[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     LEO BALCER INDUCTED INTO THE MICHIGAN POLKA MUSIC HALL OF FAME

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                           HON. DICK CHRYSLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. CHRYSLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Leo A. Balcer.
  Leo A. Balcer was born in Bay City, MI, in 1932. Keeping with a 
family tradition of music, Leo became a first-rate accordion player. I 
am pleased to witness Leo Balcer become the newest member of the 
Michigan Polka Music Hall of Fame.
  From playing with the ``Melody Makers'' in Bay City St. Stanislaus 
High School, Leo continued his musical career in the U.S. Air Force in 
1952. His dance bands were fabulous entertainment, and were competitive 
in band contests in the United States and abroad.
  After graduating from Michigan State University in 1960, Leo and his 
family settled in the Lansing area. Soon, Leo and his seven piece band 
became a cornerstone of the mid-Michigan music scene. Leo has brought 
joy to thousands of people as he led his band to restaurants, bars, 
dance clubs, and community events.
  Leo's career has not been confined to the United States. Along with 
performing competitively in Libya while in the Air Force, Leo has 
performed twice in Austria at the International Polkafest.
  I salute the musical accomplishments of Leo Balcer, and commend him 
for his years of dedicated entertainment to the people of Michigan and 
around the world. In the words of our Polish forefathers, 
``gratulacje!''

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