| |
I guess I had
always dreamed of forming and leading my own polka band!
I would talk about it with Irene, but the timing never
seemed right. We were both involved with different bands
and reluctant to leave fellow musicians
and friends of many years. Early in 1971 after returning
from an engagement, Irene announced that if I was really
serious about forming my own band, that this might be
the time, as the majority of the band she was working
with decided to retire. Since two other girls besides
Irene were
not ready to retire from playing, knowing each other
personally and professionally, would be quite an
advantage. After some thought, further discussion, and
soul searching, I decided to try. I asked the girls to
confirm their intentions, and they agreed. I now had
four out of six. I then asked a fellow musician, who was
not affiliated with any other band at the time, to join,
and he agreed. Based upon a recommendation by him, the
sixth and final musician was hired. I then gave my
notice to the Polkateers with whom I was playing and
while the Polkarettes were fulfilling their final
obligations we began rehearsals. Six months later
The Sound-A-bouts made their first public appearance
September 18, 1971.
Since that first appearance, the band has enjoyed
numerous successes appearing at many major Polka
festivals, numerous Polka weekends and countless club
engagements, weddings and anniversaries throughout New
England, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania
and Florida..
To date 5 albums have been recorded with the last two
re-mastered digitally and available on CD as well as
Cassette.
In the awards category.
United States Polka Association
Female Vocalist Of
The Year (1976)
Irene Jaracz/Co-Leader
Polish & Elks Clubs of Poughkeepsie, NY
Band Of The Year 1982
State of New Hampshire Governors Citations on occasion
of the 20th & 25th consecutive years of performing
Flag of the United States of America flown over the
United States Capitol on September 12th, 1996, presented
by Bob Smith, United States Senator, New Hampshire on
occasion of 25 consecutive years of performance.
Now in our 35th year the band continues to perform
throughout New England and beyond, is still extremely
popular, performing at a wide variety of
Polka dances and functions annually.
|
