The Michigan Beat 11-6-13
- PostEagle
- November 11, 2013
- Uncategorized
- 0 Comments
According to my notes, it looks like there were lots of happenings this month, so I am going to get right to it.
The first full weekend in October was the Pulaski Days celebration in Grand Rapids, MI. There were fourteen halls in total that were open to the public, all with music and Polish food. Saturday morning of this weekend featured a parade on the west side of town. Sacred Heart Academy (the school where I, this writer works) was part of this celebration; having a float in the parade.
Little River Casino in Manistee, MI has Polka Monday every Monday of the year. A week or so ago, there was a bus leaving for this event from Grand Rapids, Michigan (this writer’s city). The chartered bus trip, which had a large group of people on it, was organized by bus driver and polka friend Wayne Lenhart. The music at this event on that day featured Molly B., Ted Lang & Squeeze Box. This band made their tour around Michigan, playing at two other places. This band is going to be having a Christmas show that you will not want to miss! For information on that call (417) 332-2344 or see www.squeezeboxband.com .
Bel-Aire Records also had plenty going on! October 13th there was an Oktober Fest. This took place in Chicago Ridge, Ill. At the beginning of this month (November), there was the Fall Polka Festival in Champion, PA. This event included plenty of fun and nine of the nation’s top polka bands! All of these events and many more were backed by Bel-Aire Records. Be sure to check their website to see what is going on next.
Alex Meixner has also been busy doing shows in FL, GA & TX. The Texas performance was at the Wurst Festival. If you have never seen Alex perform, you need to see it! He is very high energy.
Moving on to the band Dennis Polisky & the Maestro’s Men. They have played lately in CT, RI, & MA. Check their website also at www.maestrosmen.com .
Now finally let’s talk about some things going on in the state of Wisconsin. Starting things off with Steve Meisner. He is on the Hall of Fame Ballot in that state. This is one year after being inducted into the Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame. This was in the lifetime achievement category. This is a top honor in Wisconsin! Mike Schnieder has also been doing a lot of performing in this same state… in libraries, schools and also at Oktober Fests. Mike Schnieder will also be up for the Wisconsin Hall of Fame for a Cultural Heritage Award.
Note…. always remember, if you have anything that you would like me to report on and see in this column, let me know. You can contact me at 258 Thornridge Ct., NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 or by email at rollingreporter@hotmail.com