The Michigan Beat (December column)
- PostEagle
- December 3, 2014
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Well, I can’t believe it’s that time once again. Time to say, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and that everyone has a nice Christmas. The next time that you hear from me, it will be a new year. I have enjoyed another year of writing for the Post Eagle.
This month’s column is starting off with a bit of sad news. We, in Grand Rapids, MI, have suddenly lost a longtime polka supporter, Tom Uzarski. Besides being involved in many polka activities in Grand Rapids, MI, he also owned a printing company – Tempo Printing. Tom Uzarski was also known in other areas; going to many polka festivals out of state including the Summer Music Festival in Frankenmuth, MI. He will be missed.
Now for some happier news in Grand Rapids, MI. . . I’m sure many of you readers know the name Debra (Watkoski) Bizon. She is the person that recorded the polka “Never Ending Love” with Jimmy Webber & The Sounds. Well now Debra Bizon’s daughter, Emily Bizon, has recorded & recently released her very own recording with the help of polka performer Molly B. The new recording is entitled “Polkas On My Mind”. The Michigan Beat has heard some songs from this CD on the Polka Show “The Polka Pops”. The show can be heard live at www.polkapop.com on Saturdays & Sundays from 12 Noon till 3:00 PM E.S.T. More information on how to get your copy of this new CD will be in my next column.
Speaking of Molly B., her Christmas Show was held recently in Branson, MO. There were people from this writer’s hometown of Grand Rapids, MI in that show including Emily Bizon. This show can be seen on RFDTV.
Now over to Wisconsin & news from Steve Meisner. The song “EL Rio Drive” made popular by the late Vern Meisner in 1977 has been announced as one of the all time greatest hits in polka by the Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame. This announcement was made public on November 29, 2014. The song has also been recorded by many other bands since its release by the late Vern Meisner. Steve Meisner also has two new shows now on the Molly B. Polka Party on RFDTV.
Alex Meixner played the Thanksgiving Day Polka Bash in Ohio this year. This was held November 27 – 29th. On December 3rd, 4th & 5th Alex played in Lake Wood, Ohio and also Hofbrauhaus, Ohio. See www.Alexmeixner.com for more details.
Traveling a little east of Ohio to Bloomfield, New Jersey, Jimmy Sturr played the Thank You Ball on November 23, 2014 at Essex Manor. I understand there was a great crowd. For more on United Artists Polka & Jimmy Sturr, please call 1-800-724-0727.
Remember if you would like any information in my column, please email it to me today at rollingreporter@Hotmail.com or mail it to me at 258 Thornridge Ct, NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504.