By Mike Pasierb
Last fall, you read in this column that the long-time leader of the Dynabrass from Detroit, Michigan, Jeff Mleczko, suffered a stroke last October. Luckily, about two weeks later, he awoke and has been in rehabilitation mode which is great news for the polka world, and most importantly, Jeff and his family.
Since the fall, Joe Zalewski, who was playing bass with the band, organized the members of the band while Jeff was starting his road to recovery. Even though the band didnt have their leader in the recording studio, the band was inspired to embark on another CD. The Dynabrass, a USPA-award winning band, performing for more than two decades, has produced another amazing CD. Their 6th recording.
This new CD, And The Road Begins is a collection of 14 songs, a dozen polkas and two beautiful waltzes, the majority of which have been in the Dynabrass playbooks for several years. Many of the songs on this recording were arranged and previously performed by Jeff Mleczko so you can hear his musical influence.
The title song And The Road Begins has a catchy melody with an uplifting and motivating message and was inspired by Jeffs health situation. It was co-written by Joe Zalewski and Kevin Adams. Rockin Polkas Radio shows has received positive response to its initial airings.
Other songs that will grab your attention include accordionist Chris Hedrichs rendition of the pop band Air Supply hit, Lonely is the Night. A Farron Young classic, Wine Me Up features guest vocalist, Bobby Earl of Toledo, and a Dynabrass version of the Kris Kristofferson tune, Id Rather Be Sorry, performed as a waltz. You can order the CD at their website, www.dynabrass.com, or for further questions, e-mail interim band leader, Joe Zalewski, at [email protected].
As if this great Dynabrass news isnt enough, you can come out and see The Dynabrass live on stage this Saturday at Potts Banquet Hall, in the Clinton/Rossler Plaza in Cheektowaga. This award-winning band from Michigan will alternate on stage with Buffalos New Direction band.
The music begins at 7 p.m. and goes through midnight and admission is just $15. There are still some tables remaining for reservation so bring the whole gang out, reserve your table by calling Danny Potts at (716) 826-6575 or call Ron Urbanczyk at (716) 675-6588.
Though I wouldnt expect Jeff to make the long trip from Michigan, I know and trust the WNY Polka World will come out to enjoy some great music from these talented musicians, and also show our support for Jeff as we hope and pray he can be on stage in the future. Be there at Potts Banquet Hall Saturday night.
Rockin Polkas special radio broadcast time this Saturday
This Saturday will be a special broadcast time for Rockin Polkas Radio Show hosted by yours truly and my Dad on WXRL 1300 AM. Rockin Polkas will broadcast from 3 – 4:30 p.m. Tune in to 1300 AM Radio in WNY at 2 p.m. to enjoy the Schrivers annual live broadcast of the Holland Tulip Festival parade, direct from Holland, NY. Then its Rockin Polkas from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Buffalo Touch River Grill Series has begun
This past Tuesday, Polkas on the River restarted as The Buffalo Touch performed for their first appearance 2016 live band schedule at the River Grill, 70 Aqua Lane, at the foot of Sheridan Drive on the Niagara River in Tonawanda, NY. They have a variety of great menu items for dinner at The River Grill and, of course, The Buffalo Touch, always serves up a polka smorgasbord beginning at 6:30 p.m. and there is no cover charge.
Mark your calendar for these dates to enjoy the polkas, waltzes, obereks, country, great food and view at The River Grill: Tuesdays: June 14, July 12, August 9 and September 13. The River Grills website is rivergrilltonawanda.com
Polka Beat Calendar
May
Sat., May 14: Special Radio Broadcast Time for Rockin Polkas 3 to 4:30 p.m. on WXRL 1300 AM Radio.
Sat., May 14: May Polka Dance featuring the Dynabrass from Detroit, MI and the New Direction Band, Potts Banquet Hall, 41 S. Rossler Ave., Cheektowaga, NY. Music goes from 7 p.m. – midnight. Admission $15 at the door. For table reservations, call Ron at 716.675.6588 or Dan at 716.826.6575
Sun., May 15: Phocus at Captain Smiths Anchor Inn, 2437 William St., Cheektowaga, 5 – 9 p.m.
Thurs., May 19: POLKA BUZZ taping with New Direction at Potts Banquet Hall, 41 S. Rossler Ave., Cheektowaga. Admission is free, doors open at 6 p.m. Taping starts at 7 p.m.
Sat., May 21: The Buffalo Touch at VFW Post #5798 – 8989 Erie Rd., Angola, 8 p.m. (716) 549-5798
Tue. May 24: New Direction at Buffalo Polka Boosters meeting at Polish Falcons of Depew. 771-1076.
Wed. May 25: Concertina All Stars at Polka Variety Social Club meeting at VFW Leonard Post, Cheektowaga. 681-2797.
June
Sun., June 5: Special Delivery at Clinton Bar & Grill, 2460 Clinton St. (near Harlem), West Seneca. 4:30 – 7:30
Sun., June 5: New Direction at Club Lorelei, 5895 Southwestern Blvd, Hamburg, NY . Call Jerry Klink at (716) 648-1283 for reservations. Music from 3 – 7 p.m.
(all events subject to change)
Tune your radio for Rockin Polkas Radio Shows on Saturdays from 2 – 3 p.m. and Sundays from 7 – 8 p.m. on 1300 AM Radio.
