COLUMBUS - Local polka band joins the community for another night of Lawn Chairs on the Square.
Urkoski Orchestra took the stage in Frankfort Square for a evening of polka music. The band began in 1954 with four brothers, and today the legacy continues with the third generation of Urkoski men.
Grandson of the original band leader, Michael Urkoski, performs next to his father Gene, along side bass player Lonnie Jr. and his brother Gary, as well as the only non-Urkoski member, but just as loved, Gene Schemek.
Michael enjoys continuing the tradition with the music of his family, surrounded by the people he loves.
“The neat thing is that not only is it a family event with these guys playing, but throughout the years, 60 years in the band, we played for not only the grandparent's weddings, I wasn't cause I wasn't around, but grandparent's weddings, then their children's weddings, then their grandchildren's weddings then this weekend we even did a great-grand children's wedding,” Michael says. “So to see the people we play for, generation to generation, makes it really cool as well.
The possible fourth generation of Urkoski Orchestra is in the making as Micheal's son joins the band on the stage.
“Sometimes you think that with the passing generations, there has always been that worry that music wouldn't live on,” Michael says. “But here we are in 2015, and it's just as strong as it ever was.”
Tonight's performance was sponsored by Barbara Jeans and next Thursday Caddy Whompus “Blue Grass” will perform starting at 7 p.m.
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