Polkadate August 2021. I have a shirt that says “What is a day like without music, I wouldn’t know”. This column is just a few stray thoughts rounded up to share with you.
As kids begin returning to school this month, we thought about honoring the great teachers of polka music for this issue.
In the story on Page 8 of the July issue titled "Fritz Hodde, Musical Patriot" had an incorrect byline. That story was actually written by Justin Everett. We apologize for the mistake.
The love of music is indescribable, as witnessed by the plethora of webpages on which resides quotes about the magical effects of music on humans. Those humans that feel the need to generate and share this magic with others are called musicians. Then there is a subset of musicians who feel the need to perpetuate the love by teaching others to play music. Within that subset is another group of musicians, who not only teach but after hours perform on their own or with other musicians to bring the happiness that allows folks to leave their world behind and just be happy for several minutes. It is a noble undertaking on all levels.
Texas FolkLife held its annual Big Squeeze accordion contest on May 8. The contest recognizes young artists who perform in diverse genera of Texas folk music.