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| TEXAS POLKA BANDS |
Displayed here are some
photos of early Texas
Polka Bands.
If you have photos of
Texas Polka Bands,
please send them to us so
that we can add them to
our photo archive. If
possible, identify the
musicians in the photo.
If you are aware of a
Texas Polka Band that
we have not listed here,
please provide us the
name, a short history of
the band, approximate
years they performed,
names of musicians, and
the town or city in
Texas where they were
based. Also provide us
your name and phone
number or the name of
a person who can
provide us additional
information.
Photos (jpg format) and
data should be emailed
to: tpolka@yahoo.com
photos of early Texas
Polka Bands.
If you have photos of
Texas Polka Bands,
please send them to us so
that we can add them to
our photo archive. If
possible, identify the
musicians in the photo.
If you are aware of a
Texas Polka Band that
we have not listed here,
please provide us the
name, a short history of
the band, approximate
years they performed,
names of musicians, and
the town or city in
Texas where they were
based. Also provide us
your name and phone
number or the name of
a person who can
provide us additional
information.
Photos (jpg format) and
data should be emailed
to: tpolka@yahoo.com
Texas
Polka
Bands
- are they
- going to play
- or on their way
home?
| Copyright 2020 Texas Polka Music Museum. All rights reserved. |
| 712 Lyons Ave * Schulenburg, TX 78956 * Ph: 979-743-4752 |
Displayed here are some photos of early Texas Polka Bands. If you have photos
of Texas Polka Bands, please send them to us so that we can add them to our
photo archive. If possible, identify the musicians in the photo. If you are aware
of a Texas Polka Band that we have not listed here, please provide us the name,
a short history of the band, approximate years they performed, names of
musicians, and the town or city in Texas where they were based. Also provide us
your name and phone number or the name of a person who can provide us
additional information. Photos (jpg format) and data should be emailed to:
tpolka@yahoo.com
of Texas Polka Bands, please send them to us so that we can add them to our
photo archive. If possible, identify the musicians in the photo. If you are aware
of a Texas Polka Band that we have not listed here, please provide us the name,
a short history of the band, approximate years they performed, names of
musicians, and the town or city in Texas where they were based. Also provide us
your name and phone number or the name of a person who can provide us
additional information. Photos (jpg format) and data should be emailed to:
tpolka@yahoo.com
| Baca Band - 1800's |
| Guenther / Sattler Community Band - 1896 |
| Wilhelm Specht's Spring Branch Band - 1880 |
| Louie and His Old-Time Band - 1947 |
Jodie Mikula Orchestra
- The Jodie Mikula Orchestra, organized in 1967, is one of the
few family bands now performing in Texas. The band is of
Czech descent and plays mainly polkas and waltzes. Since
most of the band members are multi-instrumental, the Jodie
Mikula Orchestra performs a wide range of music, from country
and western, to rock and roll and big band music. On
December 19, 1989, Jodie Mikula passed away. The greatest
tribute Jodie’s family could offer to their beloved was to
continue his love of music, so they vowed to continue the band.
- Over the years several changes have occurred in band
members. The present band members are: Ken Mikula - lead
cornet, tenor sax, baritone horn, trombone, vocals and Band
percussion and Band Manager; Mike Marek - electric bass, bass horn, accordion; Charlie Patak, accordion, cornet,
tenor sax, trombone and rhythm guitar; and, Pat Zapletal - piano.
Chris Rybak
One of the most popular accordion entertainers in Texas - can be
found performing all across the state throughout the year.
Combining his love of music, strong Czech Heritage, and arousing
charisma, this accordion cowboy has what it takes to entertain
audiences through his showmanship and fresh enthusiastic
musical style. Chris's show utilizes his talents on the accordion,
along with keyboards, a trumpet and vocals. He plays a variety of
music from Czech/German polkas and waltzes, country, and gospel,
to his style of toe-tapping Cajun and Tex-Mex music.
Through his energetic accordion playing, Rybak hopes to bring the
accordion back as a mainstream instrument and keep the polka
tradition of the Germans and Czechs alive.
One of the most popular accordion entertainers in Texas - can be
found performing all across the state throughout the year.
Combining his love of music, strong Czech Heritage, and arousing
charisma, this accordion cowboy has what it takes to entertain
audiences through his showmanship and fresh enthusiastic
musical style. Chris's show utilizes his talents on the accordion,
along with keyboards, a trumpet and vocals. He plays a variety of
music from Czech/German polkas and waltzes, country, and gospel,
to his style of toe-tapping Cajun and Tex-Mex music.
Through his energetic accordion playing, Rybak hopes to bring the
accordion back as a mainstream instrument and keep the polka
tradition of the Germans and Czechs alive.
| Website Updated by Brian Svetlik: bjsvetlik@hotmail.com |
When you're looking for a Czech Polka band in the South Central Texas area, one name stands out above the rest. “The Czechaholics”!!!! Their reputation for excellence, professionalism and pure entertainment make them the number one choice in bands. The Czechaholics have entertained hundreds of thousands of people in the state of Texas, since their debut. "The Czechaholics" was formed in November of 2002. They began with five musicians, minimal equipment and small crowds. As of today, The Czechaholics still have five highly talented musicians, and are now one of the top drawing Czech Polka bands in all venues they play. Today, The Czechaholics include, Mark Hermes – Piano & Button Accordion, Vocals, Brian Svetlik – Drums, Lead & Harmony Vocals, James Marek – Bass Guitar, Button Accordion, Lead & Harmony Vocals, Brian Klekar – Tenor, Alto & Soprano Saxophones, Button Accordion, Keyboards, Lead & Harmony Vocals, Mayo Walker – Keyboard, Rhythm/Lead Guitar, Tenor Sax & Fiddle. Having been influenced by other leading Czech polka bands, such as The Red Ravens, The Dujka Brothers, LeeRoy Matocha Orch. and The Vrazels' Polka Band. The Czechaholics have formed their own unique, more contemporary, style of music to spark interest in the imaginative youth as well as to gratify the traditional soundfor the elder generations. So, if you’re planning a Church Picnic, a Polka Festival, Wedding, Family Reunion, or just a dance on a Saturday night…… The Czechaholics are the band that will gladly entertain you for many years to come. Visit: www.czechaholics.com |
The Czechaholics
Would you like
your band's info on
our page?
Submit info here...
your band's info on
our page?
Submit info here...
Since 2007, Das Ist Lustig has become one of the most requested
traditional German folk bands in the southern part of the USA.
Das Ist Lustig means "That's Fun", and this band delivers. With
performances in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri,
Oklahoma, Tennessee and all over Texas, they share their energetic
style with restaurant clientele, festival patrons, and party guests. They
play in Europe as well. Their music has been described as "Spitze"
(which means "tops") by locals in Oberammergau. The Telgte, Germany
newspaper describes accordionist Ross as a master player. The duo
plays music for their tour guests and the locals while in Europe.
The locals often ask where the band is from, what part of Germany, and
do not believe it when they reply "Texas"! Ross and Valina each play
multiple folk instruments. Ross carries all melody and bass with his
Accordion, live on the spot, without back tracks. He also plays the Alp
Horn, Steirische Harmonica, and a Singing Saw. Valina plays an
Autoharp, Bavarian Xylophone, Tuned Cowbells, and hand percussion.
Both sing and yodel. Additional performers can be added; a drummer,
a fiddle / guitar player, and folk dancers. Das Ist Lustig's show is full of
energy, beer garden variety music and surprises. It's the only Texas
based Heimat Abend (authentic German / Austrian folk show) that can
be completely interactive with the audience. Ross and Valina love and
respect the folk music they play for audiences, and their enthusiasm
shows in their performance. The shows are carefully crafted while
reading audience's response. Guests are invited to play bells, try their
hand at the Teufelsgeige (drum-set on a stick), or play various other hand held instruments. The musicians often go
in to the audience to lead them in the fun. Simple folk dances and at your table dances (like their original audience
participation creation: the Bench Dance ) suitable for all ages are led on the spot. If you're ready for some
Gemtlichkeit, contact Das Ist Lustig! They're ready to help you celebrate in true German and Austrian style.
Prost, Y'all!
Visit www.prostyall.com
traditional German folk bands in the southern part of the USA.
Das Ist Lustig means "That's Fun", and this band delivers. With
performances in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri,
Oklahoma, Tennessee and all over Texas, they share their energetic
style with restaurant clientele, festival patrons, and party guests. They
play in Europe as well. Their music has been described as "Spitze"
(which means "tops") by locals in Oberammergau. The Telgte, Germany
newspaper describes accordionist Ross as a master player. The duo
plays music for their tour guests and the locals while in Europe.
The locals often ask where the band is from, what part of Germany, and
do not believe it when they reply "Texas"! Ross and Valina each play
multiple folk instruments. Ross carries all melody and bass with his
Accordion, live on the spot, without back tracks. He also plays the Alp
Horn, Steirische Harmonica, and a Singing Saw. Valina plays an
Autoharp, Bavarian Xylophone, Tuned Cowbells, and hand percussion.
Both sing and yodel. Additional performers can be added; a drummer,
a fiddle / guitar player, and folk dancers. Das Ist Lustig's show is full of
energy, beer garden variety music and surprises. It's the only Texas
based Heimat Abend (authentic German / Austrian folk show) that can
be completely interactive with the audience. Ross and Valina love and
respect the folk music they play for audiences, and their enthusiasm
shows in their performance. The shows are carefully crafted while
reading audience's response. Guests are invited to play bells, try their
hand at the Teufelsgeige (drum-set on a stick), or play various other hand held instruments. The musicians often go
in to the audience to lead them in the fun. Simple folk dances and at your table dances (like their original audience
participation creation: the Bench Dance ) suitable for all ages are led on the spot. If you're ready for some
Gemtlichkeit, contact Das Ist Lustig! They're ready to help you celebrate in true German and Austrian style.
Prost, Y'all!
Visit www.prostyall.com
Das Ist Lustig
