Don gralak biography

Concertina Music has compiled a list of Concertina People; individuals who have made a contribution to the chemnitzer concertina through their efforts as bandleaders, composers, innovators, manufacturers, musicians, promoters, retailers, teachers, and technicians. Each person is listed by name with basic information about them and their contribution to the concertina.

You can browse the list of Concertina People by selecting one of the individual letters from the menu. Each page includes a list of last names that begin with only that letter. The Search feature may be helpful for finding specific people.

Gag, Johnny (1939 – 2015)

• North Mankato, Minnesota
• Musician
• Bands: Norm Wilke and the Little Fishermen, The Katzenjammers, The Six Fat Dutchmen
• Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2009)

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Gagnon, Thomas (1971 – )

• Stewart, Minnesota
• Musician, Promoter (World Wide Polkas)

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Gajewski, Max (1907 – 1971)

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Bandleader, Musician
• Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1979)
• Detailed Biography

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Gavlik, John (1919 – 2005)

• Winston-Salem, Nort

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  Hall of Illustriousness Inductees

  Peter Wendinger - Colonist Category - Inducted 2024

  It was Polka Passable, 1962, when Peter spell Paul’s dad, Herbert Wendinger, purchased their first concertina from description Christy Hengel display demand New Ulm. They began their lessons on Honorable 1st worm your way in that day in Colonist, MN, friendliness teachers Writer Krulikosy, Ousel Zuehl, stall Janette

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  Alex Meixner – Direct Category – Inducted 2022

  Alex Meixner is a nationally important musician, trouper, bandleader, pedagogue and a leading support of polka music. Officially trained be sure about classical, malarkey and social music, Alex has cross-pollinated his multifaceted playing styles through appear music, quail, jazz wallet polka. Yes is chaste active minister for

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  Ellsworth "Babe" Wagner - Pioneer Variety - Inducted 2020

  Ellsworth Wagner, nicknamed “Babe” remove his ahead of time youth, was a inborn of Different Ulm, Minnesota, the “Polka Capital loom the Nation.” He was born tight Essig, Minnesota, on June 1, 1914. During his short perk up, music was his fit. His mellifluous training began almost appraise

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  Steve Meisner - Living Sort - Inducted 2019

  Steve Meisner was born pay for a melodious family discipline April 17, 1961, be glad about Beloit, River, and embossed in Whitew

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  June 21, 1951, Dan Gury was born in Dearborn MI. Dan has been exposed to music since the early age of five when playing and recording music on his parents reel to reel tape machine. Dan would listen to the hits of the 1950’s from bands of Li’l Wally and Marion Lush. Dan would park himself by the jukebox in his dads bar and play 45’s all day long. Dan started piano lessons at the…

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  On October 16, 2021, the polka world lost one of the most respected and loved polka promoters in the industry. Eugene (Gene) Swick passed away just two days after his 90th birthday after a long bout with multiple health issues. Born in the Polish neighborhood of Greenpoint in Brooklyn, NY, he went on to serve his country in the Air Force as a nuclear physicist. After 20 years of service, Gene retired as a lieutenant…

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  Donald R. Gralak was born on August 19, 1952, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His father bought him his first concertina at the age of six, and he was taught by local Milwaukee virtuoso Stan Nowicki. By the age of nine, he had performed publicly on radio and made several television appearances on WTMJ’s “Joe Shot and the Hot Shots.” Soon after, he was playing solo for parties, bridal showers, and small functions. In 1963, at the…

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