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 also danced in 384 dance venues
in Texas and 125 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 1800. 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 through 1998. 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: The Jubilee Band, Al Sulak, Fritz Hodde, The Vrazels' Polka Band, Tony Janak, Urban Kneupper, Gil Baca & Baca Bands, Ray Krenek, Central Texas Sounds, A Bus for the Hobos, Leland Miller, 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, and the Bobby Jones Czech Band 20th Anniversary. Earlier articles include Czech Melody Masters, Clarence Baca (Baca Bands), Harry Czarnek, Jimmy Brosch, and the Dujka Brothers.
I write a monthly Texas Dancing column in The Texas Polka News. Now those articles (since 2007) have been provided here for your review.
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 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. See the new article on Cory McCauley & the Evangeline Aces.
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 the Legends of Western Swing event, the River Road Boys, 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, 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: Obamacare - Does It Make Sense?, Can Common Sense Save Our Republic?, Health Care Costs, Obamacare, America, What's a Conservative to Do?; The First 85 Days (of Obama); Keep the Change; In-Debted!; Leftward Ho!, The Economic Crisis II, The First Right (on the Tragedy of Abortion), The Economic Crisis, The Best Choice, Obama-Nation?, Drill Here-Drill Now-Pay Less, Greenwashing America, Gas Pains, 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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TPMM
Has Home in Schulenburg
Big
news, folks! The Texas Polka Music
Museum (TPMM) has obtained building space for their museum!
The
historic building is just across the street from the Schulenburg Chamber of
Commerce. It has about 2700 square
feet of space on the 1st floor, and about the same on the second.
TPMM will take possession on May 1. There
is work to be done, including carpeting and setting up the museum displays.
The Texas Polka Music Museum (TPMM) will
feature exhibits showcasing instruments, pictures, costumes, artifacts and
histories of Texas Polka Bands and Polka DJ’s.
Opening
of the TPMM museum depends upon volunteer labor and finances, but may be about
year end. Volunteers are needed to
help get the museum up and running. TPMM
has been collecting Texas polka band memorabilia, but now that effort continues
in earnest. They are accepting items such as photos of bands with information
about the bands, recorded music, arrangements for the band performances, band
schedules, and more. They also need information about Texas Polka DJ’s and
Texas Polka song
writers. All donated items will be preserved and displayed with donor credits.
TPMM
donations are tax deductible and should be sent to:
Texas Polka Music Museum 7088 Creek Shadows Dr. Bryan, Texas 77808.
If
you would like to participate please contact Herb Schneider (281-807-3244); Glen
Chervenka (979-589-2600); any board member, or e-mail Texaspolkamuseum@aol.com.
See the web site at www.texaspolkamuseum.com.
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Harry Czarnek Remembered
Harry Czarnek, our beloved Texas Polka musician and bandleader, died Tuesday, Sept. 22 from lung cancer. He was 84.
Harry was a great musician and bandleader, a mentor to many musicians, a good husband with wife Betty for 59 years, and a gentleman. He made a major contribution to the preservation and development of polka music in his native Nebraska, and his adopted state of Texas. Harry will be missed.
It all started in Nebraska, where Harry was born of Polish parents in a mostly Czech culture near Loup City, northwest of Grand Island. From about age nine Harry wanted to play the accordion, after growing up listening to Czech polka music on local radio. Things began to come together at age 17 in Omaha, while Harry was staying with friends whose 15-year-old son was a good accordionist. Harry knew nothing about playing the instrument, or about music, except that he wanted to play. The son took Harry to buy a cream-colored Cellini Estrada for $75. Back home, the young mentor drew a picture of the keyboard and the musical staff. Harry began by learning the basic notes of the Julida Polka. He played his first professional job later that year for 75 cents. Harry’s musical career was underway.
Harry formed his first band in 1944 at age 18, practicing in a church basement. But WWII interrupted, with Harry entering the service in early 1945. After the war, his early career was in his native Nebraska, centered on Grand Island. In 1951 Harry traded his Union Pacific railroad watch for a band. With the trade, Harry went from accordion player to band owner. He promptly fired the whole band, rehiring those he wanted on the next day. Things kept getting better for the young musician. In addition to dances and private engagements, the band began performing on KRGI radio (Grand Island) every Sunday, broadcasting live from Riviera Theater (before the matinee movie). A local TV show also came along several years later.
Harry wed wife Betty in 1950 and earned their living by working for the Bureau of Reclamation, a furniture store, and Montgomery Wards, among others. In 1961, the family moved to Texas City to run a furniture store. The stage was set for “The Texas Dutchmen.” Harry Czarnek and Gene Patalik organized the Texas Dutchmen in 1970. Original members were sons Alan & David Czarnek (saxophones and clarinets), Sonny Patalik and Pat Klesel on trumpets, Gene Patalik (drums), Leonard Kasowski (electric base), and of course Harry on the accordion. In addition to various dance hall engagements, the band played weddings, anniversaries, the Praha Picnic, the Ennis Polka Fest, and the KC and SPJST Conventions. The band also appeared on KFRD (Rosenberg) radio shows. Things kept happening and the Texas Dutchmen played special events such as the Omaha Polka Fest (1987 and 88), the Kansas Polkatennial (1990 and 92), the Great Bend Polka Days (1992 and 97), the New Braunfels Wurstfest and the Big Springs Polka Club for many years, the 1996 Plains tour, Westfest, Ennis, numerous Czech fests and more. The band has also appeared at Accordion Kings in both Houston and Winedale. Sure, the Texas Dutchmen have recorded. Four LPs were released in the 1971-78 period. There were also five tapes. Finally, the Texas Dutchmen did five CD releases.
Harry Czarnek was awarded Band Leader of the Year in 1991 by the Texas Polka Music Association (TPMA). Other TPMA Awards include Song Writer of the Year in 1996 (Six Pack Landler) and Album of the Year in 1996 (Songs of the Old Country).
As Harry was developing the Texas Dutchmen sound, he was strongly influenced by a legendary band from Minnesota, the Six Fat Dutchmen. Asked in 2000 to describe his unique sound, Harry hesitated and tried to define it by counting out a rhythm (which defies translation into print). When forced, he characterized his music as Czech, with a little German flavor, sort of like the Six Fat Dutchmen with more zip. However it’s described, the music was produced by one accordion, two trumpets, two clarinet/sax, piano, string base and drums. Fans know it when they hear it!
Asked
in 2000 about the highlight of his musical career, Harry responded, “All the
nice people we have met!” That
answer reveals a lot about Harry. Importantly,
Harry was a mentor to many Texas musicians, and many of them attended his
memorial Mass in Houston Sept. 28. Every
man wants a legacy. Harry’s will
be his family, the Texas Dutchmen music, and the musicians he helped develop.
These will live on.
What’s
ahead for the Texas Dutchmen? Son
David Czarnek assures us that whenever the dancers are ready for more Texas
Dutchmen, they will be ready. In
fact, they’ll be at Elgin Sunday, Nov. 29th!
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The Passion of Vernon Drozd
Perhaps you saw him playing sax or clarinet with the Gil Baca Band during the ‘60’s or ‘70’s. You might recall him leading the most memorable jam sessions at the Texas Polka Music Awards, dominating the stage with his presence and his music. If you’ve been on the polka scene a few years, you might even recall that he played with the legendary Joe Patek Band while still in high school. Whenever or wherever you saw him, you may have sensed the passion within this man. You may have sensed the way he loves his music. You may have come away with the thought that the man, and his music, were something special.
The man is Vernon Drozd, and he is something special in Texas music! In a world where the accordion leads, Vernon established his place with the saxophone and clarinet. Now he is coping with a number of ailments and physical problems, and living in a nursing home in La Grange. We thought you would like to learn more about Vernon.
The music began about 1948 when the ten-year old Vernon and his Mother saw the High School Marching Band while delivering eggs and vegetables in their home town of Schulenburg. “I wish you played an instrument,” was the Mother’s statement. Soon, Vernon’s Father had purchased a new clarinet for $145, and Vernon was taking weekly lessons in the Schulenburg Fire Station from the legendary music instructor Herbert Kloesel. After a year of lessons, Kloesel steered Drozd towards the Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville. During the Junior and Senior years of High School, Vernon studied music three hours a day, graduating in 1956. In high school, he also made the move to professional performing, playing with the Joe Patek Orchestra from nearby Shiner. Music was his love and his life!
But things don’t always work out. When his Father died of cancer, Vernon gave up music to care for his mother (already suffering from arthritis) and the two family farms near Moravia. In 1958, the mother who had wanted her son to play an instrument said, “Son, you love music so much! Go try to make it in the musical world.” And the musical world was calling. Gil Baca asked Vernon to move to Houston and join his band, saying “I need your saxophone.” So it began.
Vernon Drozd played with the Gil Baca Band for 41 years. Along the way he has also played with Ray Krenek, and the San Antonio c/w group Johnny Bush and the Bandeleros. Vernon Drozd became well known in Texas for the quality of his music on the clarinet and sax. He is particularly appreciative of being named “Sideman of the Year” by the 1996 Texas Polka Music Awards for his signature version of “Yakety Sax.”
But the years were not easy. While always looking for the big musical break, Vernon was a beer distributor for 25 years, and raised five children with his first wife, now deceased. Somewhere along the line the arthritis began to appear, perhaps aggravated by the years of handling the heavy beer kegs. The knees began to pain, and then the back. Later he developed diabetes. He has had toes removed, and a hip and knee replacement. And the arthritis pain is real.
But Drozd remains in good spirits, and would enjoy talking to his friends. You can visit Vernon any time in the Monument Hill Nursing Home in LaGrange at 120 State Loop 92, just off Hwy. 77 on Monument Hill south of LaGrange. Or give him a call at 979-968-5521. You’ll experience his passion.
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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…
“Polka Dancing is Aerobics with Beer!”
(updated 10/16/09)
E-mail John &
Marlys Rivard
jlrivard123@sbcglobal.net
Visitors since 1/13/04
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