Welcome to the home page of

John & Marlys Rivard

Houston, Texas

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 377 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 for an overview.  A summary of historic Texas Dance Halls is included.  Recommended reading for the Texas polka buff.  For example, see the article on the Czech Folk Dancers of West.  Read about the Praha Pout (or feast) which has become a part of Texas legend and lore.    Other featured articles include On Polka Road, Texas Talent Rising, the Westphalia Waltz, the Moravia Store, and Dance Clubs in Texas.  See also an essay on Polish music in Texas by Brian Marshall, plus his "Polish Perspective" on the origin of polka, and the origin of the Westphalia Waltz.   He makes a credible case that both originated in Poland.  See also the article on "Dance Halls and Last Calls,"  by Texas c/w  musician Geronimo Trevino III.  This book is exciting history for anyone with an interest in Texas dance halls.  If you are an accordion player, check out the article on the Accordion Association.  This page has been updated with an expanded summary of notable Texas Dance Halls. 

 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 about 1800.  It features interesting articles about polka music and dancing, Texas and U.S. dance calendars, polka advertisements, human interest stories, and much more.  Also see this page for a Tribute to Julius Tupa, founder and Publisher of The Texas Polka News, who died in 2002.  

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.  Recent articles are on KTAE (Charlie Taylor) and KRXT (Michael Craig).    This page also has articles featuring Texas Polka DJs.   A listing of Texas polka shows available on the Internet is included.  Click the link above for articles on Ronnie Horcica, Polka Jennifer from KNON, Alfred Vrazel marking 50 years in polka radio, Helen Pavelka, Johnnie Krajca (celebrating 40 years on the air), the late Doug Stolleis;  John Zavadil at KCTI Gonzales; John & Julie Dujka and Saturday Morning Dance Time on KULP El Campo; and more.   

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.

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 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:  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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AOL Radio Streaming Polka - Need CDs - Bandleaders Take Note

    AOL Internet Radio, in partnership with CBS Radio, began streaming polka music in July 2009. Great news for internet polka listeners!  This new dedicated stream is at the request of AOL Music Director, Mary McCann, who runs world music streams.  McCann and the AOL Leadership believe that AOL Radio is in need of polka music.  Polka America Corporation (PAC) is coordinating this effort. AOL Radio is immediately in need of all styles of polka music as this program is starting up from scratch.  CDs sent in now will begin airplay on the largest and most-listened-to Internet Radio group in the world.  Please mail your CDs to Mary McCann, 303 1st Street South, Suite 2, PMB 21, Yelm, WA  98597

Well known polka musician Steve Meisner has this to say about this new program. 

“The Polka community has been outstanding rallying to the support of this new Internet radio stream.  It will be unlike the very fine Internet Polka streams in existence already because it will mix all the styles together all the time.  The up side is if you really want to hear one style of polka it just may turn up next!  You can put any station that is playing on 'pause' plus you can skip songs that come on.  So if you don’t like the song that’s on you don’t have to sit through it.

You do not have to be a subscriber to AOL to listen and there is no charge to you to listen.  Here’s how you tune in from your computer.  Point your Internet browser to: www.aolradio.com and you’ll see a button on the page that says “Listen Now.”  Click that and a player pops up.  There will be a big column on the left hand side that says “Stations By Category.”  Polka will be in the category “World/International” at the bottom of the alphabetical category listing. 

For further information on this program, contact AOL Music Director Mary McCann by email at mary@thebonemama.com or call Polka America Corporation at 715-446-3098.  You can also send questions, comments or suggestions to PAC at info@polkaamericcorporation.org

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Alex Meixner for Polkas United

by Alex Meixner

I just wanted to let you know about a new website that is being developed for all polka fans, musicians, promoters—pretty much anyone interested in polka music. www.polkasunited.com is a forum for people to communicate ideas and learn about what’s going on with polka music. Although the site is just in its infancy, I think it’s designed very well and could become a great place for fans throughout the nation (and world for that matter) to share their views and check out stuff about the music.

Personally, I think this is a great idea and I look forward to taking part in some good discussion about where our music is heading. Additionally- there are areas set up to inquire about lyrics and music for songs- so musicians can help each other to keep the traditions alive.  Check out the site - and join in… I’m really curious to see the interaction of fans from the Chicago Polish scene, Texas Czech land, Cleveland Slovenians and… well, everyone… you might be surprised about what’s out there!

With the recent dissolution of the polka Grammy award, I think it’s time for those of us with a vested interest in the continuation of this music to start communicating in a setting like this… maybe we can make some positive action happen and start working together in our various markets…

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Let's Go To Luchenbach Texas....

“Let’s go to Luckenbach Texas, with Willie and Waylon and the boys…”

Yes folks, the place that Willie Nelson helped make famous with his song really does exist in the beautiful hill country of Texas near Fredericksburg, and they do indeed dance there!  So it’s high time that TPN brings you the story.  Luckenbach is a dance hall, country store, biergarten, and gathering place nestled alongside ranch Road RR1376, and it’s a happening!  The creation of local folklorist Hondo Crouch (who also has a joint in downtown Fredericksburg named Hondo’s), Luckenbach serves as a Mecca of sorts for both tourists and real Texans.  It lives up to its motto:  “Everybody is somebody in Luckenbach!”

The dance hall is quintessential Texas, with wood panel “windows” that prop open for the dances.  Fans help keep the dancers cool, and on this May evening the temperature is quite comfortable.  It has a great wood dance floor, adequately sized for the 10-15 dancing couples on this night.  The tables are sturdy wood.  Cold beer is available in the country store, hamburgers and such in the adjacent kitchen.  Music on this Friday evening is classical country and western swing, by Geronimo Trevino and his band.  Geronimo plays Luckenbach on a regular basis.  It’s great music, and great dancing, with occasional waltzes and polkas supplementing the two-steps. Texas A&M graduate Geronimo is also author of the book, “Dance Halls and Last Call,” documenting 114 old Texas dance halls.  He’s an interesting guy.

The non-dancers (including the bikers) hang out in the outside biergarten area.  People mosey through the country store with its eclectic display of Texas stuff, some of which is exactly what you have always needed.  It’s all part of the atmosphere.  If you haven’t danced at Luckenbach, you might still be a nobody.  But when you do, you’ll be a somebody.  Because everybody is somebody at Luckenbach!  Check out Luckenbach at www.luchenbacktexas.com.    Check out Geronimo Trevino at www.geronimotrevino.com.  Or just Google them both.

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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 07/13/09)

E-mail John & Marlys Rivard
jlrivard123@sbcglobal.net

Visitors since 1/13/04

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This site created by Jerry Flanagan jag3278@gmail.com and maintained by John Rivard