[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 136 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              POLKA POWER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 2, 1998

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to pay tribute to a man whose 
musical talents have brought much joy and laughter to all who know him, 
Mr. Roger Balcer. On Sunday, October 4, Roger Balcer will be inducted 
into the Michigan Polka Music Hall of Fame.
  Born in 1940, the oldest son of Barney and Henrietta Balcer, music 
was in young Roger's blood. Following in the footsteps of his uncle Leo 
Balcer, Roger too wanted to become a celebrated accordion player. He 
began to develop his skills early on, beginning accordion lessons at 
age eight. Even at this young age, everyone realized Roger had a 
talent. He took this talent and formed a band with his high school 
friends, Jerry Kolsowski, Fred Lenisz, and Tom Reder. In their first 
engagement, these four charmed the crowd at the Polish Falcon's Club of 
Saginaw.
  However, Roger did not stop here. Along with playing in the band, 
Roger began signing with Choir Chopin under the directorship of Polish 
National Alliance Conductor Ted Nedzielski. Being a member of the 
acclaimed Choir Chopin gave Roger the opportunity to share his music 
with audiences in cities around the country.
  As Roger grew older, his musical career continued to blossom. An 
electrician by day, Roger was a musician by night. He became a member 
of the Ray Massicolle Orchestra, playing at the ``Shamrock'' four 
nights a week. He soon began playing weekend engagements at the 
Washington Club. Roger also played Mexican Polkas at the Savoy in 
Saginaw as a member of Mike Luna's Band. Roger recorded albums with Tom 
Reder and John Lipiniski that were played on Otto Hubner's Polka 
Program. He spent sixteen years as a member of the Kings Four Group 
playing at various country clubs around Michigan. After taking a few 
years away from his music, Roger became a favorite entertainer of the 
Seniors at the State Hospital in Caro.
  In 1984, Roger and his uncle Leo became representatives for the lorio 
computerized accordion. He traveled to countless polka festivals 
demonstrating this instrument and expanding his exposure to many types 
of music. Today, Roger still performs at numerous functions playing 
music ranging from Jazz to Irish folk music. However, his first love is 
still polkas. Roger also spends time with his charming wife, Mary Ann 
and his four sons, Matthew, Steven, Mark and Vincent.
  Mr. Speaker, Roger Balcer has dedicated his life to bringing music 
and joy to others. I ask you and our colleagues to roll out a barrel of 
applause and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Roger Balcer 
as he is inducted into the Michigan Polka Music Hall of Fame.

                          ____________________