Brave Combo

Grammy Award-Winning Band from Denton, Texas

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You are here: BCInfo / Polkas For a Gloomy World

Polkas For a Gloomy World

1995
Rounder CD 9045; P-Vine PCD-3614 Japan
Nominated for a Grammy Award in 1996
 

Certainly, these are hard times, but positive feelings are allowed as well. And that’s where the power of polka comes in. With its relentless tension and release, polka has fun with life. On Polkas For A Gloomy World Brave Combo roars through a variety of polka styles and challenges you to cheer up for a while.

1. Hosa Dyna (Piwowarczyk)
This is a traditional Polish love song (boy can’t get girl). The title roughly translates to “Darn it.” The arrangement is by The Jumping Jacks, a popular polka band from the past.

2. Flying Saucer (Finch/No Class Music)
Another polka-pop song about looking for something to believe in.

3. Eloina’s Marbles (public domain, arr. by Finch, No Class Music, BMI)
Norteรฑo-style medley of two songs we first heard by Los4 Tejanos de Monterrey.

4. The Faithful Hussar (Frantzen/Gustav Gerdes)
Well-known German song about a devoted guardsman who gives up everything to be with his dying lover.

5. Near The Karpat Mountain (public domain)
We learned this odd little waltz from an album recorded in Poland called All The Best Polkas. None of the artists’ names were listed. That’s all we know.

6. Quiero Que Sepas (Guillermo Mejia/Mexican Music, BMI)
The title means, “I want you to know.” A standard recorded by various Texas and Norteรฑo conjuntos, we play it here in the currently popular Tejano style.

7. Mystery Spot Polka (Jeffrey Barnes/Wise Monkey Music, BMI)
It seems there is a measure of 9 beats and a measure of 7 beats and somewhere in those two measures lurks the mystery spot. This is the song you hear when you visit one of those crazy houses with the slanted floor.

8. Potato Chips Polka (Blazonczyk-Gomulka-Darlak/Sajewski Music, SESAC)
One of the biggest polka stars from Chicago, Eddie Blazonczyk, originally recorded this spunky polka. It can be heard at the end of Les Blank’s documentary, In Heaven There Is No Beer.

9. Breslau (public domain)
A beautiful waltz from one of those pesky albums with no credits. We do know that Breslau is the name of a town in Poland and the name of a town in Texas.

10. Pije Kuba (traditional, English lyrics by Sumeracka)
Famous Polish (and Czech) drinking song. Although it’s not exactly politically correct, it is a great song and it delivers a powerful message, “If you don’t drink with us, we’ll hit you with a big stick.”

11. Buscando Tu Corazon (Finch/No Class Music, BMI)
Southwestern conjunto-style song about doing what you’re supposed to do. The title means “Looking for your heart.”

12. Katiusha (Blanter-Issakovsky/Leeds Music, ASCAP)
This is a big favorite in Russia. Katiusha is a girl who promises to be faithful to her lover, who’s at war. Our vocal style is heavily influenced by old recordings of the Soviet Army Chorus.

13. Camino De Dolores (Hernandez-Hernandez/Don Cenobio Music)
A simple waltz about sorrow and disillusionment on the “road of pain.”

14. In Heaven There Is No Beer (public domain, arr. by Finch/No Class Music, BMI)
Famous old Czech song about beer. We’ve expanded the theme a little, but it’s all the same, really. What the heck. Background vocals on “Buscando Tu Corazon” by Janice Krieger.

Thanks to all of the polka artists who have inspired and delighted us for many years, including, but not limited to, scrubby, Eddie Blazonczyk, Lil’ Wally, Happy Louie, Steve Jordan, Mingo Saldivar, Tone De La Rosa and all of the young people who choose to carry the torch of polka. Thanks to Mark Kohan for the invaluable polka information. Thanks to all polka supporters, including, but not limited to, friends, fans, press people and, of course, polka DJs.

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Kidd-Key Auditorium400 N Elm, Sherman, Texas

sat15apr5:45 pmsat8:45 pmSherman Jazz MuseumSherman Jazz Classic - Kidd Key AuditoriumKidd-Key Auditorium, 400 N Elm, Sherman, Texas5:45 pm - 8:45 pm

Event Details

Jazz up your weekend at the Sherman Jazz Classic! Enjoy the line-up of top community jazz bands with guest artists and ensembles including Brave Combo and Memphis Brass –

Event Details

Jazz up your weekend at the Sherman Jazz Classic! Enjoy the line-up of top community jazz bands with guest artists and ensembles including Brave Combo and Memphis Brass – all day Saturday at Sherman’s historic Kidd-Key Auditorium. Step into an immersive musical experience at the Sherman Jazz Museum’s world-class collection of jazz memorabilia. Catch all the events – the Douglass Distributingย Speakeasy Gala, music talks, High School Jazz Band Showcase and Sunday Gospel Jazz Brunch. Free entry to Museum and performances all day Saturday.ย 

Main Stage Sets
5:45 to 6:15 PM
7:00 to 7:30 PM
8:15 to 8:45 PM

Time

(Saturday) 5:45 pm - 8:45 pm

Location

Kidd-Key Auditorium

400 N Elm, Sherman, Texas

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Main St. Fort Worth Arts FestivalDowntown Fort Worth, TX

fri21aprAll DayMain St. Fort Worth Arts FestivalMain St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, Downtown Fort Worth, TX(All Day: friday)

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All Day (Friday)

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Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival

Downtown Fort Worth, TX

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Quanah City ParkQuanah, Texas

sat22apr3:30 pmQuanah Concert at the ParkQuanah City Park, Quanah, Texas3:30 pm

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Join us for a fun-filled day of picnicking and live music at the historic Quanah City Park on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Quanah Friends of the Park is proud

Event Details

Join us for a fun-filled day of picnicking and live music at the historic Quanah City Park on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Quanah Friends of the Park is proud to host this Spring Picnic, starting at noon, and it promises to be a day of endless fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful park’s excellent picnic tables and benches. There will be live music all afternoon, with several games available, including disc golf, horseshoes, basketball, and cornhole. Additional food options will be available on-site for those who want to avoid packing their lunch.

The day’s highlight will be the Concert at the Park, Presented by United Supermarkets, featuring Brave Combo, the two-time Grammy Award Winning band. Brave Combo will take the stage at 3:30 PM, so be sure to plan to stay all afternoon to enjoy the full experience.

Take advantage of this opportunity to spend a beautiful day with family and friends at the historic Quanah City Park, with live music, games, and a concert featuring Brave Combo. So come on down, grab a picnic blanket, and enjoy the day!

Time

(Saturday) 3:30 pm

Location

Quanah City Park

Quanah, Texas

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Dan's Silverleaf103 Industrial Street Denton, TX 76201-4223

sun23aprAll DayDan's SilverleafFundraiser for the Denton Arts & Jazz FestivalDan's Silverleaf, 103 Industrial Street Denton, TX 76201-4223(All Day: sunday)

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All Day (Sunday)

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Dan's Silverleaf

103 Industrial Street Denton, TX 76201-4223

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sat29aprAll DayArts & The ParkHot Springs, Arkansas(All Day: saturday)

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All Day (Saturday)

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Hot Springs, Arkansas

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sun14mayAll DayAngelina ArtsMother's Day ConcertLufkin, Texas(All Day: sunday)

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All Day (Sunday)

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Lufkin, Texas

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Murphy Central Park550 North Murphy Road, Murphy, Texas 75094

sat20mayAll DayTunes, Tails & AlesMurphy Central Park, 550 North Murphy Road, Murphy, Texas 75094(All Day: saturday)

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All Day (Saturday)

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Murphy Central Park

550 North Murphy Road, Murphy, Texas 75094

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KJT Hall1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX

sat27mayAll DayNational Polka Festival - Ennis, TexasKJT Hall, 1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX(All Day: saturday)

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All Day (Saturday)

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KJT Hall

1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX

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National Polka Festival

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KJT Hall1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX

sun28mayAll DayNational Polka Festival - Ennis, TexasKJT Hall, 1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX(All Day: sunday)

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All Day (Sunday)

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KJT Hall

1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX

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National Polka Festival

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William Henry Harrison Park11520 Putnam Street, Sugar Creek, Missouri 64054

sat10junAll DaySugar Creek Slavic FestivalWilliam Henry Harrison Park, 11520 Putnam Street, Sugar Creek, Missouri 64054(All Day: saturday)

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All Day (Saturday)

Location

William Henry Harrison Park

11520 Putnam Street, Sugar Creek, Missouri 64054

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San Marcos Plaza Park202 N C M Allen Pkwy San Marcos, TX 78666

thu15jun7:30 pmthu9:30 pmSummer in the ParkSan Marcos Plaza Park, 202 N C M Allen Pkwy San Marcos, TX 786667:30 pm - 9:30 pm

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Concert site: San Marcos Plaza Park 202 N C M Allen Pkwy San Marcos, TX

Event Details

Summer in the Parks San Marcos

Concert site:
San Marcos Plaza Park
202 N C M Allen Pkwy
San Marcos, TX 78666

Rain site:
San Marcos Activity Center
501 E Hopkins St,
San Marcos, TX 78666

Time

(Thursday) 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Location

San Marcos Plaza Park

202 N C M Allen Pkwy San Marcos, TX 78666

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Organizer

San Marcos Performing Arts Association

info@sanmarcossummer.com

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Westfest Grounds1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

sat02sepAll DayWestfestWestfest Grounds, 1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691(All Day: saturday)

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Westfest Grounds

1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

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Westfest Inc.

254-826-5058

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Westfest Grounds1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

sun03sepAll DayWestfestWestfest Grounds, 1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691(All Day: sunday)

Time

All Day (Sunday)

Location

Westfest Grounds

1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

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Organizer

Westfest Inc.

254-826-5058

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Historic Downtown McKinney111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069

fri22sepAll DayMcKinney OktoberfestHistoric Downtown SquareHistoric Downtown McKinney, 111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069(All Day: friday)

Event Details

Dust off your lederhosen and tune up your yodel for this yearโ€™s Oktoberfest. McKinney Oktoberfest is a family favorite, offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes,

Event Details

Dust off your lederhosen and tune up your yodel for this yearโ€™s Oktoberfest. McKinney Oktoberfest is a family favorite, offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes, dancing, childrenโ€™s activities and much more

The โ€œbeer gardenโ€ covers a total of 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s Historic Downtown square so you can enjoy all downtown McKinney has to offer with a German beer in one hand and a bratwurst in the other. McKinney Main Street, supporting sponsors and the shops in Historic Downtown McKinney host non-stop activities in the heart of our great city.
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Time

All Day (Friday)

Location

Historic Downtown McKinney

111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069

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City of McKinney

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Historic Downtown McKinney111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069

sat23sepAll DayMcKinney OktoberfestHistoric Downtown SquareHistoric Downtown McKinney, 111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069(All Day: saturday)

Event Details

Dust off your lederhosen and tune up your yodel for this yearโ€™s Oktoberfest. McKinney Oktoberfest is a family favorite, offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes,

Event Details

Dust off your lederhosen and tune up your yodel for this yearโ€™s Oktoberfest. McKinney Oktoberfest is a family favorite, offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes, dancing, childrenโ€™s activities and much more

The โ€œbeer gardenโ€ covers a total of 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s Historic Downtown square so you can enjoy all downtown McKinney has to offer with a German beer in one hand and a bratwurst in the other. McKinney Main Street, supporting sponsors and the shops in Historic Downtown McKinney host non-stop activities in the heart of our great city.
conditions

 

Time

All Day (Saturday)

Location

Historic Downtown McKinney

111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

Add to ICS CalendarAdd to Google Calendar

Organizer

City of McKinney

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Frisco Square8843 Coleman Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034

sat07octAll DayFrisco OktoberfestFrisco Square, 8843 Coleman Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034(All Day: saturday)

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All Day (Saturday)

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Frisco Square

8843 Coleman Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034

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Denton's Quakertown Park and Facilities321 East McKinney (Corner of McKinney and Bell) Denton, Texas 76201

sun08oct7:00 pmsun9:00 pmDenton Arts & Jazz FestivalDenton's Quakertown Park and Facilities, 321 East McKinney (Corner of McKinney and Bell) Denton, Texas 762017:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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(Sunday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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Denton's Quakertown Park and Facilities

321 East McKinney (Corner of McKinney and Bell) Denton, Texas 76201

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Organizer

Denton Festival Foundation

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DowntownKilgore, Texas

sat14octAll DayKilgore OktoberfestDowntown, Kilgore, Texas(All Day: saturday)

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All Day (Saturday)

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Downtown

Kilgore, Texas

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Southlake Town Square Main St at Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX

sun15octAll DaySouthlake OktoberfestMain StageSouthlake Town Square, Main St at Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX(All Day: sunday)

Time

All Day (Sunday)

Location

Southlake Town Square

Main St at Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX

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Southlake Chamber of Commerce

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Machine’s Pump – Latest Issue

The Machineโ€™s Pump Volume 26 โ€“ #3 โ€“ March 2023

Brave Combo opened for The Red Hot Chili Peppers once, in Kansas City, at a club called Parody Hall. It was Jeffrey, Bubba, Mitch and myself. We drove … [Read More...]

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