Stuff Your Stockings with Music!

There’s nothing better than to take down that stocking on Christmas morning to find it filled with chocolate, gift cards, AND MUSIC! Your favorite bands have new recordings just in time for holiday giving.

SqueezeBox by Request
SqueezeBox Band

Mollie B and Ted Lange have recorded a collection of 15 songs most requested by fans at their performances. And it’s a great lineup of music. Mozart’s Polka features accordion and sax and Mollie said it’s an arrangement like no other, done “SqueezeBox style.”

North Shore Polka features Ted on Polish vocals. “When performed live, it gets the crowd going,” Ted said. Rock and Roll Waltz is a classic waltz originally performed by Kay Starr, featuring Mollie's vocal talents on this fan favorite. Schneider Polka is a Six Fat Dutchmen number performed on two trumpets and sax, plus accordion, bass, and drums. A Ja Sam, a Czech song from the old country, is performed the Texas way, including dueling saxes, an accordion solo with a Tejano flair, guitar fills, and “even the ‘whoo, whoo, whoo’ influenced by our Texas friends,” Mollie said.

Crazy, a lighter ballad sung by Mollie with unique accordion and piano work by Ted, is performed in a jazz ballad style. El Rio Drive is a Verne Meisner number with a SqueezeBox twist including "soft-shoe" and Latin sections. Waltz of the Angels, is one of the band's most requested waltzes. My Heart Skips A Beat is a Buck Owens number played with a groovin’ Cajun beat.

Beer Mug Polka is one of the standards SqueezeBox plays to get the crowd going. Edelweiss is a vocal/piano ballad, sung in English and German. You will hear Mollie's classical training in this song. Red Apples Polka is the band’s version of a hoolerie – Dutchmen-style song featuring the clarinet. Polish Boyfriend Polka is one of Mollie's signature songs. The Rose, is a ballad featuring Mollie. Barbara Polka, is a traditional Czech number featuring the button box.

This new CD is the third recording for the band. Freshly Squeezed (2009) contains 20 songs including 14 polkas, 2 waltzes, and 4 fox trots/two-steps with vocals in English, German, Polish, and Czech. Squeeze Me (2007) contains 16 songs including 8 polkas, 2 waltzes, and 6 fox-trots/two-steps/slow songs with vocals in English, German, Polish, and Czech.

Order yours today!

Little Fishermen Orchestra featuring Mollie B

In addition to the By Request CD, Mollie B has released two other CDs - Little Fishermen Orchestra featuring Mollie B has 25 songs performed in Dutchmen and Big Band style, and Mollie B Live with Kenny, Tony, and Dana has 14 songs performed live on the Mollie B Polka Party, taped in Ennis earlier this year.

The Little Fishermen CD tracks: It’s a Small World, Midnight Waltz, Sweet Nearness of You, Elmdale Waltz, Aunt Ella’s Polka, Waltz Medley (Four in the Morning/Tennessee Waltz), Rainbow Valley Polka, Homecoming Waltz, Paper Roses, Matilda Polka, Edelweiss, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Silk Skirt Waltz, Red Raven Polka, Invisible Tears, Fritzie Polka, Snow Waltz, Stranger on the Shore, Ellen Polka, Foundling Waltz, Please Release Me, Innocence Waltz, Yellow Rose of Texas, Little Fishermen’s Waltz, and Sauerkraut Polka.

Order yours today!

Mollie B Live

Mollie B Live features Mollie on vocals, trumpet, sax, and keyboard; Kenny Brandt on sax; Tony Sabo on accordion, midi bass; and Dana Lindblad on drums. Tracks: Beer Barrel Polka, Praha Polka, Tick-Tock Polka, Slap Happy Polka, Pennsylvania Polka, Rock Around the Clock, Mozart's Polka, Save the Last Dance for Me, I Fall to Pieces, Kramer's Polka, Marie Augie's Polka, Memories of Vienna, and Quick Stop Polka. Order yours today!

Mollie is also offering a special discount to Texas Polka News and polkabeat.com fans. on her Christmas Special DVDs/CDs. She has four DVD/CD packs available. When you buy 3 packs TPN/polkabeat fans get a $5 discount; $10 when you buy 4. Shop now and be sure to type in TPN in the PayPal message section. Mollie will send you the discount via PayPal. 

Cajun Baby
Chris Rybak, Hallettsville

This CD has the classics and original tunes to make you feel like you’re at a Cajun polka party. In addition to Cajun standbys like Jole Blon, Jambalaya, and Diggy Liggy Lo, the CD features three original tunes – Cajun Baby’s Cookin’ Tonight, written by Daniel Klapuch (who co-penned Moon Over Moravia), Going to Hallettsville, written by Daniel and Chris, and Love that Chicken From Popeyes, written by Chris. Inspiration came for the latter tune after Chris and his band performed for a party at the Popeyes headquarters in New Orleans. In addition to Chris on accordion, keyboard, and vocals, the CD features Bonnie Riley on fiddle, Jonathan Statsky on rubboard and vocals, Marvin Kremling on maracas and vocals, Ronnie Hermes on guitar and vocals, and Edita Rybak on vocals. Available in the Polka On! Store or send $18 (includes shipping) to Chris Rybak 603 N Texana, Hallettsville, TX 77964.

Polka Time in Texas
The Moravians, Ennis

This CD features six polkas, six waltzes (including a beautiful rendition of Waltz of the Angels), the classic Spanish Eyes, and two country tunes, including Take Me Home Country Roads (John Denver is smiling). The band was started in 2009, and this is the group’s second CD. Current band members consist of seven college students, five being proud Fightin’ Texas Aggies (Whoop!). The band enjoys taking trips to play in new places and looks forward to spreading the joy of polka music for many years to come. Band members: Matthew Matous (accordion, trumpet, sax, vocals), Chris Trojacek (accordion, guitar, trumpet, sax, vocals), Adam Rejcek, drums, vocals, Josh Goodwin, tuba, bass, Zachary Matous (keyboard, bass) Phillip Cryer (sax, guitar, vocals), Tyler Prasifka (trumpet, vocals). The band's first CD, Czech Spirit Will Live On, is also available at the band website and the Polka On! Store. 

Cheers to 10 Years!
Ennis Czech Boys

This CD is pure polka and waltz music, featuring 11 polkas, including Long Road to Praha, Gypsy, Music, Music, and Peanuts, and five waltzes such as the beautiful Dreamland Waltz and Owl Waltz. In the liner notes, ECB says, “It seems like yesterday we went from three guys in a garage to now eight guys having the opportunity to perform at some of the best events for the greatest people you’ll find anywhere.” Band members: Chris Trojacek (vocals, tenor sax, trumpet), Corey Mikula (drums), Frank Vrla III (tenor sax, guitar, trumpet) Jared Prachyl (bass, vocals), Jerry Petter (accordion), Michael Trojacek (alto/tenor sax, vocals), Trey Sylvester (keyboard, vocals), and Zeke Martinez (rhythm guitar). Available in the Polka On! Store or send $18 (includes shipping) to Trey Sylvester 2392 Intrepid Dr., Buda, TX 78610.

Let’s Have a Party! 30th Anniversary
Dujka Brothers

This CD is non-stop polka party fun! John and Mark have selected 20 great tunes to celebrate their 30 years in the polka party business. The CD features 11 polkas, including Church Picnic Polka, written by Donnie Hons, If I Were a Bird, Tick-Tock, Seven Step, and Hey Baby Que Paso, written by Augie Meyers; five waltzes, including the beautiful Katherine’s Waltz, written by Jason Keepers, Westphalia, and a waltz medley with Looking for my Sweetheart and At the Spring; three country tunes – Dark Lighted Barrooms, The Chair, and Make the World Go Away; and the fun Santa Bring Me a Tuba, written by Daniel Klapuch. Available in the Polka On! Store or send $19 (includes shipping) to John Dujka 3384 Success Dr Brenham, TX 77833.

Czech, Please!
Czech Melody Masters, Austin

If you love brass in your polka, then this is the CD for you. The band has always strived to emulate the classic brass band sound of such beloved Texas bands as the Bacova Ceska Kapela, Adolph Pavlas, and the Joe Patek and Lee Roy Matocha Orchestras. The CD features eight polkas, including Prune Dumplings, Wooden Heart, and No Beer Today; and eight waltzes, including My Darling, Rosalinda, and Waiting in the Woods. The Red and White Waltz is the arrangement as originally recorded by Baca's Ceska Kapela from their first recording session in 1929 at Okeh Records in San Antonio. The band is anchored by original members Dennis Svatek (lead trumpet, lead vocals and music arranger), Dave Bedrich (trumpet and vocals) and Thomas Durnin (stand up bass). The sound is rounded out with Frances Barton on accordion, Rob Schmidt on drums, and their newest member, Dennis’ son, Stephen Svatek on baritone and guitar (when he’s not playing with the UT marching band). Czech out the band’s website – czechpolka.com – where you’ll find the world's longest running polka podcast, since 1998!Dennis uploads new shows every two weeks, plus you’ll find 68 archived shows, for over 176 hours of free music! CD available in the Polka On! Store or send $18 (includes shipping) to Dennis Svatek 2100 Mildred Dr. Taylor, TX 76574.

Polka Roots and Scoot the Boots
Off the Grid, Austin

This is the group’s first CD providing a mixture of cover tunes with some originals written by bandleader Joe Klaus. Tunes include Paint It Black (yes, Rolling Stones), which Joe converted to a polka after sitting with a rock band from Austin; Polka Medley, with some of the group’s favorite German and Czech tunes; Cortina, named after Lake Cortina in Northern Italy, which Joe was inspired by the beauty of the lake surrounded by the Italian Alps while on a boat ride; Paula's Cuckoo Waltz, an original tune written for Paula Kager from the Kuckucknest German Store in Fredericksburg; No Beer Today, no explanation needed; Baumerwald, features Joey Schwab on baritone; In Heaven There Is No Beer- sung in English, German, and Spanish, with some Polish la-las thrown in; Ooh La La, an adaptation of a Rocking Sidney Zydeco tune; and Swingtown, a polka version of the Steve Miller rock tune, a OTG favorite and one of their most requested tunes. Available in the Polka On! Store or send $18 (includes shipping) to Mike Campasso 8100 Manassas Dr. Austin, TX 78745.

Your Connection to Great Polka Music

Expand your music search to polkaconnection.com where you’ll find simply the best collection of fine polka music from around the world. Owner and musician Chuck Stastny has been collecting this fine polka music for 25 years, 10 years on the web. His catalog now features 2,500 different CDs and DVDs for sale, and the website has over 34,000 song samples. "We've provided all the best high-quality polka classics, along with the newest artists for your listening pleasure," said Chuck, who has been loving the music since age 0. “Grandpa played the button box and mom played piano accordion.” He invites you to browse the catalog of more than 2,500 titles, listen to samples, and buy online and pay no domestic shipping.

 

 

Weimary Wonderfest Set for Dec. 6

By Theresa Parker

Originally appeared in November 2014 issue of Texas Polka News.

Patrick and Sue Gibson

Patrick and Sue Gibson

The land around Weimar, where I spent many a summer vacation on my grandpa’s farm, has always been known for the three Cs – cotton, corn and cattle. Imagine my surprise when I learned the land is also good for growing grapes. It kind of took Patrick and Sue Gibson by surprise, too.  
         “Sometimes life gives you a direction to follow that is not a part of your plans. When we purchased the land, we certainly did not expect to be establishing a vineyard and tasting room! One thing led to another, ideas were tossed about, and when mixed with a passion for working the land and great wine, this turned into our happy accident.”
          The Gibsons planted vines in 2009, and now have a little over four acres of Blanc du Bois and Lenoir (Black Spanish) - roughly 3,000 vines- and boast 13 labels and counting at The Weimary on Sedan Road!
          Originally from El Paso, Patrick and Sue had lived in Austin for 39 years until he came to live in the farmhouse at the vineyard full time a while back to tend to the farm. They now have a house in Weimar, and while Sue still occasionally commutes to Austin for work, they are loving small town life! 
          You know the wine is going to be good because Patrick tends to the vines and grapes with the lively sounds of polka music floating through the vineyard. “We even play polka during our volunteer harvest to keep it fun. Lindsi (Graham), our Operations Manager, grew up watching polka with her father every Saturday morning, so she gets a kick out of it as well,” Sue said. The Ennis Czech Boys will be providing some live polka music at the Weimary’s Wonderfest on Saturday, Dec. 6.
         The Gibsons found a unique way to tie in family to the labor of love in producing the wines.  All the labels on the wine bottles feature vintage photos of family members or those who have direct ties to the land itself. “Not only are the pictures gorgeous, but they each tell a story and are a great way to keep their legacies alive,” Sue said. “It is such fun to explain the labels during our tastings and see our guests’ faces light up as they share in our stories.”
          So which wines would they recommend for a polka party to go with sausage and sauerkraut? “For a fabulous polka pairing, you can go red or white,” Sue said. “This food combination has beautiful, bold tastes that go well with medium to full-bodied wines with plenty of flavor. “For the whites, our Fred and Frieda, a Blanc du Bois done in a Riesling style, would be lovely with the sauerkraut. Our Silk Stocking, a semi-sweet Blanc du Bois reminiscent of a Pinot Grigio, would pair with the sauerkraut or spicy sausage. “If you are a red fan, our Texas Merlot, The Competition (which is lighter), or Strong Arm Jack (our full-bodied Petite Sirah) would both perfectly accompany a good sausage.” 

silk stocking

 

Polka News: Best of German Fest, CZ Sub, Have a Blue (Room) Christmas, Mollie B in Texas

Best of German Fest: The Tomball German Christmas Market is this weekend Friday-Sunday. Great place to do some unique Christmas shopping, have some German food and beer and of course POLKA! Three stages will feature all kinds of music genres: German and Czech, Cajun, Bluegrass, Country, Christmas just to name a few. Check out the performance schedule. Three contests this year: Best Dressed Christmas Character at 8:30 PM Friday, Chicken Dance Contest at 3:45 PM Saturday and Best Dressed German at 8:15 PM Sunday. CZ Sub: Garrett Neubauer will join the Czechaholics on accordion this Saturday at Lodge 88 subbing for Mark Hermes, who will be performing his other job as manager of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. The Center is having its Christmas Open House during the day and its annual fundraising gala that night honoring the Rudy Kurtz, Frank Kubin and John Rejcek Orchestras. Music by David Slovak, Andy Mikula and Mike Marek.

Have a Blue (Room) Christmas: Have you bought your tickets yet to the Blue Room Party at SPJST Lodge 88 in Houston? It's quite possibly the best deal in town for a holiday celebration. For $25, you get a steak dinner, dance with music by the Ennis Czech Boys AND open bar. Don't let the name fool you. No sadness here! The name comes from when members and their guests could be served liquor in the Blue Room "lounge." And of course the Blue Room is next to the Red Room, which is the dining room. Give the lodge a call at 713-869-5767 to reserve your tickets. Deadline is December 10.

Mollie B in Texas: Yay! The Squeezebox Band will be in Texas in January, which is National Polka Month. Schedule so far is Thursday, January 17 at Riverside Club in Mission and Sunday, January 20 at the SPJST Lodge 88 in Houston. Still working on bookings for Friday and Saturday.

Polka News: New CD; Band Added to Oktoberfest Lineup; New Radio Show & More

Oktoberfest Scoop Ennis Czech Boys are in the lineup in Fredericksburg this weekend. Be among the first to buy their new CD You Have the Right to Polka! You can also order online. It’s an impressive lineup for the 32nd annual fest with 24 bands (at least that’s how many I counted). There’s always room for one more! Thomas Durnin with the Czech Melody Masters band and host/producer of Czech Melody Time on KOOP 91.7FM of the Czech Melody Masters told polkabeat they have been signed on to close out the fest from 4-6 PM on Sunday.

Festival Coordinator Debbie Farquhar says you’ll also want to check out what's new at the fest this year. "One is Strassen Zelt (street tent) located on Adams and will seat over 200 people. Strassen Zelt will have Oktoberfest souvenirs, Paulaner beer, wurst and cheese, a photo booth, German Schuhplattler performances on Saturday and Sunday and our 3rd Annual 42 tournament on Sunday," Debbie says. Prost y'all!

New Texas Czech Polka Show Danny Zapletal now has a Texas Czech Polka Hour to complement his Czech Polka Show broadcast on Saturdays from 1 to 2 PM at WRJQ. The new Texas Czech Polka Hour follows from 2 to 3 PM. It was bound to happen. There is just too much good Texas polka music that deserves its own hour!

Congrats Gold ’N Crisp & the Plumber in the Family Congratulations to Sidney and Emily Cernoch and Phyllis Cernoch Chavarria on the 40th anniversary of the Gold ’N Crisp in La Grange. Uncle Sidney says he remembers their first customer, a young lady on her way to start college at UT. They tried contacting her, but have since lost touch. I’ve always thought it was the best fried chicken in Texas and then lo and behold the Best of Fayette County Awards are announced and GNC is chosen for best hamburger. Wow! Best chicken AND burgers. Also congrats to cousin Daniel, his wife, Rose, and everyone at Cernoch Plumbing, voted Best Plumber in Fayette County.

Great Idea The hardest working man in polka, Alex Meixner, is always thinking. His latest brilliant idea was to record Stand and Sing Ein Prosit, an ep (a short CD with only 6 songs) with proceeds going to the Wurstfest Scholarship Trust. "I feel it’s very important to support the scholarship so more young people will have the opportunity to study and continue the traditions of German culture, music and language here in the U.S. Buy yours today for only $5 and support the promotion of polka and education at the same time!

Speaking of Wursfest It will be here soon. Wurst Director Herb Skoog says the Wurstfest tickets are in the mail. Watch for your chance to win them in the Polkabeat Weekend Lineup newsletter. New this year, Herb says, is an all-girl band from Munich. Das ist wunderbar! Check out the schedule of events.

Just Added Jerry Haisler told polkabeat that he, Alfred Vrazel and their friends will jam on the patio at Ratibor Country Grill in Temple this Saturday, October 6 from 7-10 PM. Polka on!

Nearing a Sellout Vernell Foyt at SPJST Lodge 88 told polkabeat that she has only three tables remaining for the Red Ravens dance on Saturday, October 13. Contact the lodge and make your reservation today!