Brand New Big Steve and the Bellares CD to debut November 28, 2009 in Buffalo
A Time to Remember "Big Steve" ... and Celebrate!
as featured in the November 12, 2009 issue of the Am-Pol Eagle
On Nov. 6, 1999, the polka world was saddened by the sudden, shocking death of "Big Steve" Krzeminski at the age of 54. While it is difficult to fathom 10 years have passed since Big Steve's death after an eight-month battle with cancer, we now remember, reflect, and celebrate his life and legacy that filled the airwaves and hearts of many with his love of polka music in a career spanning over 40 years.
On Saturday, November 28 at the Polish Falcons Club, 445 Columbia Ave., in Depew, we memorialize Big Steve and reflect on the many ways he touched our lives. The "Polka Saturday Night" event, named after Big Steve's 1980's polka TV show, will feature live musical tributes to Big Steve from 7-11p.m. with both the 1980's version of the Bellares and the 1990's version. The doors will open promptly at 5:30p.m., and admission is $10 with all proceeds benefiting the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
All of the original Bellares from the 1980's TV show will be performing to include Dale Wojdyla, Sonny Wanderlich, Eddie Pilarz, Dave Maguda, and Jimmy Cwick. With the advent and growth of digital technology, there will be many surprises that are sure to bring goose bumps to all in attendance! (You will have to be there to find out exactly what that means!)
Advancing a decade, the final version of the Bellares will also be performing to include Robin Pegg, a mainstay of the Bellares who is a key contributor in putting this event together, Andy Bojczuk, Tom Picciano, Dave Maguda, Dave Klemenz, John Lawrence, and Jerry Darlak. This version of the band will perform many of the hits on the never-released Bellares CD. That is, never released until this dance!
When Big Steve released "Big Steve's Back" in 1995, the band actually produced two recordings -- the second was to be released the following year. However, with the retirement of the Bellares that same year, the second CD never saw the light of day. Again, with the power of digital technology, this recording will make its one and only debut at the Polish Falcons on Saturday, Nov. 28. As if more incentive is necessary, this will be the only time and place to get a copy!
Additional Bellares to perform throughout the evening include John Fomenko and Ray Barsukiewicz, one of the original Big Steve band members playing for years in the 1960's. Please join in on a memorable evening of music and merriment with prizes, a silent "Chinese" auction, raffles and more as we remember "Polka Saturday Night" in a tribute to Big Steve. Free admission for children under 12. For table reservations or more info, please call Lynn at 830-0328 or Robin at 570-3611.
I hope to see everyone at the Polish Falcons to remember our fallen polka hero: the wonderful memories... his uplifting spirit... the aura about him that brought a smile to everyone whose heart he touched. We recall his straightforward, honest ways that gained the respect of many. Posthumously, the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame honored Big Steve with a Class of 2003 induction stating, "Always available to play for local audiences even when his national career beckoned, 'Big Steve' will always be remembered as a very big man who loomed even larger in the hearts of those who also cherished the music he loved." Truly his legacy lives on.
I was fortunate to garner a personal relationship with Big Steve. I can honestly state that I would not be as involved in polka music if it were not for Big Steve. At the age of 6, I came to know Big Steve "live" on WUWU 107.7FM as listeners came to know "little Johnny Ma-tee-yash" on the air and as the little boy dancing with his mother on "Polka Saturday Night". That was my start in polka music.
Aside from the polka industry, Big Steve was a leader and inspiration in so many ways. One memory I will never lose sight of occurred during his battle with cancer. Despite his weakened condition and grueling treatments, Big Steve pushed himself to remain on the air. He went on to record 2-3 radio shows per week in his final months alive -- demonstrating his will to survive and love for polka music and his fans. Regardless of any "bad day" or ailment I may have, I think back to hearing Big Steve on-air in a frail voice yet full of spirit and transcending happiness in spite of the inevitable facing him. Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States, once stated, "No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave." Big Steve served as an example of how to persevere and pull strength from within, as he gave us the gift of music, entertainment, joy, and comfort until his final hours. A true hero in many respects is how I will always remember and honor Big Steve.
Now, posthumously, he continues to shine within us as we prepare to celebrate his life and remember the legacy he has left us, as evinced by the brand-new release of his final recording from 1995.
While nowadays we are too busy for the "small things" in life, please make every effort to attend "Polka Saturday Night." This will serve to show off our "polka family" and unity while at the same time making an impressionable donation collectively from the proceeds to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. (Individual tax-deductible donations made out to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in memoriam will also be accepted and forwarded.) Whether or not you are able to attend, please consider a donation and set aside some time to reflect on the impact Big Steve may have had on your life, whether through the radio or television, the band, employment, or friendships and simple encounters. Perhaps you can dig up some old photos or souvenir apparel such as the orange "WUWU" T-shirt, "Big Steve Polka Show" shirts and mugs, or the "Polka Saturday Night" T-shirts. Throw on your favorite "Big Steve & the Bellares" recording or video and reminisce. Be thankful for what we have now and the memories that linger. Unfortunately, we often do not realize how important people are in our lives until they are gone. Life is too short and precious.
Let this be a time to remember and celebrate; a reflection on our own lives and those we care for, and a hope for great things to come. May others carry the torch whose flame Big Steve lit many years ago. The flame of his memory and inspiration will live on in the hearts of many -- a flame that will never die! Let's celebrate Big Steve's life and continue to support the polka music we love while keeping Big Steve and the entire Krzeminski family in our thoughts and prayers. Hope to see you all at "Polka Saturday Night!" Bog Zapłać! God Bless!