The Polka and Cajun Dance Site for Texas
Hi, and welcome to our site! We like to dance. We dance polka and Cajun, and C/W
swing when polka and Cajun aren’t handy. We dance mostly within a three-hour radius
of Houston, and also go out of state for polka festivals. In 2002 we reached our goal of
dancing in all 50 states. We have danced in 343 dance venues
in Texas and 121 in other states.
This site is intended to help others learn about polka and Cajun dancing in Texas. You might begin by reviewing the History of Polka music and dance.
If history is not your bag, you can go
directly to Polka
in Texas
If you’re looking for a great
polka publication, check out The
Texas
Polka News. This monthly publication is one of the
premier polka newspapers in the nation.
It is the preferred national polka newspaper for the central and western
part of the nation, with a circulation of over 1700. It features interesting articles about
polka music and dancing, Texas and U.S. dance calendars, polka advertisements,
human interest stories, and much more.
We also have a page summarizing the Texas Polka Music Association (TPMA) and the Annual Awards program of TPMA during its eight year life 1991-98. It's a litany of the top Texas polka talent. See TPMA.
A Texas
Polka Radio listing is your guide to polka
radio programming throughout Texas.
If you like Texas Czech music and history, then you need to tune into Czech Melody Time on the web. A labor of love by Dennis Svatek of the Czech Melody Masters band, this web site lets you listen to great Texas Czech music. Check it out by going to the Texas Polka Radio link. Czech Melody Time is also now streaming real time. See the article on the link page above.
Texas has a great number of Czech and German polka bands, and one each of Polish and Slovenian flavor. See Texas Polka Bands for a listing of bands with contact names and numbers. This page includes a separate list of Texas-based "performing" bands that specialize in general entertainment for Oktoberfests and the like. It also has articles on Texas bands or musicians, including: Gordon Zunker Retiring from Cloverleaf, Daniel Cendalski (Daniel & the Country Boys), The Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Doc Darilek, Faustyn Langowski, Henry Tannenberger, the The Knights of Dixie, Joe Patek Orchestra, Leo Majek Orchestra, , Gil Baca & the Baca Bands, Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Ray Krenek, "Oma" Pearly Sowell, Melford Haag and the Hi-Toppers Band from New Braunfels, Lee Roy Matocha, Tony Janak Band on his 40th Anniversary, Rennie Guenther & the Happy Travelers, the Combinations from Bryan (15th Anniversary), the Shiner Hobo Band, Czech & Then Some, the Praha Brothers, Vrazels' Polka Band 50th Anniversary, the Bobby Jones Czech Band 20th Anniversary, and the Red Ravens. Earlier articles include Chris Rybak, Czech Melody Masters, Clarence Baca (Baca Bands), Harry Czarnek, Jimmy Brosch, and the Dujka Brothers.
But polka is not the only fun dancing in Texas! The Sabine River still separates Louisiana from Texas but it never did much to stop Cajun music from migrating into Texas. You won’t want to leave this site without exploring Cajun Music & Dancing in Texas! A new summarizing article was posted 10/18/07. See also the listing of Cajun music radio programs in Texas. Check out the article on Cajun Adventure, a posting on Cajun dancing in Texas, and stories on Les "Pe-Te" Johnson of Houston.
Western swing is not only a Texas tradition, it's almost a religion! Check out the CW Swing page, with an article on the legendary Bob Wills, and articles on Don Walser, Johnny Gimble, Clyde Brewer (River Road Boys), Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa (and Bob Wills), Texas Pioneers Band, the Wild River Band, the Broken Spoke in Austin, the Billy Mata Band, Coupland Dance Hall, Booth Trading Post, the River Road Boys, Asleep At The Wheel at Floore's Country Store, Hot Club of Cowtown, Legends at Shelly Lee Alley, Rockdale Cowboy Christmas, Gruene Hall, Adolph Hofner, Jimmie Rodgers, Pappy Selph and Floyd Tillman.
We have also included some Texas Links that you may find interesting, including Texas bands with web sites, and the Texas Accordion Association. We have added a few out-of-Texas links that may be of general interest (but do not intend to try to link nationwide polka bands; that is already done very well by Nancy Noltkamper at Nancy's Place For Polkas.)
If you are looking for dance information in other states, check out Hotline. Be aware that this list has not been updated in some time.
Looking for polka festivals nationwide? See US Calendar.
And remember, Polka dancing is "aerobics with beer!"
While you're here, we invite you to check out the social issues Commentary page, entitled Enduring Freedom. The articles include: The great Ethanol Scam, The Economy?, Vote Informed, Primary Borders (on the importance of border security in the pending primary elections), A Primary Role (on the pending primary elections), Movies to Make & Miss, Thanks ...for Nothing, Noah 2007, Jihad 101, Secure the Borders, Secure Borders First, Memorial Day, Global Warming? Or Hot Air?, Bush-Whacked at the Border, What is an American?, Stem Cell Issues, America's Enemies - Abortion, America's Enemies - The ACLU; America's Enemies - Hugo Chavez, Decisions 2006, Islamic Fascism, Jihad 101, Order on the Border II, Movies to Make and Miss, Order on the Border I, Husbands - Love Your Wives, Waking Up In America, An Aging Nation, Resolve to be a Better Citizen, The Death of Christmas, Defending Marriage, The Looting of Katrina, A Purpose Driven Life, The New Wars for Independence, Texas Property Taxes, Fixing Social Security, Controlling Our Borders, Bush Leads, I'm Thankful for...Supermarkets, The First Right, The War on Terror, Clear Choices 2004, Why Bush is Best, Rediscovering Reagan, Jihad 101, The Hand That Rocks (Mother's Day Tribute), The Passion of The Christ, Choose or Lose (The Coarsening of America), The Death of Christmas, The First Right, Borderline Insanity, Reflections on Sept. 11, Hope Springs Eternal (Bob Hope), Innocent Lives, Texas Tort Reform, Memorial Day, Support our Troops; A World in Peril; The Death of Christmas; It's About Life; Doing Nothing (the Saddam problem); Political Correctness; The Pledge; Stifling Speech (Campaign Finance Reform); Choking on Clean Air; Courage to Profile; Energy Freedom; Rebirth of Resolve; The Right Man; Assault on Freedom; and An Open Letter to Muslims in America.
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Try
God - the original 24/7/365!
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More Polka on KRXT Rockdale
Polka DJ Michael Craig of KRXT 98.5 in Rockdale reports that polka radio programming has been increased to include a daily one-hour show, 11 a.m. M-F. This supplements the Sunday 2-5 p.m. polka show that Michael has been doing on KRXT since 1998. It’s great to see polka radio expanding in Rockdale from three hours weekly to eight. Request line numbers are 512-446-6985 (toll free at 1-866-446-6985) or you can e-mail Michael at 57mcmms@msn.com. Michael features Texas polka bands from today and yesteryear, with bands from the Midwest to Germany, Czech Republic and the whole world of polka music.
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Brian Marshall Does Westphalia Waltz
Texas Polish-heritage fiddler Brian Marshall recently teamed with renowned California musician Joe Weed for a presentation on the Westphalia Waltz (or “Pytala sie Pani” as it is known in Polish circles) at the Society of American Music Conference in San Antonio. Weed has complied a documentary DVD history of the time-tested classic known to most Texans as the Westphalia Waltz, but whose origins are Polish (see www.joeweed.com). The melody for Westphalia Waltz derives from a Polish song known by several titles, “Pytala sie Pani,” “Wszystkie Rybki,” and later “Dreamy Fish Waltz.” The tune was in circulation in Poland in the 1920s, and in U.S. Polish communities during the 1930s. It was recorded on both Victor (1930) and Columbia (1937) labels, and sung somewhat differently in the Texas Polish community of Panna Maria (near San Antonio). The song moved into mainstream Texas music when recorded in 1946 (on the flip side of Jole Blon) by Cotton Collins (and the Lone Star Playboys), a gifted Texas Fiddler, who had learned it as a nameless melody while serving in WWII Europe. Legend has it that it was first named the Westphalia Waltz while Collins was playing the melody in Westphalia (TX). Fans requesting the song “named that tune.” The Westphalia Waltz was subsequently recorded by Floyd Tillman (1947) and Hank Thompson (1955). And so it is that the old Polish tune has become a classic Texas song, enchanting fiddlers and listeners alike.
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Texas Folklife Big Squeeze
Last year the Texas Folklife people introduced the “Big Squeeze” accordion contest into their program, with the final playoff held in Houston’s Outdoor Miller Theater in conjunction with the annual “Accordion Kings” event. It was a big success, with winner Juan Longoria pocketing the $1000 prize and the prestige.
Well folks, the Big Squeeze is coming back, and now is the time for aspiring young accordion artists to sign up! The competition will be in two age groups (18 & under, and 19-25). Semi-finalists will be selected in a May 11 competition, and the winner will be selected at the June 7 Accordion Kings event in Houston. See www.texasfolklife.org, or call 512-441-9255.
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Big Joe Polka Show Texas Band Schedule
In early 2006, Big Joe came to Texas and taped 40 Texas Bands at the Big Red Barn in Round Top for the Big Joe Polka Show on RFD TV. Those performances began airing on the Big Joe Polka Show in September 2006, and are continuing. Wanting to watch your favorite Texas band? Here’s the upcoming schedule: Apr. 30: Ray Krenek. May 7: Round Top Brass Band. May 14: Lazy Farmers. May 21: Swingin’ Dutchmen. May 28: Czech Harvesters. June 4: Bobby Jones. June 11: Czech & Then Some. June 18: Seven Dutchmen. June 25: Leroy Rybak. The Big Joe Polka Show is seen on RFD-TV (Dish Network channel 231 or Direct TV channel 379, and on select cable and broadcast affiliates). New shows are every Wednesday 6 p.m. Central, repeated Thursday (2 and 10 a.m.), Sat 9 p.m. and Monday 3 a.m.
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Houston KC 2917 for Cajun & Western Swing Dancing
Yes folks, the KC 2917 Hall is now the home for both Cajun and western swing dancing in Houston! Cajun dances sponsored by the Houston Heritage Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) are held month on the 4th Saturday night, 7:30 p.m. start. Featuring authentic Cajun bands from Louisiana, the Cajun fun includes cakewalks, door prizes, split the pot, and of course the authentic Cajun food prepared by the members of the CFMA.
But wait, there’s more! Now the great western swing music of the River Road Boys has been added to KC 2917 dance calendar. Displaced when the Hermann Sons closed their doors in January, Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys have found a new home at the KC Hall. Their dance dates are on the 2nd and 3rd Saturday nights, as follows. May 10, June 14, July 19, Aug 16, and Sept 13. The dances are in the “Old Hall” with its great wood dance floor. The KC 2917 Hall is easy to find at 607 East Whitney Drive. Take the Airline exit south from I-45, turn west on East Whitney Drive, and the hall is about a half-mile on the right.
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Pe-Te Celebrates 25 Years of Cajun Bandstand
Houston area Cajun icon Les “Pe-Te” Johnson recently celebrated 25 years of broadcasting Cajun music every Saturday morning from KPFT 90.1 FM. The show, which airs 6-9 a.m., is a mix of authentic Cajun music and humor, with a large and loyal audience. Give him a listen, and pass a good time. Pe-Te and Miss Jenny operated the Cajun BBQ House for many years in Houston.
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We hope you enjoy this site and would like to hear from you. Send us an e-mail with your question, comment or suggestion.
Thanks for stopping by, and
remember…
“Go dancing, because you’re only young twice!”
(updated 04/19/08)
E-mail John &
Marlys Rivard
jlrivard123@sbcglobal.net
Visitors since 1/13/04
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