One of the premier polka newspapers in the nation, The Texas Polka News is dedicated to the memory of Julius Tupa, founder and Publisher-Editor for 15 years. Published monthly from Houston, Texas by Marie Tupa (pro-bono writer John Rivard), its mission is to help promote and preserve polka music and dance. With a circulation of over 1700, this 16-page publication covers the polka music scene both in Texas and nationwide, with interesting articles, pictures, advertisements and schedules.
Regular features include:
· Texas and U.S. dance calendars
· Ads for
Texas and U.S. dances and festivals
· Articles
on recent and coming dances and festivals
· “Dance Halls of Texas” and “DJ’s of Texas” series
· Human
interest articles
· Interesting
photos of polka people, places and events
Mailed first class, the 16-page Texas Polka News is your monthly guide to polka music and dance in Texas and across the nation.
Contacting
Texas Polka News:
Mail to P.O. Box 800183, Houston, TX 77280.
For faster results, e-mail
John Rivard , or call at 281-480-3965
The subscription rate is only $25 per year (12 issues) for the 16-page monthly paper, mailed first class.
The
advertising rate is $3 per square inch.
Festival
and dance advertisements include complimentary articles and free listing in the
Texas or U.S. Dance Calendar.
It’s
easy! Just mail a check for $25
made out to “The Texas Polka News” to:
The Texas Polka News
P.O. Box 800183
Houston, TX 77280
Be sure to include the name and address of the person who is to receive the subscription.
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A Tribute to Julius Tupa
Julius
Tupa, husband, father, well-known Houston area musician, music promoter and
radio disk jockey, and publisher of The Texas Polka News died October 5, 2002
after a courageous and optimistic fight against esophageal cancer.
He was 71.
Julius
Tupa was born July 22, 1931 to Czech parents in Moravia Texas (Lavaca County),
attending the historic Moravia school and then Schulenburg High School.
He began singing and playing guitar at age 13.
Coming to Houston in 1950, Julius sang at clubs around the city in the
Heights, White Oak Bayou and Shepherd area.
This included singing at the Plantation on South Main with the Dickie
McBride Swing Band and a first recording in 1951 with Bennie Lueders Swing Band.
Julius
married Marie Schultz on Nov. 13, 1954, after proposing to her at Houston’s
historic Bill Mraz Ballroom while on military leave.
The couple raised two daughters, Gayle and Tina, the first being born in
Germany during Julius’ military duty.
Julius then served five years in the Air Force Reserve at Houston’s
Ellington Field while working for Hughes Tool and attending the University of
Houston 1956-61 in Electronic Engineering.
After college he began a career with Daniels Industries.
But
music was Julius’ love.
He formed his first country western band in 1956 and recorded an LP on
the Guide Record Label in the 60’s.
He organized a second country and western swing band in 1973.
His involvement with the Houston music scene then continued as he owned
and operated a recording and video studio.
Julius’
Houston area radio career began in 1984 from Rosenberg’s KFRD with a country
polka radio show.
Increasingly, Julius returned to his Czech roots and the polka music of
his youth. In
1987 he took his radio show to KYND 1520 Cypress (TX), where the two-hour
Saturday morning “Polka Express” program continued through a special program
Oct. 5, dedicated to Julius and to the Texas polka and country music that he
loved. The
program aired just hours after his death.
Ever
the optimistic promoter, Julius’ next venture in 1987 was to establish this
monthly polka newspaper, “The Texas Polka News.”
The Texas Polka News proudly covers the Texas and nationwide polka scene,
with a little country swing and Cajun music coverage thrown in.
In
1992, Julius co-founded the Sound Connection Band, the first Slovenian style
polka band in Texas.
Gary Kunkel continues to lead The Sound Connection, which has two
recordings.
In
keeping with their polka involvement, Julius and wife Marie helped establish the
Texas Chapter of the Polka Lovers Klub of America (Po.L.K. of A.) in 1989 and
were elected first King and Queen of that organization.
Ever
a man of vision, Julius then saw the need to document and recognize the
contributions of Texas musicians who had created and helped preserve the rich
polka music heritage of Texas. In
1991 he organized The Texas Polka Music Association (TPMA) for that purpose.
For eight years Julius was the driving force and promoter of this
multi-day event. Along the way TPMA
helped preserve and promote the rich heritage of this music, while recognizing
over 30 Texas polka pioneers and patriarchs for their lifetime achievements as
well recognizing the best current performers each year.
The
TPMA Music Awards was a big show, done in the usual Julius’ fashion.
Fittingly, the final TPMA Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Julius
in 1998.
Through
all of his other endeavors, Julius remained a foremost promoter of country and
polka music in Texas. He was also
well known around the nation in these circles.
Most of all, Julius Tupa was an optimist who believed that great things could be accomplished and then set out to do them. He always bit off more than any man could handle, and he wasn’t always on time. But he tackled life and it’s problems with optimism, and good cheer, and love for music and his fellow man.
Sweet dreams Julius. We know you won’t miss a beat. But we will miss you.
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The State of Texas has officially recognized the contributions of Texas Polka News founder, Julius Tupa, in House Resolution No. 614 passes unanimously in the House of Representatives on May 3, 2003.
The Resolution, which was the work of State Representative Dwayne Bohac, states in part:
WHEREAS,
The passing of Julius Victor Tupa on October 5,2002, brought great sadness to
the many fans and friends as well as to the family of the Houston legend; and
WHEREAS,
Born July 22, 1931, in Moravia, Mr. Tupa developed his musical talents at an
early age, picking up his first guitar at 13; in 1950, he moved to Houston with
a song in his heart and a determination to share his enthusiasm for music with
the masses; and
WHEREAS,
While studying as an electrical engineering student at the University of
Houston, Mr. Tupa formed a country band, but later discovered that his true
passion was the lively punch of polka; in 1992, he co-founded the Sound
Connection, the first Slovenian-style polka band in the state; and
WHEREAS,
This admired gentleman became a prominent figure in Houston's polka scene,
editing the Texas Polka News, founding and directing the Texas Polka
Music Association, and founding the Texas chapter of the Polka Lovers Klub of
America; he was the animated host of the long-running Saturday morning Polka
Express on KYND-AM, one of the most popular shows on the station; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Tupa shared 48 wonderful years with his wife Marie, and their union was
blessed with two daughters and four grandchildren; and
WHEREAS,
This beloved gentleman was a treasured artist who enlivened and enchanted
audiences with the spirited and effervescent melodies of authentic Czech music
and he will long be remembered as a passionate promoter and preserver of Texas
polka music; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
That the official copy of this resolution be prepared for the members of his
family and that the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so
in the memory of Julius Victor Tupa.
(posted 10/22/03)
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