Give the Gift of Polka History: Jimmy Brosch Remembers Twenty Legendary Texas Czech Polka Bands book makes a perfect Christmas present for the family. “Not just for your mom and dad or grandma and grandpa, but for the kids as well,” says Jimmy Brosch. “They can read about the music that their parents and grandparents grew up with. It can become an heirloom passed on for future generations to enjoy.”
Excerpt from Chapter 2: Jimmy Brosch and His Happy Country Boys
Growing up in Praha: Jimmy would arrive at a dance with 50 cents in his pocket. He paid 25 cents for admission and during intermission he’d treat the young lady he was dancing with to a soda water. “We’d walk across the street to Blahuta’s store. She would have a red soda water and I’d have a root beer—five cents each. Same thing at second intermission. I was lucky she didn’t want something to eat because I wouldn’t have had enough money. After all that, I would still have a nickel left and I would save it for the next dance.”
The book also comes with a companion CD. “While you’re reading a chapter on a band, you can listen to their music,” Jimmy says. The book costs $28. The book and CD make a great gift set and costs $38. To place an order, send a check made out to Jimmy Brosch to 24707 Weld Ct. Katy, TX 77494. If you mention this article, Jimmy will offer free holiday shipping if ordered by December 15. You can also order online at www.20polkabands.com. Enter code LODGE88 for free shipping.
Now, for any of you who know Jimmy, offering FREE shipping is a big deal. Hurry and order before he changes his mind!
New at Wurstfest: Die Bayriche 7 (Your Bavarian 7), an all-girl band from Germany. The group celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The band’s objective is to transfer their skills, their musical diversity, their good mood to the audience and to the famous "spark" überpringen - typical female way. Um, that’s the website English translation. In any language, I think the goal is for their audience to have a good time. Check them out on YouTube. They play each day at Wurstfest except Tuesday, Nov. 6. Check the schedule for times. Frauenpower!
Burton Jams Are Back: Yay! Gene and Allison are back the second Wednesdays of every month in the biergarten of the Pig 'n Whistle. Next jam is Wednesday, November 14. Gene says bring your hammer and join in the fun! MAP
Mikayla Wavra Fund: The October 20 dinner and polka jam in New Ulm were a huge success. Polka musicians provided music benefitting Mikayla Wavra, daughter of polka musician Duane Wavra. Mikayla is still recovering from an accident this summer and the dance, dinner and auction will help pay some of her medical bills. If you weren’t able to attend, but would like to make a donation, send it to: Mikayla Wavra Recovery Fund, Columbus State Bank, P.O. Box 249, Columbus, TX 78934.