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Eddie
TBC would like to welcome one
of the greatest reed players in the history of polka music, Mr.
Eddie Siwiec. Eddie brings with him creativity, unquestionable musical
and vocal ability, and years of experience as a musician performing
with the
likes of Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones, The Dynasticks and Prime
Drive and most recently TPM. |
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Key Statistics:
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| Place of birth: |
Dearborn, MI (hometown of Henry
Ford) |
| Lovelife: |
engaged to Polka Shirley |
| Instruments: |
clarinet, sax and trumpet |
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Beyond the Glory:
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| How did you get involved with polkas? |
"As a child, my three sisters and I were members of a Polish
National Alliance folk dance group (Lodge 2525). I was always intrigued
by the band at Polish weddings and after seeing Happy Louie at a
polka picnic I was hooked."
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| When did you start playing an instrument? |
| "In the 4th grade. I wanted to
play trumpet but my mother persuaded me to play clarinet."
She said "You can play your sisters clarinet." My sister
Carol had switched to playing the piano and the accordion. No regrets.
I later taught myself the trumpet after joining the Dynasticks." |
Of the instruments that you play,
which is your favorite?
|
"Hmmmm, clarinet or tenor sax.
It depends on the type of music, the song, the arrangement, and
group I'm working with. I guess I'm most fond of the tenor sax."
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| What bands have you played with? |
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Years
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Band
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| 1968 - 1970 |
The Intervals |
| 1970 - 1972 |
The Sterling |
| 1972 - 1973 |
The PolkaNotes |
| 1973 - 1980 |
The Dynasticks (Dynastics) |
| 1980 - 1987 |
Stas Golonka & the Chicago
Masters |
| 1987 - 1991 |
The Dynasticks (Dynastics) |
| 1991 - 1994 |
Prime Drive |
| 1994 - 1997 |
Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones |
| 1997 - 1998 |
Polka Family and others |
| 1998 - 2004 |
Toledo Polka Motion |
| 2004 - |
The Brass Connection |
| Also performed with Lil' Wally,
Marion Lush, Chicago Push, The Beat, Wanda & Stephanie, Jersey
Polka Richie, Ray Jay & The Carousels, Crusade, Jan Lewan, Power
Supply, DynaDukes, Brass Express, Don Cialkoszewski, Bob Zielinski,
Big Daddy Lackowski and many more. |
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Discography:
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Year
|
Band
|
Recording
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| 1978 |
Dynasticks |
Detroit's Spirit of Polkas |
| 1981? |
Dynasticks |
Take Another Look |
| 1981 |
Dyna Dukes |
Not Your Average Polka Band |
| 1985 |
Stas Golonka |
Hooked on Honkey |
| 1989 |
Dynasticks |
Back On Track |
| 1992? |
Prime Drive |
Overdrive |
| 1994 |
Versatones |
Always, Forever, & A Day |
| 1995 |
Versatones |
Better Than Ever |
| 1996 |
Versatones |
Music Music Music |
| 1998 |
TPM |
No Illusion |
| 2000 |
TPM |
Timeless |
| 2001 |
TPM |
The Beat Goes On |
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additions coming ...
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| What is your favorite recording that you recorded on? |
| "Back On track - The Dynasticks" |
| What are your favorite bands and which ones had the greatest influence
on you? |
| "The Cadillac Sound of Polka Music" THE TONES |
| Who are your favorite instrumentalists? |
| "Lenny Gomulka, Dennis Polisky" |
| Who are your favorite vocalists? |
| "Happy Louie, Eddie Blazonczyk Sr., Stas Golonka,
Marion Lush" |
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