Fri 7/4 @ 8:30PM
Accordionist/keyboard player/vocalist Carl Finch’s Denton, Texas-based polka/ethnic/rock & roll band Brave Combo have been making its hybrid party music for 35 years now.
No one loved their music more than Cleveland’s Steve Popovich, who died in 2011 at the age of 69. Steve worked his way to the upper levels of Columbia Records in New York, working with artists like Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jackson, before coming back to Cleveland to launch Cleveland International Records — and the multi-platinum career of Meat Loaf.
But the culture of eastern European immigrants, especially their music, was always close to his heart. He enabled the reissues or releases of many polka artists’ albums, including two by Brave Combo on Cleveland International.
So it’s fitting that Brave Combo has become sort of the house band for the annual Steve Popovich Polka Pandemonium at the Beachland Ballroom, now in its 3rd year. Joining Brave Combo will be the Klancnik & Friends Band, joined by Cleveland polka legend Eddie Roddick III on banjo and guitar. It’s sure to be a rip-roaring party that will eclipse even the fireworks going on outside. Come prepared to dance.
The event raises money for the Steve Popovich Foundation, which provides scholarships to young music students.
Tickets are $15.
Photo of Steve Popovich by Anastasia Pantsios