2011 Entertainment

Here is a look at our past entertainment for 2011

Grazyna Auguscik – Progressive Jazz Vocals

Singer, composer, arranger, and producer Grazyna Auguscik has won the praise and admiration of music critics, jazz enthusiasts and even non-jazz audiences with a singular voice that speaks a universal language. She is one of the most intriguing contemporary vocalists on today’s World jazz scene. Her elusive style challenges traditional definitions of jazz and show vocalist and musician without boundaries. Her unorthodox approach to rewriting classic works is at once a tribute to its authors as well as an adventure into uncharted territory. Her originals give a fresh taste of uncanny flavor. website

Polka Family Band

The polka family now in it’s 32nd year began in California back in June of 1979. Hank Guzevich who has kept the band at the top of it’s game garnishing it’s 4th Grammy nomination in 2008 with its recording “Hungry For More”, it also took home the song of the year from the USPA with hit “Graj Chlopcze Graj” which means play boys play. The band currently features Hank Guzevich on trumpet, Dave Pietrzak on clarinet and sax, Nick Disebastiano on accordion, Joshua Szymczak on the bass and fiddle, and Ryan Lucotch on drums. website

Megitza Quartet

With their high energy stage presence, original compositions, and arrangements, the Megitza Quartet offers it’s audiences an insurmountable dose of adventure where even without knowing the language anyone can be captivated by their songs , that give a pinch of inspiration, joy, and excitement! website

Tatra Folkloric Dance Ensemble

For centuries, the Tatra Mountains have been the spine of folk cultures in Central Europe. The hardiness of life in the Tatra Mountains is wonderfully conveyed by a performance of the “Tatry” Folkloric Ensemble. Lively and energetic couples dance, in traditional hand created costumes, and twirl to the hard driving rhythms of the fiddle folk band. High voiced alpine singing interplays with breaks in the dancing to relate to viewers the aspects of living in high mountain ranges. The performance is capped by a presentation of the Zbojnicki suite, which is the infamous “Brigands dance”. The memories of mountain men who robbed from the rich to give to the poor in response to the oppressive serfdom of the local lords is brought to life by the male dancers. Using deft mountain axes, the clash of steel accents the warlike march of the men who present a virile display of manhood celebrating a successful raiding party brimming with booty.

Dolina Polish Folk Dancers

For 60 years, the Dolina Polish Folk Dancers have been entertaining audiences around the United States and Poland. It is with great pride and determination that Dolina has survived and grown to promote Polish culture through its rich history of song and dance. website

Mosaica Folk Ensemble Twin Cities

Mosaica is a local group of Minnesota musicians and singers, performing Polish songs from the past. Each song and melody elicits memories from the past by bringing together colorful pictures and decorative designs of the old country. The lyrics tell of the trials and tribulations of everyday life, as well as deep feelings of love and longing, and life before and after the war. Come enjoy the Polish songs you and your parents and grandparents used to sing around the Polish table at parties growing up. Join in with Mosaica singers performing familiar songs such as “Szla Dzieweczka” and “Mury”. The waltzes, polkas, and love songs you will enjoy will have you dancing in the aisles.

Twin Cities Soundz

Originated in the fall of 1999, The Twin Cities Soundz are a Polish style polka band. They play a variety of material ranging from polkas, waltzes, obereks, variety, and polka masses.

Doctor Kielbasa

Doctor Kielbasa long to establish a reputation for performing good, fun polka music and dances. Now that the group has 14 years under their belts and a solid track record, it’s fair to say they have made their mark on polka music in Minnesota and the upper Midwest region. website

Craig Ebel & DyVersaCo

Craig Ebel plays concertina with DyVersaCo and is the band’s leader. Craig is also the host of “It’s Polka Time!” a syndicated radio show heard across the United States and over the Internet. His knowledge of the music makes him the perfect person to front the band. The musicians who make up DyVersaCo have quite the experience of performing in not only different types of music, but also in different styles of polka music. Polka music is just that – polka music!! Whether you listen to it on the radio or regularly go polka dancing, promote the music proudly and encourage others to do the same. website

Jolly Zuks Polka Band

The Jolly Zuks have been entertaining people for the last 30 yrs. A fun energetic band that brings life to any party. Not just your average polka band, They play a variety of styles of music, from a Little bit of Country, Fifties, Jitter bugs, Two steps and more. website