIMAR Saengerfest (German Spring Singing It’s time for the annual St. Michael Fest) is set for Saturday, April 26, Spring Fest on Sunday, April 26, at at Concordia Hall in Bellville. The Veterans Memorial Park in Weimar. event starts with a barbecue chicken Serving of the fried chicken and and sausage dinner and features sausage dinner starts at 11 a.m. and entertainment by German singing so does the music by Czechaholics, groups. Then get ready to party with followed by the Red Ravens. Dance a free dance and sing-along mid- all afternoon or check out some of afternoon. See ad, page 12.

WWW.247POLKA MUSIC & MACHINERY Historic Moravia Store near HEAVEN.COM Schulenburg will host the Moravia Fest on Saturday, May 2. Enjoy the

POLKA Antique Farm Equipment Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and celebrate MUSIC 24/7 Moravia Store’s 126th year under the moon with music and dancing from Your Favorite 3 p.m. to midnight. The Moravians Music & Shows will play from 3-7 p.m. and Mark Antique Farm Halata & Texavia will be on stage Log on to the World’s from 9 p.m. to midnight. Most Listened to Equipment Show & Polka Network at The South Texas Wheel www.247polkaheaven.com Spinners and Crank Twisters Club is sponsoring the equipment show Moravia Fest with exhibits and demonstrations of Saturday, May 2 Moravia Store You’re invited to the antique and classic farm machinery and power systems. The show will 9 a.m.-4 p.m. View antique & classic farm St. Michael also feature the 2015 4-H and FFA machinery and power demonstrations Ag Mechanics Projects. Spring Fest featuring rare & unusual equipment and “We always feature the 4-H & 2015 4H & FFA Ag Veterans Memorial Park FFA projects because these young Mechanics Projects Weimar, TX people are fresh from their school Saturday May 3, Moravia Store shows. We also give scholarships to Celebrate the Moravia Store's students who are members of the th Antique Farm Equipment Show (9a-­4p) Sun, April 26 126 year under the moon club to help with their expenses View antique & classic farm machinery and power Moraviansdemonstrations, 3-7 featuringp.m. Equipment & Implements Music 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. while attending competitions,” says and 2014 -­ 4 H & FFA Ag Mechanics Projects. Mark Halata & Texavia(Sponsored by the 9 South p.m.-midnight Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters) Club President Mark Hermes. 361-772-4619 / 979-562-2217 / [email protected] Plus the Moravia Fest, celebrating the 125 Czechaholics & By the way, Mark (of the 957 leads rightanniversary to of the the Moravia door store (est. 1889) Czechaholics) co-wrote the Moon

Red Ravens Over Moravia Waltz with Daniel Chris Rybak Band 3-­6 p.m. Fried chicken & sausage dinner Kalpuch. No doubt you will hear MikeMark Halata/Texavia’s Texas 8:30 Polkas-­12:30 starts 11 a.m. $9/adults, $4.50 kids that tune during the fest. See ad, CelebratingSee also www.redbirdtx.com/tractorclub.html, 12 years or call of (12 & under) page 14. Mark Hermes 361-­772-­4619, Moravia Store 979-­562-­2217 Continuous or e-­mail [email protected] Moravia Storebroadcasting between Hallettsville & Schulenburg on on FM 957 Polkas Auction 1 p.m. Bingo 2-6 p.m. DANCE BY THE BAY

April Issue ad, per Mark Hermes & paid by Waltzes The Czech Heritage Society of South South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters Country Store * Cake Walk * Cajun Fish Pond * Music Walk * Train Texas says, “Come on down to Tejano Ride * Ring Toss * Treasure Corpus on Saturday, May 2.” Dance Chest * Surprise Packages * Kid’s to Chris Rybak from 4-8 p.m. at Activities * Hamburgers * Cold Moravian Hall. See ad, p. 6. May issue ad, per jpg file from Alexis and to be Drinks * Sno Cones paid by Henrietta Filip, two column x 6 inches, www.live365.com/stations/hungerfordmike standard rate $70, special rate $66 Continued on page 18 Mike Konvicka, Hungerford Texas, 979-532-3117 Veterans Memorial Park is about two Email: [email protected] blocks west of St. Michael’s Church. Contact Mark Hermes. Phone 361-­772-­4619, e-­mail [email protected] Music and dancing in pavilion. Supplemental contact Henrietta Philip at Moravia store 361-­772-­1954

Increased size to 4.4 inches to accommodate more information about the Moravia Store 125th anniversary celebration. Standard rate $54.

Mark will cover the April issue ad. Henrietta will cover the May issue. Revised 04/02/14 with info from Henrietta and jpg file from Alexis, 2 columns x 5.75 inches, standard rate $70, special rate $66.

April issue -­ Invoice after publication to Treasurer: (May issue invoice to Henrietta) Betty Schulte, Treasurer South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters 2225 CR 196 Hallettsville 77964 Texas Polka News - April 2015 Page 15

MUSICAL VARIETY for the BUTTON BOX ACCORDION

Learn Polka, Waltz, Schottische, Branson Music Exhibition 2-Step, Latin, Swing City Tour at thE - Chord stamp method books and cassettes Sept 21-26, 2015 Czech Center Museum Houston - Easy to read, for 3 & 4 row accordions Includes 8 shows, Through April 25 Polka music on your - For beginning thru advanced students casino, Texas Country computer 24 hours a day - Internet instruction available Music Hall of Fame, Celebrating the sights, sounds and Kilgore Museum, New tastes of 21st century Czech culture Send for flyer. Marge Ford - Plus many LIVE and London School Museum & Tea Room and heritage in the Lone Star State. pre-recorded shows Old Time Music Co. P.O. Box 92294 Anchorage, AK 99509 Classic Christmas —lAST ChANCE To SEE— www.polkajammernetwork.org 907-561-6862 l [email protected] European Markets Sat. april 25 • 10aM–4pM Nov 30-Dec 8, 2015 Have you been interviewed yet? Strasbourg, Wurzburg, Nuremburg, Come share a story about your Pearl City SPJST #18 Hall Munich & Innsbruck favorite Czech tradition, song, or Limited space, book early! expression. We will document your Elgin, TX texas Czech story. Dance Club Sunday, 3-7 p.m. * $8 Dancing in Turner Hall, Yoakum, Springtime Tulip MuSEuM FAMilY DAY–FrEE for over 50 years / Open to the Kitchen Open River Cruise Public / Guests welcome / $10 March 30-April 7, 2016 —NExT loCATioNS— April Limited space, book early! lavaCa Heritage MuSeuM Sat., April 25 12 Red Ravens Hallettsville: apr. 28–May 31 Christmas on the Danube 2016 Al Sulak & The 19 Glen Collins Limited space, book early! inStitute of texan CultureS San antonio: June 4–Sept. 4 Country Sounds Mini Czech Day, July 12–FrEE 8 p.m.-Midnight May Air conditioned / Great wood floor produCed by 6 mi. west of Yoakum, Hwy 111W, Pearl City 03 We Are Country WWW.polkaWorkS.org 361-293-5576 pearlcitydanceclub.com 17 Ennis Czech Boys 281-239-5452 702 Highway 95 N * 512-281-3711 MUSIC CITY Let's Celebrate SWEET HOME, TX Polkas Free Catalog the Music! Do you have a musician, vocalist, dancer in the family April 12 Neon Cowboys * CDs Contact us who is graduating from high school or college? 19 Charles & Fab 4 * DVDs Congratulate them with an ad in the June issue of Texas Polka News. 26 Gone Country today! May 03 Neon Cowboys PolkaConnection.com Student's Name: ______16 Rock & Roll Bandstand The Moods (8 p.m.-midnight) Your connection to polka music City/Town: ______from around the world. 3-7 p.m. $8 unless otherwise noted. Musician: Instrument(s)______), Vocalist, Dancer FM 531, off Alt. 77 sweethomehall.com Call Toll Free (866) 901-6138 School graduating from: ______College attending: ______Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center Genealogy Library Favorite polka: ______Reception Hall Period Houses Congrats message: ______Amphitheater Museum Exhibits From: ______

Gift Shop - Featuring Many Things CZECH! Variety of music CDs * Cookbooks * Books * Kolace candles Czech crystal * Garnet/Czech crystal jewelry * Aprons * Wooden toys Accordions * Baby bibs * T-shirts * Rosaries * Czech multicolored blown- glass and painted-egg ornaments * Czech magnets * Czech greeting cards And more! 250 W. Fairgrounds Road La Grange, Texas www.czechtexas.org [email protected] 979-968-9399 1-888-785-4500 Send this information with a photo to [email protected] and mail check for $35 Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-4 p.m. / Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to Texas Polka News PO Box 800183 Houston, TX 77280. Deadline: May 5, 2015 Page 16 Texas Polka News - April 2015 Fiddlers Are Ready “Wee-Vill” Hope To to Frolic See You at the Cotton Founded in 1971, Fiddlers' Frolics is the Texas State Championship Gin Festival fiddle contest, held every year in It’s springtime and the Hallettsville during the fourth wildflowers should be in full bloom weekend in April. The event starts as you make your way to the 26th Thursday, April 23, with a jam Annual Burton Cotton Gin Festival session. Friday is Cajun Fun Night held in downtown Burton. The with Chris Rybak and Dr. Zog Band festivities kick off at 6 p.m., Friday, entertaining. They promise the Cajun April 17, with a $30 all-you-can-eat food is cooked by real Cajuns! shrimp boil and auction followed by On Saturday and Sunday, the Burleson Country Trio at the contestants of all ages get down to Burton Community Center. some serious fiddling in the junior, Saturday, the 18th, is a day senior and out-of-state divisions. compressed as tight as a bale of Outside the KC Hall in the pavilion cotton made at the vintage 1914 Saturday, is a competition of a cotton gin with a parade, contests different kind - the barbecue cook- and music. The gin is an excellent off. While judging is taking place, educational opportunity for young the Wild River Band will provide and old alike. It has a restored 16- the music for your dancing pleasure. ton 1925 Bessemer engine that is the Saturday is Nashville Night with largest internal combustion engine Scott Taylor and The Washers. of its vintage still operating in On Sunday, guitar accompanists America. Visitors will have a chance compete. there are more fiddling to watch cotton being ginned and awards to be had and the inductees baled at 3 p.m. For more info, see ad, into the Texas Fiddler's Hall of Fame page 18. April 23-26 are announced. KC Hall 25th Annual Czech Czech Springfest Set Hallettsville Kolache for April 19 361-798-5934 fiddlersfrolics.com Celebrate all things Czech at the Klobase 20th Annual Springfest from 11 Thursday, April 23 6 p.m. Jam a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April Festival 19, at SPJST Lodge 88 in Houston. Friday, April 24 Sponsored by the Harris County Cajun Fun Night 6:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday, June 13 Chapter of the Czech Heritage Cajun food cooked by Cajuns + regular country food! (10:30a-8:00p) Society, the day’s activities start with Chris Riverside Hall East Bernard Chris Rybak Band * Dr. Zog Band Rybak a traditional Czech Sunday dinner Admission $8 per person from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kovanda’s Dr. Zog Children 12 & under FREE Saturday, April 25 Czech Band will provide the music Inside air conditioned hall, during dinner. Chris Rybak will 9 a.m.-1 a.m. wood dance floor take the stage from 3-6 p.m. for your BBQ Cookoff - over 100 teams Ennis Czech Boys (10:30-1) 1 p.m. Wild River Band in the pavilion Czech & Then Some (1-2, 5-6) dancing pleasure. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fiddling Contests Dujka Bothers (2-3, 6-7) Guest artist Hana Buchtelová, Youth (15 & under) * Gone to Texas (out of state) from the village of Mala Vrbka Scott Red Ravens (3:30-4:30, 7-8) 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Nashville Night Taylor Flag Tribute & Grand March (3-3:30) in the Czech Republic, will Three Band Concert (4:30-5) demonstrate textile weaving and sell Scott Taylor Band * Washers Band Under water-fan cooled pavilion some of her creations. Sunday, April 26 Al Sulak’s Country Sounds Visit the Country Store to stock (11-12:30, 1-2:30p) up on homemade canned items, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Texas Legacy Czech Band BBQ Cookoff breads, sweets (including kolaches), (2:30-3:30, 4-6) and more! Find more unique items 9 a.m. Guitar Picking Contest Keller Academy Dancers (12:30-1) The at vendor arts and crafts booths and 10:30 a.m. Texas Fiddling Hall of Washers A Time to Dance Dancers (3:30-4) Fame Induction Sausage/BBQ chicken lunch @ 11 a.m. the silent auction. 11:30 a.m. Fiddling Contest Seniors (65+) Drive thru plates/kolaches to go 11-1 New this year is a kolache eating 1 p.m. Scott Taylor Band in the pavilion Sausage Sandwiches/Hamburgers in afternoon contest with adult and kid divisions. Inside: Fiddlers Frolics Play-Off Arts/Crafts * Raffle * Kiddie Games How fast can you eat one? Booth info: 979-531-9747 / [email protected] We have over 160 camper spaces with hook-ups. General info: 979-335-7907 / kkfest.com For more info, see ad, page 6. Texas Polka News - April 2015 Page 17 Brenham Celebrates 125 Years of Maifest Washington County’s Germanic heritage will be celebrated the first weekend in May. Since 1881, Brenham has marked the end of winter with a festival that features a Maipole. In Fireman’s Park, a genuine Maipole that replicates a pole in Bavaria, Germany, that dates back to the year 1762, will be the scene of the traditional Maipole dance kicking off the festival. Friday evening is full of Texas music. The Maifest May 1-3 Parade kicks off Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Brenham. The festival continues in Fireman’s Park Fireman's Park Brenham, Texas featuring a German Village with a children’s area. The music starts at noon and continues until sunset. To Friday, May 1 Saturday, May 2 Sunday, May 3 prepare yourself for another day of fun, Sunday morning German Polka will bring a 5k run from which proceeds go to CASA of Austin English Band Maifest Parade Worship 11 South Central Texas. For those more 6-7:30 (10:30 downtown) Dujka Brothers Rathkamp spiritually inclined, there will be a Rankin Twins 12-2:45 German Folk Dancers German Polka Church Service in 7:45-9 Austin German (after church) the park starting at 10:30 a.m. After Dancers 2:45-3:15 Alpenfest 12-1:45 services, more music. Southern Brothers TubaMeisters 3:15-6 Rathkamp German Festival activities also include w/Adam Hood & Csardas Hungarian Folk Dancers 1:45-2:15 a bean bag toss contest, home brew Jason Eady Dancers 4:30-5 Off the Grid Band contest, craft vendors, a kiddy 9-midnight Abigail Taylor 6-7 2:15-4 carnival, and an ALL YOU CAN Crooks 7:15-8:45 EAT BLUE BELL ICE CREAM booth Deryl Dodd & (with proceeds going to the Texas Homesick Cowboys Lions Club camp). Volksmarch to 9-midnight Brenham May 1-3 for a Wunderbar time. Beer, Wine & Food Booths * Authentic German Cuisine Der Shoppes von Maifest (Arts/Crafts) TPN's very own Gary McKee was part of the royal court in 1962, along with his Schulenburg Das Turnier (Bean Bag Toss Tournament) Sun @ 1p Elementary classmate Candace Clark. Kinder Village (Amusements, Rides, Activities, Fri/Sat/Sun) Saturday, All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream (Sat/Sun)

April 18 maifest.org Lake Jackson, Texas BBQ & Dance Danny Zapletal DANCEHALL invites you to listen every Polka & Variety featuring Saturday 1-3 p.m. Al Sulak & Country Sound SOUNDS Award-Winning DJ Czech Polka 1 p.m. central Dance $8, under 18 free. Dancing 5-9 p.m. BYOB Texas Czech Polka 2 p.m. central Allen Pollard BBQ Plate … $10 Brings you traditional Contact information: BBQ + Dance … $16 recorded country dance Danny Zapletal, 6635 FM 879 music Serving 5-7 p.m. Ennis, TX 75119 Two-step, polka, waltz & [email protected] Fun for the whole family! specialty dances

For more info call St. Mark Lutheran Church Available for your next (979) 297-2667 501 Willow Drive public or private dance party 361-459-4033 www.stmarklj.org Lake Jackson, Texas 77566 [email protected] www.wrjqradio.com

Page 18 Texas Polka News - April 2015

A TASTE OF POLAND auction are also part of the festive Cajun Dance Dance Notes Come for a taste of Poland at the 9th weekend. See ad, page 14. Continued from page 14 CFMA Houston Annual Houston Polish Festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, at PICNIC ON IN HOSTYN 4th Saturday every month COUNTRY TIME IN DACOSTA Our Lady of Czestochowa Church. Holy Rosary Catholic Church in 7:30-11:30, KC #2917 Enjoy the pure country sounds of Lots of Polish food, music, singing, Hostyn will host its annual spring April 25 the Original Bobby Lee Nightrid- dancing and ice cold Tyskie Pol- picnic on Sunday, May 3. Enjoy Joe Semion & Louisiana Cajuns ers on Saturday, May 2, at Hermann ish Beer in the beer garden. Chris free polka music and dancing in Sons Hall from 8 p.m.-midnight. Rybak will perform from 3-5 p.m. the pavilion to Texas Sound Check May 23 They may even throw in a polka or on Sunday. Children’s entertainment and Czechaholics. In keeping with Jason Deleon & Cajun Band two! See ad below. and activities along with a silent tradition, the day will start with the church choral group singing old Wood dance floor, smoke free! Czech hymns at 9:15 a.m. followed 607 E. Whitney Dr. off Airline The Original Bobby Lee Nightriders For info call Helen 281-256-3097 by a Polka Mass at 10 a.m. Feast on http://www.facebook.com/ a barbecue pork and sausage dinner CfmaHoustonHeritageChapter Saturday, May 2 and enjoy all the activities such as 8 p.m.-Midnight l Da Costa Hermann Sons bingo, country store, cake walk and CFMA is the $10/person ages 12 and up Cajun French Music Association special drawings. See ad, page 7. POLKA & COUNTRY HOUSTON IN ELGIN VFW POST The Stardust Ballroom at SPJST 10352 Lodge 18 in Elgin welcomes spring Sunday Afternoon 2-6 p.m. with some great Sunday afternoon Country/Variety Dance $7 adm. dances. Red Ravens will play April 12, Glen Collins and his band from April Da Costa Hermann Sons Hall is 10 miles south of Victoria on Hwy 87. 05 No dance. Happy Easter! Austin will play some “old school” 12 East River country and variety on April 19 and 19 James Garner Band ~ New! ABCATS Travel We Are Country will be in town on 26 Texas Roadrunners Italy, Austria & Germany May 3. All dances are from 3-7 p.m. May May 11-23, 2015 Admission is $8 and kitchen will be 03 Detour Band ~ New! Only a few spaces left, book by Apr 8 Just Added! open. See ad, page 15. 10 East River New Year’s Cruise 16035 Waverly Drive Great Canada Train w/Red Ravens POLKA, COUNTRY & BEATLES Houston, TX 77032 Journey June 8-17, 2015 Beatles? Yeah, yeah, yeah! SPJST Non-Smoking l BYOB Vancouver, Banff, Lake Louise, Montreal Dec 26, 2015 - Jan 2, 2016 Lodge 88 in Houston welcomes the 281-443-2023 New itinerary: Honduras, Belize westerndancinggala.com Fab 5 Beatles Tribute group on Poland, Germany & Czech & Cozumel Friday, May 8. How fun is that? You Republic Aug 11-23, 2015 can also dance to western swing on HOUSTON Berlin, Gdansk, Warsaw, Krakow, Prague/Few spaces left Saturday, April 11, with the River AMERICAN Details: www.abcatstravel.com 361-578-0828 Road Boys, country on Friday, April 17, with Caney Creek Outlaws, LEGION rock/soul with Grateful Geezers on POST 586 Fri-Sat April 17-18 Friday, April 24, and big band on Country/Variety Dance Saturday, May 2, with Moonglow $7 adm. 2-6 p.m. All-you-can-eat shrimp boil Orchestra. All dances are from Sat. April 18 & live auction ($30) 8-11:30 p.m. See ad, page 13. Walter Plant Fri 6-9 p.m.

Sat. May 16 Gates open at 10 a.m. Sat The Alaska Polka Chips Jim Sloan Trio Free Admission Sat. June 20 Present 2 New DVDs James Garner Band Shiner Hobo Band “Live from Minnesota” (noon-2:30 p.m.) 708 E Parker Rd (3-5 p.m.) “Live on Mollie B” Houston, TX 77001 Dujka Brothers Winedale German Singers Non-Smoking l BYOB $20 each or 2 for $35 plus (5:30-6:15 p.m.) 713-691-7741 $5 shipping for 1 or 2 Between I-45 N & Airline Hilltop Wranglers

(near Gallery Furniture exit) Main Street Parade 10 a.m. (6:30-7:15 p.m.) Allison Crowson Send check or money order to: Contests: Bubble Gum Blowing, Pie Eating, The Alaska Polka Chips (7:15-8 p.m.) Cotton Seed Pulling, Tractor Pull PO Box 92294 Polka On! Store Food/Craft Booths l Children's Barnyard 979-289-3378 Anchorage, AK 99509 polkabeat.com Gin Tours noon-3 p.m. [email protected] [email protected] l 907-561-6862 CDs, T-shirts, koozies, towels & more! Watch historic cotton bale ginning at 3 p.m. cottonginmuseum.org Texas Polka News - April 2015 Page 19 TWO NEW BANDS AT HOUSTON VFW GET READY TO LET THE GOODS TIME ROLL! After taking a break for Easter, Sunday dances at VFW Post Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival on Memorial Day The 10352 will resume on April 12 with East River. On the 19th, weekend, May 22-24, will feature Aaron Tippin, Rick welcome a new band to the VFW, James Garner Band. On Trevino, Almost Patsy Cline, Jean-Pierre and the Zydeco Dutchmasters the 26th, Texas Roadrunners will provide the great country Angels, Zydeco Blanco, Bayou Roux and Johnny Dee & the Rocket 88s. Special guests will be the cast from CMT’s hit Music for all occasions music. And check out Detour Band, new to VFW, on May 3. See ad, page 18. TV show “Gator 911.” Your family will also enjoy some great Plus Cajun food and a children’s carnival. The festival is organized by the Fredericksburg Jaycees, DJ music LOUISIANA CAJUN INVASION who since their founding, have grown to promote large Joe Semion & Louisiana Cajuns will rock the KC Hall fundraisers with all of the proceeds being used to help youth A.J. Drabek #2917 in Houston on Saturday, April 25. The Cajun French organizations, charitable groups and those in need within 713-729-6097 Music Association in Houston hosts a monthly Cajun the community. For more information, see ad, page 13. Dance the fourth Saturday of every month, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. See ad, page 18. Accordion Cowboy The Twilights "The New" Texas

FESTIVAL & FUNDRAISERS FOR BOBBY FLORES Chris Rybak Variety Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band will perform at Plainsmen Polkas & Waltzes Dance Music Playing your favorite the Stone Valley Music Festival in Johnson City on April 11. Country & Western polka, waltz & The band travels to Carthage on Thursday, April 16, for a Cajun & Tex-Mex Weddings Anniversaries Club performance at Panola College. Stop by the Texas Country Dances Parties Festivals variety music 270 County Rd. 201 Music Hall of Fame to see the Ray Price items on display. Eugene Janis 713-569-6270 Hallettsville, TX 77964 On Saturday, April 18, the band will play for the Youth Live- [email protected] Don Merta stock Fundraiser in Boerne. See ad, page 12. 361-772-4703 or 512-963-6660 [email protected] “Rusty” Uhyrek CDs 281-460-5273 [email protected] Czech out chrisrybak.com 281-240-4229 Available A MONTH OF COUNTRY SUNDAYS It’s a month of country Sundays at the Sweet Home Com- munity Center. The Neon Cowboys will be on stage April Texas Sound Texas Legacy Incredible 12 and May 3, Charles & the Fabulous 4 on April 19, and Gone Country on April 26. See ad, page X. Check Band Czech Band Music Makers Polka & variety SUPPORT YOUR GOODTIME DANCE CLUB Benny Okruhlik Polkas/waltzes, country & 5314 Tatum Lane in the The Goodtime Polka & Waltz Club will host a special dance Spring, TX 77389 281-353-5892 variety for any occasion on Saturday, April 25, at Eagles Hall. Red Ravens will Texas Tradition provide the music from 7-11 p.m. and you’ll have a chance Ben Orsak New CD & T-shirts 3511 Margaret to shop a great silent auction. The club hosts nine dances available. Needville, TX 77461 Bob Suttie a year on Saturday nights or Sunday afternoons featuring 979-793-7828 832-781-8888 Jason Bartos (361) 865-2167 polkas, waltzes, country and big band music. See ad, page 6. texassoundcheck.com [email protected] [email protected] DANCE ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON American Legion Hall #586 on Parker Road in Houston Kovanda’s Czech Melody Charles & The invites you enjoy the music of Walter Plant on Saturday, April 18, from 2-6 p.m. Born blind, Walter fell in love with Czech Band Masters Fabulous 4 music growing up in the Corpus Christi area and took to Texas Czech, playing piano at age 5. When he was a teen, he formed a Authentic Czech Polka All the classic band to play at VFWs and churches. He now tours as a solo and Waltz Music German & Western Swing country/western & act playing great country and gospel music. The American Bookings polkas/waltzes Kathryn Jolly (713) 728-3750 Thomas Durnin 512-296-1397 Legion hosts dances once a month either on Friday nights [email protected] 2204 Whitestone Dr Charles Marburger or Saturday afternoons. See ad, page 18. Recordings Austin TX 78745 979-249-5285, Steven Kutra (979) 885-7144 979-249-6976 (c) [email protected] [email protected] IT’S A CZECH CELEBRATION IN EAST BERNARD kovandasczechband.org czechpolka.com charlesandthefabulous4.com Mark your calendar for the 25th Annual Czech Kolache Klobase Festival on Saturday, June 13, at Riverside Hall Central Texas Litt’l Fishermen/ in East Bernard. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing Kenny James Bohemian nonstop until 8 p.m., this year’s festival again features a first- Dutchmen rate lineup of bands. A moving flag tribute is scheduled at 3 Sounds p.m. followed by a grand march. A three-band concert will For a Variety Traditional 9 or 6 piece be held at 4:30 p.m. inside the hall. of Music German/Czech polka band A plate lunch featuring sausage, barbecue chicken, Country & Western 281-997-7456 or 10 piece ballroom & variety sauerkraut and other trimmings will be served starting at Polkas & Waltzes Roy G Haag, 1334 Rivercrest 11 a.m. Of course, there will be hundreds of kolaches for Dr, New Braunfels TX sale. For information about game or arts and crafts booths, For band bookings and info call Larry Sodek 979-378-2510 or “Solo accordionist with 78130-3438 call 979-531-9747 or [email protected]. For general 830-625-8262 Joey Krchnak 979-357-2436 the sound of a band.” information, see ad, page 16. [email protected] Page 20 Texas Polka News - April 2015 Polka Smiles - Brought to you by Hruska's

Sealy - Caroline Mazoch says Polka On! at Houston - Valina Polka of Das Ist Lustig Wallis - EJ Bayer shows off cauliflower Corpus Christi - Czech Heritage Society members (L-R) Jeraldine and the TPMM Fundraiser./McKee photo (right) meets Barefoot Becky at Lodge from his garden, one of the auction items Randy Sykora, Tre Morris and Cathy Chaloupka, president, at the 30th 88./Parker photo at PoLK of A fundraiser./Bishop photo Annual Polka Fest./McKee photo

La Grange - Billy Mata and Zach Sealy - TPMM Board Member San Antonio - Willie and Georgie San Antonio - Jane Hosek and Weber at Best Little Cowboy Donnie Howard presents Bernice Rainosek at Bexar County Czech Raymond Skoruppa at Czech Gathering./McKee photo Fazio with a Polka On! door prize. Heritage Society dance. Oh, and Heritage Society dance./McKee Bernice won a year's renewal to her that's Jerry Petter of Ennis Czech Boys photo TPN subscription./McKee photo Corpus Christi - Sisters Katherine and mugging for the shot. /McKee photo Mattie Lebman at Polka Fest. Kather- ine is the Harris County Czech-Slovak See more great photos at polkabeat.com/flickr Queen./McKee photo

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