August 1, 2010 MAIN MEMORIAL PARK - CLIFTON, NJ
The venue was Main Memorial Park in Clifton, NJ. The Ablemen performed a concert for Polka-Variety Night. This was the band's 16th appearance for the Clifton Department of Recreation. The band thanks Bob Obser, the Music Matador, for his loyalty in bringing the band back for various functions.
November 12, 2006 POLISH COMMUNITY CENTER - YONKERS, NY
The Yonkers Polish Community Center held its annual Board of Directors Dinner-Dance on Sunday, November 12th. The occasion was to recognize the Board of Directors from the Center and to pay tribute to the many contributions of the Center to the Yonkers Polish community. An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the evening’s festivities including a cocktail hour with sumptuous Polish foods, a four-course sit-down dinner, five hour open bar, and dancing to The Ablemen. Many guests commented positively about the wonderful time they had.
November 4, 2006 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - HICKSVILLE, NY
On Saturday night, November 4th, the Hicksville Knights of Columbus held their annual Polish Night. A sold out crowd enjoyed great libations during the four-hour open bar, a tasty buffet dinner, and dancing to Ray Skorka and The Ablemen. For many years, Frank Drasby was the driving force behind the successful party, but this year Frank turned the reins over to his son Jim and to John Telesky. Jim and John did a fantastic job, filling the hall to the capacity of 180 and making certain that there was plenty to eat and drink.
October 7, 2006 MAIN AVENUE OKTOBERFEST - CLIFTON, NJ
Saturday October 7th was a beautiful fall afternoon, and half of The Ablemen (Ray and Joe) entertained at the Main Avenue Business Assoication's Oktoberfest Street Fair. Ray and Joe were contacted, along with Ed Friedlander on drums, to provide traditional German music for the afternoon's festivities. Photos below are compliments of Bob Obser.
August 22, 2006 MUNICIPAL POOL - BAYONNE, NJ
The evening of August 22, 2006 presented a clear, beautiful evening. The band performed a three hour polka concert that night at the Municipal Pool in Bayonne, NJ
August 16, 2006 GAZEBO - DEMAREST, NJ
The Ablemen performed in Demarest, NJ at the Gazebo on Wednesday, August 16, 2006. The band performed a variety of music for the audience.
July 23, 2006 THE ABLEMEN AT KENSICO DAM, VALHALLA, NEW YORK
from The Westchester Journal News, July 24, 2006. Even though the caption under the photo at the end of the article reads "Skora," it is Ray Skorka.
February 26, 2006 THE ABLEMEN IN MASPETH, NEW YORK
from The Post Eagle, March 15, 2006
September 10, 2005 RAY AT CLIFTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
It was a slightly different scenario on Saturday, September 10. Ray took his keyboard and entertained patrons for two hours at the Public Library in Clifton, NJ. The occasion was the library’s sponsorship of a patriotic commemoration of 9/11. Ray filled the two hours with music and history concerning many patriotic American songs.
August 7, 2005 THE ABLEMEN AT MAIN MEMORIAL PARK
The Ablemen made their annual visit to Clifton as part of their summer concert schedule. Below is a photo from one of the local newspapers.
July 24, 2005 THE ABLEMEN AT KENSICO DAM
The Ablemen had the opportunity to perform for the Westchester County Pulaski Association's Annual Polish Heritage Day. The festival is held yearly at Kensico Dam in Valhalla, NY. This was the band's 3rd time entertaining at the festival. Below are some photos of the day.
JOE, BILL, JIM, AND RAY IN FRONT OF THE DAM
ATTENDEES AT 12 O'CLOCK MASS
THE POLONAISE FOLK DANCERS
ENJOYING THE DANCERS
June 5, 2005
PICTURES FROM THE FLORHAM PARK GAZEBO
The band performed a concert at the Florhma Park Gazebo. Below are pictures of the band in action. Photos are courtesey of the Gazebo Committee.
August 28, 2001
BAYONNE POOL PARTY
The band entertained for the 3rd consecutive year for Polish Night sponsored by the Department of Recreation at the Bayonne Municipal Pool. Below are photos of some of the early arrivals anticipating a night of good swimming and great music.
May 19, 2001
Alicza Klapacz, Miss Polonia for the Polish American Club of North Jersey, takes time to pose with the band. Alicza, who is from Wallington, NJ, will represent the Club this October at the Pulaski Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
October 17, 1999
DUMONT CELEBRATION DAY
For the past two Septembers, the Ablemen have entertained for Dumont, New Jersey's Annual "Dumont Celebration Day." The celebration features games and rides for children along with various food vendors for children of all ages. Pictured below are photos of the band in some informal attire at Dumont Celebration Day in 1998 and 1999.
1998
Photo by Joseph Annecchino, Sr.
1999
Photo by Joseph Annecchino, Sr.
From the SUBURBANITE, August 11, 1999:
Caption: The Ablemen play some Polish music for the crowds as part of the Gazebo Concert series in Demarest.
From the Polish American World, July 30, 1999:
Ray Skorka To Lead Ablemen During Pulaski Parade
Ray Skorka and The Ablemn have been booked to play at the reviewing stand of the Pulaski Parade on Sunday, October 3.
The band will make its second appearance at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 41st Street to play for the marchers in the Pulaski Parade.
Ray Skorka, the leader of the goup, will lead the band while nearby MC Bill Shibilski keeps up a running commentary of which group is marching throughout the day. Shibilski also interviews various dignitaries including the Grand Marshal when Ablemen are not playing.
From the POLISH AMERICAN WORLD, July 23, 1999:
Yes, we missed Polish Night at Eisenhower Park which we heard was another great enjoyable evening and excellent performance of entertainment. Also heard that Ray Skorka and his Ablemen orchestra played their hearts out to the thousands attending. Way to go Ray! Not to forget the greatest MC around, Bill Shibilski!
October 1998
Pulaski Parade
The Ablemen with Bill Shibilski and Regina Kujawa at the 1998 Pulaski Parade.
1998
