| The Mark Jirikovec Orch. was organized in 1985 when Mark and best friend Mike Hager thought it would be fun to start a band in high school. It was Mark’s dream to do this. During Mark’s early year’s in school he learned to play many different instruments, learning from one of the best band directors around. His name was Earl Shane. Earl was a retired band director from Kewaunee,Wi. and was very well respected by many musicians. He demanded excellence out of you when you played an instrument . A quality in which you can tell, by the music the band plays.
The band plays a wide variety of music from Bohemian, German, Slovenian, Polish polkas & waltzes, to Big Band, Country, and 50’s & 60’s Rock & Roll. The band has traveled around the state of Wisconsin, and throughout the Midwest, including a recent trip to North Dakota, and three times to Texas.
Mark was voted Wisconsin Orchestra Leader of the Year in 1993 by his fellow orchestra leaders, In which Mark and the band are honored and proud of. The band has a number of recordings available on the Polkaland, MJ, and Vector CD labels, and will play for any occasion where great music is needed.
We are honored to play once again at the National Polka Festival our third time over the years. Special thanks to my good friend Danny Zapletal , the Zapletal family, and the Festival Committee for allowing us to play in Ennis. We are looking forward to see our old friends and meeting new ones as well. Thank You All !!!
Members of the Band are:
Mark Jirikovec – Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Sax and Vocals
Ken Ouradnik – Trumpet, Flugelhorn, and Vocals
Gene Havlovitz – Accordian and Vocals
Todd Ouradnik – Bass Horn, Bass Guitar, Button Accordian, and Vocals
Bob Skornicka – Drums, Trumpet, and Vocals
Gary Nejedlo – Piano and Vocals
Maynard Gipp – Band Manager
For Bookings, Recordings, and other Band Info contact:
Mark Jirikovec 249 Prospect St. P.O. Box 147 Denmark,Wi. 54208
Phone: (920) - 863 -2240 e-mail : www.mjorch@itol.com
Web Site : www.mjorch.net
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