THE STEVE MEISNER LEGACY LIVES ON January 1
2024
Life during the second half of 2023 was different and sometimes difficult
without seeing Steve Meisner and hearing his music. Although we have
already surpassed the 6 month mark since Steve's passing, in some ways it
feels like it has only been a few weeks since we heard the tragic news.
The members of Steve's band, along with help from other musicians and
friends, realized their goal of fulfilling all of the performance dates
that remained on Steve's schedule. With only a few exceptions, all of the
fairs, festivals, Oktoberfests, weddings, parties, restaurants, and bars
kept the Steve Meisner Legacy Band on their schedule so fans could enjoy
the music as originally planned - just as Steve would have wanted. The
epic celebration of Steve's life we all hoped for was realized on August
19 when some of the best polka musicians in the USA came to Milwaukee to
perform at Meisnerfest. Barb
Meisner along with her family continue to be very grateful for the
outpouring of support from the many friends and fans. Only two events
remain from Steve's original schedule on June 1st: TheSailaway
Polka Cruise coming
up in a few weeks and the Illinois Polkafest during the first weekend of
February. Barb is excited to be attending both of them. Thankfully,
Steve's legacy will not end in February as the Steve Meisner Legacy Band
has agreed to book events throughout 2024. The schedule continues to take
shape and will be detailed on Steve's website soon. While the number of
performances will be a fraction of the yearly schedule Steve used to
maintain, music lovers will still be able to enjoy some Meisner music
played by the guys from his band. Keep an eye out right here and in
Steve's newsletter as the schedule continues to build.
EXCITING NEWS FOR THE STEVE MEISNER
LEGACY BAND November 15,
2023
We are very pleased and excited to announce that, following persistent
audience encouragement and with full support from Barb Meisner and the
Meisner family, the Steve Meisner Legacy Band has decided to continue on
stage for select performances throughout 2024. Meisner fans and family
have made it clear throughout the last several months that they would
like the band to continue fostering Steve's Legacy for at least another
year. While Steve had recently been performing nearly 90 times each year,
the Legacy Band will carry a schedule closer to one or two dozen
performances - mostly at larger events, festivals, fairs, and Oktoberfests. As
with the majority of performances in 2023, the band members will consist
mainly of Steve's regular musicians including: Don Hunjadi, Jerry Bieniek,
Chris Doszak, and Tom Brusky, joined by John Wudtke, along with a few
others. The 2024 schedule is being assembled and will be avaiable on
Steve's website early next year. Any festivals or other events looking to
book the band should contact
Don Hunjadi for
details. Steve Meisner will never be replaced but his music and legacy
will carry on.
STEVE MEISNER MEMORIAL IS A HUGE
SUCCESS September 1,
2023
Saturday, August 19, turned out to be the exact party and celebration we
were all hoping for and are certain Steve would have been proud of. An
estimated crowd of around 500 people attended the Meisnerfest event
at the Schwabenhof to celebrate Steve Meisner. Many hundreds of photos
from throughout Steve's life and career were displayed in the pavilion
together with Steve's many awards from throughout the years. The accordion
that Steve has been playing for many years was on display along with his
button box. Over 40 musicians performed during the event,
some traveling from as far away as Washington state, Nashville,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and St. Louis. Family, friends and music
lovers were able to reunite and reminisce during the day. The Meisner
family all assembled on stage in tribute to Steve ending with a toast in
his honor. Steve's wife, Barb, spoke from the heart to the crowd
saying, "Friends and family, I could absolutely not get through all of
this without all of you, my polka family. He is our legacy, he is our
life, and you are our people." Following the event, Steve's daughter
Lindsey added, "So much love. So much gratitude. So many tears. So many
hugs. So many laughs. So many songs. My dad would be proud." Thanks go out
to everyone involved, to the many musicians, and to all of Steve's friends
and fans who attended. If you have access to social media, especially Facebook,
be sure to check Steve's
Facebook Page for
hundreds of photos and dozens of videos from throughout the day.
CELEBRATIONS FOR STEVE SCHEDULED
FOR AUGUST 17 & 19 July 1,
2023 - Updated August 9, 2023
The dates have been set and plans are underway for two special events
following the passing of Steve Meisner on June 1, 2023. The first will
take place on Thursday, August 17, at 3:00 PM at First English Lutheran
Church, 401 W Main St, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. This will be a church
service that will include special music in honor of Steve. There will be
no visitation proceeding the service. Then, on August 19, a celebration of
epic proportions will happen at the Schwabenhof, 14750 Silver Spring Dr,
in Menomonee Falls. The pavilion will open at 12:00 noon with music,
dancing, food, beverages, and fun lasting until the evening. A short
presentation will be made during the day. Photos and other memorabilia
will be displayed. Most of all, this will be an epic party that Steve
would truly be proud of. Scheduled to perform are the Eddie Rodick
Band, Klancnik & Friends, LynnMarie along with Kathy from Canada, the Mike
Schneider Band, Jeff Winard, the Jimmy Monsen Band, Brian McCarty, Garrett
Tatano, the Steve Meisner Legacy Band, plus others (performers are subject
to change). This memorable event will give Steve's family, friends, and
fans, a chance to be together, share stories, and enjoy the day - all in
honor of Steve Meisner. The
Schwabenhof will provide a full bar as well as cash and carry festival
food throughout the day.
Although no formal hotel blocks have been
established, here are a few area hotels near the Schwabenhof you may
consider. The band schedule is also included below but is also subject to
change.
Hyatt Place
11777 W Silver Spring Dr.
414-462-3500
Hampton By Hilton
5601 N Lovers Ln
414-466-8881
Holiday Inn Express
10831 W Park Pl
414-979-0250
Hilton Garden
11600 W Park Place
414-359-9823
Meisnerfest Schedule
TIME
BAND
12:00 PM
Grounds Open
12:30 PM
Jimmy Monsen Band - Milwaukee
1:15 PM
The Mike Schneider Band - Clinton
2:00 PM
Eddie Rodick - Cleveland
2:45 PM
Jeff Winard Orchestra - Milwaukee
3:30 PM
Garrett Tatano - Pittsburgh
4:15 PM
Short presentation with the Meisner
Family
4:30 PM
A special toast to Steve
4:30 PM
Steve Meisner Legacy Band - Wisconsin
5:15 PM
Meisner students, past Meisner band
members, and others will join the Legacy Band
Full stage jam session with all
professional musicians in attendance
7:00 PM
LynnMarie joined by Kathy from Canada -
Nashville, Ontario
7:30 PM
Brian McCarty along with Klacnik &
Friends - Kansas City
8:15 PM
Closing jam
9:00 PM
Event ends
Schedule is subject to change
MEMORIAL CELEBRATION PLANS UNDERWAY FOR STEVE June 4,
2023
Barb Meisner, Steve's wife of 38 years, along
with the entire family want to express their gratitude for the outpouring
of support over the past few days. They are both grateful and overwhelmed
and ask everyone for patience as they begin to be able to speak with all
of you sometime in the future. Due to the anticipated size crowd a
traditional funeral would bring, there will not be an immediate service
for Steve. Plans are already underway to hold a memorial celebration in
the style that Steve would have enjoyed. Depending on available dates and
locations, we anticipate this celebration will be held in mid to late
summer somewhere in the greater Milwaukee area. As soon as these plans are
completed, information will be provided as we know many of you wish to be
able to attend. Please continue to watch here on Steve's website or on his
Facebook
page for updates. The over 1,000 newsletter subscribers will be
notified by email. Once again, thank you to everyone for your thoughts and
concerns.
WELL-KNOWN AND LOVED
MUSICIAN Steve Meisner
Passes Away at 62 June 1,
2023
The news we are forced to share with all of
you will be as shocking and difficult for everyone to read as it is to
write. It is with great shock and sadness that we must report that the
very well-known and well-loved, multi-award-winning musician, Steve
Meisner, has passed away following a very brief illness. Steve was 62
years old.
Even though Steve last
performed on stage on May 21st, he learned the following week he was being
diagnosed with stage IV cancer in multiple locations. Steve, along with
his family, were beyond shocked. Before any meaningful treatment could be
considered, Steve passed away peacefully in Meriter Hospital, Madison
Wisconsin, the afternoon of June 1st. Barb, his loving wife of
38 years, was by his side along with his daughters Whitney and Lindsey,
and son Austin.
Funeral and other
arrangements have not yet been made but will be provided as soon as they
become available. Steve was known and loved by so many and we know you
will all be in disbelief. For now, the family asks for privacy as they
work though this shocking and sudden loss.
One thing everyone feels
is certain, is Steve would want the show to go on. The Meisner Band has
many performances scheduled throughout the rest of 2023. Core Meisner Band
members have committed to working with the many events and venues to
fulfill these engagements as requested. While there can be no replacement
for someone as talented as Steve, guest artists have already been
assembled to fulfill the final performances of Steve’s Band. We are
confident this is exactly what Steve would want as he has committed to
entertaining audiences as his life’s work since he was a teenager.
As additional
information becomes available, it will be provided on Steve’s website,
www.SteveMeisner.com, on social media, and in Steve’s newsletter. An epic
celebration of Steve’s life, a party he would be proud of, will be held in
the near future.
Please keep Steve’s
family in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve this loss along with
all of you.
And, of course,
Thank You Music Lovers!
Ring In the New Year Before
Everyone Else! December 1,
2022
Are you looking to go out and celebrate New
Years Eve but don't want to have to stay out until past midnight?
Celebrate the New Year a few hours early during the afternoon of Saturday,
December 31st at the Pulaski Inn. It's the New Year's Even - DAY gala.
Doors open at 12 noon with music and dancing from the Steve Meisner Band
starting at 1 O'clock. For one low price you'll get afternoon snacks and
hors d'oeuvres, music and dancing with the Steve Meisner Band, followed by
a full dinner with dessert. And of course we'll all ring in the New Year
together - we'll just do it a few hours early. Make your reservations by
calling Carolee Miller at 262-710-4254, or mail in your reservation form
and payment. Join your friends and celebrate the New Year along with the
Steve Meisner band at the Pulaski Inn on Saturday, December 31st. RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW
STEVE AND THE BAND JOIN MOLLIE B AND JIMMY STURR FOR
ANOTHER CRUISE March 18,
2022
For the third time in five years, Steve Meisner, Don Hunjadi, Chris Doszak
and Jerry Krahn will again set sail in the Caribbean for a fantastic polka
cruise! The band is excited to have been invited back again and is looking
forward to bringing some Meisner fans along as well as finding some new
ones during this incredible vacation at sea. You can join hundreds of
music lovers aboard the Regal Princess from Princess Cruise Line. This
time around we set sail on Sunday, January 22 from Fort Lauderdale,
returning on January 29. Pre-cruise stays are also available. Also joining
Mollie B & Squeezebox, The Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, and the Steve Meisner
Band are Jon Dietz and the Twin Lakes Trio, Mark Halata & Texavia, Jim
Busta and others. Check the
TRAVEL PAGE for additional information
including a flyer with complete information and see the
PROMO VIDEO. Or talk with Steve and pick
up a flyer from the band stand at the next Meiser performance. It's time
to get back out there and travel on the Polka Magic cruise - including
some Meisner Magic! GET MORE INFO.
New Year's Eve Gala Returns
November 29,
2021
It has become an annual event for many. Ring in the New Year a few hours
early at the Pulaski Inn. No, it's not actually in Pulaski, it's just
outside of the City of Milwaukee in Cudahy, Wisconsin. Doors open at noon
with the Steve Meisner Band starting at 1:00 PM. Hot and cold Hors
d'oeuvres will follow before rolling out the Champaign and party favors
for the big count down - again some hours shy of the real midnight. A full
dinner including desert is then served to close out this very fun
afternoon event. If you have the ambition you'll have plenty of time to
get to your next New Years Eve celebration. If not, you'll be home in
plenty of time for the real midnight to strike. Just go to end of this
paragraph to download a reservation form. Or give party host Carolee
Miller a call at 262-710-4254 and she will answer any questions you may
have or help you get signed up. We hope all of the past participants will
return again to help us ring in the New Year. And if you've never
attended, this really should be the year that you do. Come and join the
fun on December 31st. GET
MORE INFO AND A REGISTRATION FORM
Meisner Sax Player, Don Hunjadi,
Receives Award From IPA September 1,
2021
The presentation of the Leon Koziki Award
from the International Polka Association (IPA) to Meisner band sax player,
Don Hunjadi was presented during the IPA convention in Mars, PA, on
September 3rd. The award recognizes "deserving side men or women of
notable polka bands." Don and Steve first performed on stage together when
they were in their teens before Don moved onto different music styles and
careers. Don returned as the regular Meisner band sax player starting in
2010 and has been on stage with Steve during the majority of performances
over the last 11 years. Don and Steve have also worked together in the
studio on nearly all of Steve's recordings throughout four decades,
including: Songs of Love, Meisner Magic, Jammin' Polkas, Forever
Christmas, Meisner Time, Thank You Music Lovers, and many others
including several of Verne Meisner's recordings. Don's work in the
recording studio has resulted in him playing on nearly 1,500 songs, with a
large variety of bands and musicians, where he's heard on saxophones
(tenor, alto, baritone and soprano) clarinet, flute, bass (bass guitar and
bass fiddle) trumpet and piano. "I’ve had the
pleasure to work with so many talented musicians throughout my career and
Don Hunjadi is at the top of this list," said Steve. "Not only for his
musical abilities, but for his attention to musical and engineering
details in the studio, as well as his experience in radio. When it comes
to passions, he is never afraid of a challenge," says
Steve. Congratulations to Don Hunjadi on receiving this very well deserved
recognition. You can read more about Don and the
Leon Koziki Award from the IPA by clicking here.
MAKE PLANS FOR NEW YEARS EVE
AFTERNOON November 23,
2020
For many, the end of 2020 can't come quick
enough! It's been a very rough year - especially if you want to listen and dance to
live music. Just to make sure this year actually comes to an end and an
exit, you're invited to
send 2020 packing and welcome in 2021. You can even do it a few hours ahead of
midnight! The annual Pulaski Inn New Years Eve Day Gala will happen as
usual on Thursday, December 31, 2020. Steve and the band will entertain
starting at 1:00 PM. All of the usual pieces are included: Hors d'oeuvres,
dinner, party favors, champagne and of course music from the Steve Meisner
Band. Call Carolee Miller at 262-710-4254 for more information or to reserve your
spot. Or just
see the flyer and mail your reservation and check.
Don't miss the very last dance, actually one of the only dances, of 2020.
Join us to give 2020 a proper send-off!
20 Questions Interview With Steve August 12,
2020
Even if the live performances have been
curtailed lately, press and media coverage of Steve has most certainly
not. See how Steve answered 20 questions for a regular feature from this
Wisconsin newspaper. While they certainly cover Steve and his music,
you're also likely to find out some interesting facets of Steve's live you
never heard before. It's a very interesting article you'll want to check
out right now by
CLICKING HERE. You'll also see more recent press coverage from Steve
on the News Page. Take a look!
Autumn Leaves Now Available on
Compact Disk July 11,
2020
The year was 1974 and Steve was only 13 years old when he made his very
first recording - appearing alongside his father, Verne, on Autumn
Leaves.
His voice had not even changed yet, allowing him to hit all of those high
notes as he harmonized along with his dad singing, "Autumn Leaves
Must Fall." Long sold out, many of you have often asked if the recording
was available on compact disc, and now it is! The new Autumn Leaves
CD includes Steve playing button accordion on a
total of four selections, including one that was not included on the
original recording.
Order it now from Steve's website or pick it up from Steve during one
of his upcoming performances.
Steve and the Band Returning to
the Stage June 4,
2020
It certainly has been a difficult, trying, and for many, frustrating three
or four months. This is the longest amount of time since first taking the
stage as a teenager that Steve has been away from the bandstand.
Thankfully, the forced break ends on June 28th as Steve and the band come
to the Hustisford Community Hall for their first performance in over three
months! It's the perfect location for all of us to get used to being back
together again. The Hustisford Community Hall is large enough to
easily accommodate even the largest crowd that might arrive. So if you
still want to keep your distance, that's okay! There will be more room
available than we could need. It's a great location to help usher in
our return to normal. A reasonable drive from many locations, we are
hoping to see everyone and begin to put everything behind us and have some
fun this summer. Steve also returns to the streets of downtown Wisconsin
Dells for more summer concerts on Monday and Tuesday nights, several times
this summer. Plus, just booked, join both the Steve Meisner and Jimmy
Monsen bands on the fourth of July at Alioto's in Wauwatosa for a great
afternoon outside! Unfortunately, many future performances will still not happen
for this year, including: Polishfest, the 4th of July parade in
Whitewater, SNPJ's Slovenefest, Pulaski Polka Days, and the Wisconsin State Fair. All
of these and more have fallen victim to the pandemic reaction. This makes
the performances that will take place all that more important and
treasured. Things are still evolving and changing almost daily so be sure
to check back right here to find out the very latest and updated
information - including newly-added dates!.
Polkas, and Steve, in the News January 30,
2020
When news reporters are assigned a story related to the polka scene, one
of their first calls is often to Steve Meisner. Steve found himself in the
news several times over the past months and provided honest, insightful,
and candid comments for reporters to use in their stories. The first call
came from Paul Srubas, a reporter for the Green Bay Press Gazette, after
he learned about some struggles with the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame.
First assuming the problems must be related to the death of polka music,
Steve was quick to provide a different viewpoint - one that the reporter
used to dig deeper into the story. Steve was quoted multiple times along
with Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame officers and other polka luminaries.
After running in the Green Bay Press Gazette READ
THE STORY HERE the
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel later picked up the story and re-ran it online.
Next up was both a print and radio report from Wisconsin Public
Radio after an elementary school student near Madison, Wisconsin, asked,
"How did the polka become a dance and a tradition?" Reporter Brad
Kolberg's next step was to give Steve a call, saying, "When you're in
Wisconsin and have questions about polka, Steve Meisner is a good guy to
ask." Find out what Steve had to say in this5
MINUTE RADIO SEGMENT. You can alsoREAD
THE STORY HERE, along with some additional photos and video clips.
After 40 years in the polka industry, many agree, Steve is a good guy to
ask! For older news releases involving Steve, check the NEWS PAGE HERE.
Steve Receives Top Honors From
International Polka Association
August 31, 2019
Steve has joined his father, Verne Meisner, as one of the
2019 inductees into the International Polka Association (IPA) Hall of Fame
- the top honor provided by the IPA. Steve's father, the late Verne
Meisner, was inducted in 1989. Unfortunately, due to multiple local
performances throughout the Labor Day weekend, Steve was unable to
receive the award in person at the 51st Annual Convention and Festival in
Buffalo, New York. Chuck Stastny accepted the award in Steve's absence,
along with a special video
presentation
provided by Steve. "I'd like to give a big thank you to my family and
everyone for being so gracious with kind words and congratulations on my
IPA Hall of Fame induction. I am humbled and honored to be included with
such a talented group of artists and friends," said Steve. Only the very
best musicians in the polka industry have received this award. See
the complete list of inductees here. In
addition to Steve's induction, the Steve Meisner Band was named as the IPA
Favorite International Style Band of the year. It's the first time for
Steve's band to receive this award, which was also presented on Saturday
at the awards ceremony in Buffalo. "Thank you to the IPA voting membership
and the talented group of musicians who are regularly a part of the band,
including Don Hunjadi, Jerry Beiniek, and Chris Doszak, to mention a few,"
said Steve. If that wasn't enough, Steve was also named as the IPA's
International Style Male Vocalist for the second year in a row, having
received this same award last year. "I just can't thank everyone enough,"
says Steve. Be sure to congratulate Steve and the guys in the band the
next time you see them perform. See an article in the Jefferson
County Union that appeared on September 5, 2019 about the awards and
Steve's music. Find it on the
News Page
Steve to be Inducted into
International Polka Association Hall of Fame
April
24, 2019 The slate of
award winners have been released by the International Polka Association
(IPA) with Steve Meisner being inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in the
living category. This is the top honor bestowed by the IPA to the very
best polka musicians from across the country. In addition, for the 2018
music awards, Steve has again been voted as the "Best International Male
Vocalist," having won this award for 2017 as well. And if that's not
enough, the Steve Meisner Band has been named as the "Favorite
International Style Band" for 2018. "I was surprised and am honored to be
included with such a talented group of artists and friends," said Steve.
"Thank you to the IPA voting membership and the talented group of
musicians who work regularly with me, Don Hunjadi, Jerry Beiniek, and
Chris Doszak, to mention a few." If a total of three awards from the IPA
in one year is not enough, Steve, was also a guest artist on the "Favorite
International Style Recording" for 2018, Home, from LynnMarie and
Eddie Rodick III. The induction and awards presentation will take place
over the Labor Day weekend, during the 51st Annual IPA Convention and
Festival in Buffalo, New York, August 30 through September 1, 2019. Get
more information on the awards and the Labor Day festival from the
IPA website. Pick up, Home, the 2018 award-winning CD along
with any of Steve's other CDs from the
Merchandise Page of Steve's website.
Catch Steve Live During Fundraiser
Showing of Polka! March 1
, 2019
Throughout the year, and
especially during winter and early spring, public television runs several
fund-raising events. On Wednesday, March 13, Milwaukee Public Television,
WMVS, Channel 10, will be re-running the popular Polka! documentary
that debuted two years ago. To help with the fundraiser, Steve will be
live in the studio prior to the start of Polka! and during the breaks of
the documentary. Steve will be part of the team starting around 6:30
with Polka! starting at 7:00. If you are in the Milwaukee area or are able
to access WMVS, channel 10, you'll be able to catch Steve live as he
performs "unplugged" for the television audience on Wednesday, March 13.
Steve Appears on New Lynn Marie
and E3 CD - Available here December 10
, 2018
It's a common question from Meisner fans... "Do you have any new
recordings?" While the next full Meisner recording is still at least
partially on the drawing board, Steve is excited to be part of a brand-new
release from LynnMarie and E3 (Eddie Rodick III) called Home.Steve
joins Lynn and Eddie on two songs of this fabulous new release. Don
Hunjadi, who shares the stage with Steve at a majority of his
performances, was also tapped to play on the recording. Hear Steve, Lynn,
E3, Don, and other special guests by
ordering a copy of Home
now, at the special price of only $10! You can also pick
one up at any of
Steve's next performances.
Free shipping on all merchandise
now through Christmas December 1
, 2018 Even though the
dust has settled and most of the big shopping weekend deals have ended,
you can still save if you order anything from the Steve Meisner website.
Meisner merchandise items make great gifts, so whether you want to get a
CD, T-shirt, DVD or even a VHS tape, they all come with free shipping from
now through Christmas. It's by far the best time of year to order. A
brand-new T-shirt along with a couple of new CD titles are all waiting for
you online right now. Take a look, place your order and save big $$$ with
free shipping now through Christmas.
Cruise Deadline Extended Until Last Cabins Are Sold! October 12
, 2018
The response to the Salute to Veterans Cruise
Steve and the band is participating in has been tremendous! Over 270
cabins have now been sold with well over 500 people booked! Thank you to
those who have booked early. If you're not one of them, now's the time as
there are only 22 cabins left..There are still a variety of cabin classes
available that still include the classic drink package and $150 on-board
credit. The Salute to Veterans cruise sails from Miami to the Eastern
Caribbean on Saturday, January 19th, 2019, aboard the Celebrity Equinox
with four amazing ports of call: San Juan, St Thomas, Punta Cana,
Dominican Republic and Nassau in the Bahamas. Throughout the week enjoy
music and dancing with Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra, Mollie B and Squeeze
Box with Ted Lange, Steve Meisner Band, Canada Polka King Walt Ostanek
with Bobby Kravos, Kenny Brandt Band, Chad Przybylski, dancers Matt and
Elaine and dancers Randy and Ashley Thull along with your Master of
Ceremonies Keith Stras. Don't miss out on this incredible cruise. More
information, including a complete brochure, is available here
or call Jimmy Sturr Travel at 1-800-724-0727 to book your cabin before
they are sold out and prices increase.
New Be Wiser Dance Meisner
T-Shirts and Woman's tanks Are Here! July 25, 2018
Check out the brand
new Be Wiser Dance Meisner men's white T-shirts and for the first
time, the exclusive woman's tanks are also now available to the general
public. Some Meisner fans have seen these catchy woman's tanks being worn
by members of the Meisner family. Now anyone can get their own Be Wiser
Dance Meisner tank, with plenty of time to still wear them this
summer. Place your order right now and you'll have it arriving in your
mailbox in days. Check out the complete line of Meisner merchandise
including these new shirts together with limited quantities of the earlier
version. They are all waiting for you in the
Merchandise Section.
Steve named Favorite international
Male Vocalist by the IPA June 1, 2018 Steve was both
surprised and excited at the announcement that he was named by the
International Polka Association (IPA) as their favorite International
Style Male Vocalist for 2017. The International Style category was created
several years ago in order to include a wider array of polka
performers. The IPA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet will be held on
September 1st in Buffalo, New York. Although Steve has received a wide
variety of awards over his many years in the music business, this is the
first award as a vocalist of the year from any organization. "I'd really
like to thank the fans who nominated me along with everyone who voted for
me for the IPA International Style Male Vocalist of the Year. I am truly
honored," said Steve. The complete list of 2017 music winners together
with the 2018 Hall of Fame inductees is
available here.
Cruise and Bus Trip Travel Opportunities With Steve and the Band March 25
, 2018
How long has it been since you've gone on a
polka cruise? If it's been many years since you have cruised the
Caribbean, that drought, no pun intended, ends January 19-26, 2019.
Join Steve and the entire band together with Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra
and Mollie B with Squeezebox. Walter Ostanek, Bob Kravos, Kenny Brandt and
many more will all be aboard the Celebrity Equinox for the Salute to Our
Veterans cruise. It's a spectacular lineup both on the ship and on shore
as we sail out of Miami to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas in the
Virgin Islands, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Nassau in the
Bahamas. Book an oceanview or higher category cabin right now and
receive both a classic beverage package and $150 per person
shipboard credit. Back here on land, bookings are going fast for this
year's bus trip to the Frankenmuth Music Fest August 16-18, 2018. More
than half the seats on the bus are already filled but there is still time
for your to get onboard. If you'd like to go along on either of these
great trips, you can get more details on both the polka cruise and the
Frankenmuth bus trip online on the
Travel Page.
Celebration of Life Being Held for Denny Anderson January 30,
2018 Many fans and
friends alike were shocked to hear of the passing of Denny Anderson only
days into the new year. Denny had been performing with Steve and the guys
on most of the band's road trips and was included on both the Meisner Time
and Thank You Music Lovers CD
releases. Denny was not only an accomplished musician but a great friend.
He will be greatly missed both on stage and during the long hours on the
road traveling to and from gigs. The Anderson family has invited Denny's
friends to attend a Celebration of Life event from 3-7 PM on Saturday,
April 28, 2018 at the Mermaid Event Center in Mounds View, Minnesota. Find
out more details and
provide your RSVP to attend here. We look forward to a day of
celebration honoring such a great musician and friend!
The Largest Meisner Merchandise Sale of the Year is Here! November 22 , 2017 The best time of
the year to purchase your Meisner merchandise has arrived! Forget all of
the gimmicks and hype, Steve runs one and only one sale every year, and
it's always a doozie. Get true savings over regular prices all year long
by stocking up on Meisner merchandise during the Black Friday
through Christmas Eve sale. First of all, shipping is free throughout the
sale, no matter what you purchase. Then, if you buy $50 or more of
merchandise, you'll also get a new Be Wiser Dance Meisner T-shirt
absolutely free! That's a $20 value! Let's break that down... if you
purchase several CDs or a couple of CDs and a DVD, your total savings will
be $35! After that, the more you buy, the more you save. But, even if you
just need one CD to round out your collection or as a stocking stuffer,
you still save on the shipping. Just be sure to do it during the annual
Black Friday sale - it really is the best prices all year long!
Check out the selection now.
Be Wiser Dance Meisner Classic
T-Shirts Return July 4 , 2017
A classic throwback to the 1980s has returned, this time in red, white and
blue. Just in time to help celebrate independence day, it's the Be Wiser
Dance Meisner T-Shirt. It's a high quality T with dark blue piping on
a light blue shirt. A perfect way to show everyone that you're a Meisner
fan - actually a very wise Meisner fan. So, why don't you be wiser and pick up one of these
new T-Shirts from Steve at any of his many performances or place your
order online and have it shipped to you in
no time. With sizes from small to XXL, you're certain to find one that
will fit you. Get it right now in the
merchandise section.
Steve Included in new PBS Special
- Polka! March 1 , 2017
Camera crews have been shooting footage for nearly a year, and now the
program is finally ready to air! Mollie B will host “Polka!” on Wisconsin
Public Television. The show debuts on Monday, March 6, and includes an
interview with, and music from, Steve along with many others. To find out more about the show,visit
the Polka! website.
Because this program is produced by Wisconsin Public Television and made
available to other states, it’s impossible to list all of the scheduled
showings or even predict which states will pick up the show. Check your
local PBS schedule or visit
the show websitefor
the latest information. If you really want to see this spectacular
documentary and can't find it over the air, you can make a pledge to
Public Television during their upcoming fundraiser and receive the new
Polka! show on DVD as a free gift. Get
more details hereor
watch the trailer.
Steve Announces Bus Trip To
Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest February 18 ,
2017
Steve and the band will return to the famous Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest
this August 17-19 and, even better yet, you can ride along! Steve will
host a bus trip from Milwaukee with multiple stops along the way. But, no
matter how you get there, you can see the Steve Meisner Band, the Eddie
Rodick Band and Squeezebox with Mollie B at this year's event. Plus,
you'll see the Fabulous Hubcaps show. As part of the bus trip, you'll stay
at the world famous Bavarian Inn next to Heritage Park and the festival
grounds. It promises to be a fun trip and the best part is you can go
along! A $100 per person deposit will hold your seat on the bus. We hope
to see you there. Get
details from the travel page.
"It's Steve's Biggest Black
Friday/Cyber Monday Sale Ever!
November 24
, 2016 Some of the best shopping deals of
the year happen between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Steve has offered
some great deals over the years, but this is the biggest and best yet.
Make any purchase of $25 or more and receive a Meisner DVD absolutely
free. You read that correctly! Spend as little as $25 and get a $20
Meisner DVD at no additional charge. The sale applies to everything
available in the
merchandise section. Your $25 or greater order will
automatically have a surprise Meisner DVD added to it. That means you
don’t even have to select a DVD with your order – in fact if you do, it
will be part of your order which means you can purchase a DVD and still
get another one for free! It’s the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale
Steve has ever offered, and it’s going on right now through Christmas.
Just don’t wait too long because Christmas will soon be right around the
corner. Stock up on Meisner merchandise and get a free DVD, now through
Christmas.
"THANK YOU MUSIC LOVERS" WINS NEW
IPA AWARD April 29
, 2016 The International Polka
Association has announced that Thank You Music Lovers, Steve’s
latest CD release, has been named as the very first award winner in a
brand new category the association has created. The International Style
Album of the Year award was added to IPA’s other categories in hopes
of broadening their awards by including other polka music styles beyond
the Polish style. Nominations included releases from a variety of
Slovenian, Czech and German bands. You can see the complete list of
nominees HERE. Being
the very first time this award category has been presented makes the award
that much more special. It is also one of only a handful of
Slovenian-style recordings to ever be honored by the IPA. The awards
presentation will be held at the IPA awards banquet and festival in
Buffalo, New York later this year. Thank You Music Lovers was
recorded live in the summer of 2014 and released in early 2015. If you
don’t already have this award-winning release, be
sure to add it to your collection right now!
SLOVENEFEST BUS TRIP ANNOUNCED March 1
, 2016 Only a handful of truly great
Slovenian-style polka festivals remain in the United States. Continuing to
top that list of truly great polka events isSlovenefest, held
at the SNPJ Recreation Center in Enon Valley, Pennsylvania. More than a
dozen top bands headline the event each year, including names like Don
Wojtilia, Klancnik & Friends, Frank Stanger, Eddie Rodick, Jack Tady, Karl
Lukitsch & Autobahn, Ron Lickovic and many more. This year, the Steve
Meisner Band has been added to the lineup. Steve and the band will perform
both Saturday and Sunday of Slovenefest, but that’s not all! Steve has
just announced he will be hosting a bus trip to this great event.
Wisconsin and Northern Illinois fans will have a chance to attend the
35th annual Slovenefest, July 8-10, 2016. The package includes deluxe
motor coach transportation, two nights lodging at newly remolded Holiday
Inn Boardman, admission to all three days of Slovenefest, plus a whole lot
more! The Holiday Inn Boardman is the area’s only full service chain hotel
and has just completed a stunning guest room renovation. They feature 158
modern rooms plus a restaurant and lounge, large indoor pool and in-room
amenities. The complete package is only $365 per person based on double
occupancy. Steve is accepting bookings right now. If you’ve never attended
this spectacular summer polka festival, here is your chance! Join Steve
and the band for a great weekend of music and fun, July 8-10, 2016.Get
more information or book right now or contact
Steve directly with any questions.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY MUSIC SALE December 1 , 2015 If you thought you missed out on
Steve’s annual holiday sale, you’re actually still in luck! Just in time
to follow everyone else’s sale, everything at SteveMeisner.com comes with
free shipping from now through Christmas. Pick up Steve’s latest, Thank
You Music Lovers, released earlier this year. It will make a great
stocking stuffer for someone on your list. No matter what you select, no
matter how much you order, it all comes with free shipping anywhere in the
United States, starting today through Christmas. The more your order, the
more you save! Check
out the more than 25 CDs, and DVDs right now and place your order
right now!
STEVE FEATURED IN EXAMINAR.COM
ARTICLE August 10 , 2015 A new feature article has been
published online updating everyone with the latest news and information
about Steve. How has the polka industry and the music industry as a whole
changed over the years? How is Steve's career different today than in
years past?
Check out the feature right now on the national website, examinar.com
WORD Leaks about meisner love child April 1 , 2015 A brand new tabloid-style music
publication has apparently blown the lid off of Steve's long-time,
well-kept secret. Following in the musical footsteps the likes of Justin
Bieber, Jay-Z and Mick
Jagger - all famous musicians accused of having love-children of their own
- the inaugural edition of a brand new tabloid-style newspaper, Polka
World, has blown the lid off of a previously deeply well-hidden
Meisner secret. Will Peng Li inherit the keys to the Meisner
Mansion? Might she one day share the stage with her famous,
accordion-playing father? Were the words "Let's Do It" ever uttered? It's
difficult to know just how deep this still developing story can go.
Perhaps only Tom Brusky,
creator of Joe LaBotz, the Polka Pontoon radio show and now the brand new
Polka World tabloid publication - not to mention one of Steve's musicians,
often playing drums behind Steve on stage - knows. Regardless, it's very
likely we won't hear any more about the story for another 365 days. Calls
to Steve were not immediately returned prior to this article being
published, early Wednesday morning, April 1, 2015. He must have been out
celebrating April Fools Day. Happy April Fools!
FANS ARE REALLY LOVING THANK YOU MUSIC LOVERS April 1 , 2015 Music lovers from all
over seem to be in love with the latest release from Steve Meisner and His
Band. Thank You Music Lovers came out a few months ago and it’s
already clear that listeners are loving it! Here are just a few of the
comments Steve has received from music lovers:
The latest Meisner "Magic"
CD is now stuck in my vehicle’s CD player. This doesn't happen very
often... :) I'm saying it is one of the best CD’s to be released in a
long, long while, thus, it is "stuck" in my player. Not all CDs earn that
honor in any vehicle driven by me. - Chuck Stastny,
PolkaConnection.com
Brilliant, Maestro! Just uploaded your new CD to my music mother ship, and
also to my iPod under my personal playlist “Mozart of Polka”… Thanks for
the great music, this is a truly great recording! Muchas Gracias, Amigo! -
The Burrows of Hollywood, Inc.
Abergut is a great tune and somebody with brains wrote it, especially the
lyrics. So, now what are you going to do with another big hit CD in your
pocket? It sure is getting a lot of air play. - Bob Roth
What a fantastic CD. I like the way you mention the names of songs. Love
Edelweiss. My Dad was not a "singer," but he would sing that one. I don't
think I’ve ever heard Denny Anderson yodel...WOW!!! - Bob and Mary
Masteller
I just want to compliment you. All of your recordings are dynamite but
this one here….I just can’t get enough of it! I must have listened to it
five times in a row. It’s the most well-produced-sounding recording I’ve
ever heard – Your music is outstanding!! - Bruce Korosa, WJOL radio
All I can say is “WOW”!!! Nice, nice, nice work. I love that live Meisner
feeling reminiscent of the "Meisner Mini Concert." - Jeff
Walker, Rhapsody Records
Marci and I totally enjoyed the new CD. Your selection of songs is
outstanding especially “I’m in Love with You,” one of our favorites. I was
also very impressed with the updated arrangements of these songs. If you
remember, a few years ago I mentioned that you should do an album and call
it “The best of Steve Meisner,” because your voice has progressed so much
from when you did some of these original recordings. Well, this CD does
just that. Your vocals are impeccable on this edition of Meisner Magic!!
Thank you for “Thank You Music Lovers!” - Eric & Marci Wohleben
If you don't have your copy of the new Thank You Music Lovers
release, you can pick one up right now from the
merchandise section. Get your copy today and see why everone is in
love with Thank You Music Lovers!
WATCH STEVE PERFORM A SONG FROM THE NEW THANK YOU MUSIC
LOVERS CD
March 8 , 2015 Thank You Music Lovers, the latest CD release
from Steve Meisner and his band, is already proving to be a big seller. If
you don't have yours yet you can order right now
and have it shipped to you in no time! You can also see Steve and the guys
performing songs from the new Thank You Music Lovers CD as they
appear on the
Mollie B Polka Party television show on RFD network. Take a look and a
listen to a recent show clip as they perform I Get So Lonely.
NEW RECORDING COMING OUT
January 31 , 2015 You’ve heard Steve say it on stage many times and now,
Thank You Music Lovers, is the title of a new CD set to debut at
the Illinois Polka Fest the first weekend of February. Get set for 21
classic Meisner polkas and waltzes, all recorded live last summer at the
Medina Ballroom in Media, Minnesota. One listen and you’ll agree it’s
almost like having a front seat at a table in front of the stage – or like
having the band perform live for you in your living room. You’ll also hear
Steve Meisner and his band in one of their best live performances ever.
You can sense the enthusiasm and hear the guys interacting both with the
audience and with each other on stage. Many of the songs included on
Thank You Music Lovers are already long-time Meisner favorites.
Titles include songs made popular by Steve and also by his dad, Verne
Meisner, including Polka 76, Sugar Bush, Memories of Vienna and of course
El Rio Drive. Some of Steve’s classics like, The Sailor Song, Wildflower
Waltz and Meisner Magic are also included. But there’s even more with
Denny Anderson yodeling on Edelweiss, Don Hunjadi’s Howg Wobber and other
great tunes like Abergut and You Don’t Wanna. With 21 total songs
providing nearly 70 minutes of music, Thank You Music Lovers is
not only a great recording, it’s a great deal! You can
order the new CD right now from the merchandise page or pick one up
from Steve on stage.
STEVE ADDED TO THE LINEUP AT
ILLINOIS POLKAFEST
January 5 , 2015 Steve and the guys have been added to the roster of
bands appearing at this year's
Illinois Polkafest, February 6-8, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency in
Schamburg, Illinois. Along with announcing the addition of the Steve
Meisner Band, festival promoter, Bob Doszak, also announced this would be
his last year heading the annual event that is about to hit it's 27th
year. Will this be the final Illinois Polkafest? It may unless Bob's
children decide to continue the legacy. Don't miss what may be the final
event and don't miss some of the best Slovenian-style bands in the
country, including the Steve Meisner Band. Get more information including
hotel booking details by making a visit to the
Illinois Polkafest Facebook page.
FREE SHIPPING SALE CONTINUES
THROUGH CHRISTMAS December 2
,
2014 Everyone loves a deal. It's even better when it's
free. If you missed it last year, you're in luck because the big,
once-a-year sale from Steve Meisner has returned once again. Make any purchase of over $25 and get free shipping on your order
from now through Christmas. That is real savings! Give someone the gift of Meisner music this holiday season - even if that someone is you! What could be better? Start shopping
right now in our MERCHANDISE SECTION
El Rio Drive Named AS AN All-Time
Greatest Hit! November 15 ,
2014 Of the many songs Steve’s father, Verne Meisner,
created over his lifetime, El Rio Drive is arguably the most popular.
Created in 1977 and named for the street in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin,
where Verne lived at the time, El Rio Drive became an immediate hit at
local performances in and around Milwaukee. That happened even before
being recorded one year later for the El Rio Drive album release. Although
the song’s popularity continued to spread far and wide, few knew that it
was Verne Meisner who had created the catchy song. Today, El Rio Drive
continues to be performed live as well as recorded by many artists in all
styles of music from Dutchmen and Czech to Polish, Slovenian and of course
Tex-Mex. When the curtin goes up at this year’s National Cleveland Style
Polka Hall of Fame awards show on Saturday, November 29, El Rio Drive will
be inducted as one of this year’s All-Time Greatest Hits. Steve very much
regrets not being able to attend the awards show and watch as long-time
musician friends Eddie Klacnik presents the award and Hank Thunander
performs the song. Still, it brings Steve great pride that his dad’s
creation, El Rio Drive, will be certified as an All-Time Greatest Hit.
MOLLIE B TAPING A GREAT SUCCESS August 8,
2014 It was a great time for Steve and the guys as they
traveled to Medina, Minnesota, to take part in the latest taping for the
Mollie B Polka Party television show on the RFD cable network. Steve,
along with Rick Hartmann, Denny Anderson and Don Hunjadi performed at the
Medina Entertainment Center in front of an estimated crowd of 750 in
attendance. The band recorded a total of seven seperate show segments that
will begin airing in Fall and likely run into next year. A total of 21
songs were completed including many Verne Meisner classics like Polka 76,
Autumn Leaves, Sugar Bush, Memories of Vienna, Doreen Waltz, and even El
Rio Drive. Also in the lineup were tunes featuring three and four part
vocal harmonies from all of the guys, plus the yodeling of Denny Anderson,
Don Hunjadi featured on flute, and even Don's popular original, Howg
Wobbler polka. Of course several of Steve's original tunes were also part
of the lineup with the Sailor Song, Wildflower Waltz, and Meisner Magic
topping the list. Be sure to watch for Steve's new segments coming soon to
the
Mollie B Polka Party Show.
SIX STATES IN THREE WEEKS AND EVEN
MORE TO COME! August
1, 2014
After returning from a great trip to Ohio and Pennsylvania in late July,
the Steve Meisner Band will continue down the road with performances in
Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois. The new Meisner Jammin Van
first heads to the
St. Croix Casino in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, for a Sunday afternoon
performance on August 3rd. Steve returns to the Milwaukee area the next
day performing at the
Budweiser Pavilion inside Wisconsin State Fair with performances on
Monday and Wednesday. Thursday takes the gang back to the Northwest - this
time to the Medina Entertainment Center to record a bunch of new songs for
the
Mollie B Polka Party on RFD Television. Tickets will be available at
the door to put you on television with Steve and Mollie B. The following
weekend it will be a bus rather than the Meisner van taking the band,
along with some Meisner fans, to the
Frankenmuth
Music Fest on August 15 and 16 before stopping in at the Croatian
Cultural Club in Joliet on the way home Sunday evening. All told Steve and
the band will have traveled nearly 3,000 miles over the last three weeks
bringing Meisner music to your area. If you’re going to be somewhere along
the route, be sure and make plans to stop by!
While the travels may not be
as wide and broad, the events schedule will continue into September with a
variety of opportunities to catch some Meisner music. The Labor Day
weekend brings Steve back to the
Oak Creek VFW Lions Festival on Sunday, August 31. On Labor Day,
September 1, it’s back to the
Schwabenhof for their annual Oktoberfest. After many years of
performing Sunday afternoon at
Gemuetlichkeit Days, Steve moves this year to Saturday night in the
Black Forest at the Jefferson Fairgrounds for another G-Days performance.
One week later it’s back to Northwestern Wisconsin for two days at the
Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest. This event continues as one of the largest
of its kind hosting Steve and the band on both Friday and Saturday.
Unfortunately, this will start to put a close on the outdoor events as you
know what will be right around the corner. Actually, let’s not even think
about that, just come and enjoy the warm weather, great music and fun at
some of these Steve Meisner Band performances.
MEISNER BAND RETURNS TO FRANKENMUTH June 3, 2014
When the 19 year run ended, the last time the Steve Meisner Band
performed at the Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest was in 2009. Many
Meisner fans can recall great memories spanning nearly two decades at
the festival. Now, for the first time in five years, Steve is headed
back to Frankenmuth for the 2014 Music Fest, performing on August 15th
and 16th. Even better, if you’re from Southeastern,
Wisconsin, Steve is hosting a bus trip to the event so you can be
there too! Meisner Fans from other parts of the country will no doubt
also be headed to Frankenmuth for this long-running event. It will be
great to see friends and fans both old and new. Fans interested in
traveling with Steve can get complete details and even
book the trip on-line from Steve’s website. The bus will depart
from Hales Corners, Wisconsin for Friday and Saturday at the Music
Fest together with two nights at the Bavarian Inn. On Sunday we’ll
visit the Croatian Cultural Club in Joliet, Illinois for one more
evening of Meisner music before returning home. Get all of the details
right now by clicking the links below.
RETURN TO THE MOLLIE B POLKA PARTY May 28, 2014
It’s already been three years since Steve Meisner, Rick Hartmann, Denny
Anderson and Don Hunjadi appeared on the very first taping of the Mollie B
Polka Party show. Those episodes still air but on August 7th,
Steve along with the same guys will tape their second Mollie B show. this
time at the Medina Entertainment Center in Minnesota. If you’d like to be
on television with Steve and Mollie B,
tickets are available right now. Even if we don’t see you in Medina,
you’ll soon see us on the Mollie B Polka Party with a great selection of
new songs.
STEVE WINS 5TH WAMI
AWARD May 1, 2014
On April 27th Steve lead an all-star, seven-piece, super band - one of
four bands at the Polka Parade radio show annual dance in Milwaukee. The
extra-large band was sponsored in part by Meisner fan Ken Rosin. At the
same time the Wisconsin
Area Music Industry (WAMI) was holding their 34th annual awards show
in Appleton. Just as Steve and the super band were performing he was also
being announced as the WAMI Polka Artist of the Year at the award
ceremony. Regrettably, Steve was not able to accept the award in person.
The last WAMI win for Steve was in 2010 with previous WAMI's in 2001, 1996
and 1989. The WAMI awards have a rich tradition in Wisconsin helping to
highlight the great variety of talent that the state has to offer -
including polka music. Even though Steve was not able to accept the award
in person he greatly appreciates being selected from the roster of seven
finalists.
MEISNER TIMEWINS IN TWO SEPARATE AWARDS April
15, 2014 It has been an exciting time both
for Steve Meisner and for his 2013 CD release, Meisner Time. Two
separate, nation-wide, organizations have voted Meisner Time the
best Slovenian Style polka release in 2013. The first organization to
release their award winners was the
Polka America Corporation (PAC), where Meisner Time finished
on top as the Best Slovenian CD in the 2014 PAC Awards. The PAC awards
start with nominations and voting by industry experts followed by final
ballots from voting members and the general public. Only days later it was
the
24/7 PolkaHeaven’s Best of 2013 that likewise announced that
Meisner Time had been voted number one across all of the Slovenian
Style releases in 2013. Sweet Jennie Lee took top votes for the
best Cleveland-Style, Contemporary, Polka Variety Song of 2013. The 24/7
IJs nominated the finalists before more than 32,000 votes were cast by
listeners world-wide during their week-long voting for the 24/7
PolkaHeaven awards. With a national audience voting, Meisner Time
was placed on top by both, separate and independent, organizations. Steve
wants to thank everyone who took time to vote in all of the recent awards,
and added "It is a privilege to be included and counted among so many
wonderful recordings and talented people.”. If you don’t have your copy of
the award winning Meisner Time, you’ll certainly want to have it
in your music collection. It’s available in both CD and MP3 download from
the merchandise page as well as many local and
Internet sources. Better yet, pick up a copy at one of Steve's
next performances! See for yourself why polka
fans everywhere say Meisner Time is number one.
SPRING INTO SOME GREAT EVENTS April 1, 2014
The thermometer may say otherwise but it really is spring! No matter the
temperature, there is a string of hot music events waiting just around the
corner and the Steve Meisner Band will be there! It all starts with the
Old Time Music Fest at the Silver Dome Ballroom in Neilsville with
four great bands including Steve on April 26th. On April 27th
Steve will lead a 7-piece, All-star Super
Band for the
WJYI, Polka Parade annual fund raiser dance taking place at Serb Hall
in Milwaukee. Music starts at 12:30 with the International Main Street
Polka Band followed by Cleveland’s Eric Noltkamper as he reunites with the
Sidemen band. Hank Thunander will perform with a full Cleveland-style band
before Steve closes out the day with the
All-Star Super Band. Seeing a full 7-piece band with two accordions,
sax, banjo/guitar, string bass, drums and piano, is very rare these days
and you won't want to miss it. Then on May 18th Steve will once
again return to the Olympia Village in Oconomowoc for day three of the
Wisconsin Polka Fest. These are some truly great polka events that
will launch us into the summer season – including Steve’s first trip in
two years to Ohio and Pittsburgh this July. So, Spring into
stevemeisner.com to check the schedule, call your friends, and make
plans to see steve and the guys performing weekly near you.
THE FUN CONTINUES AT POTAWATOMI CASINO
March 15, 2014
Imagine a place to dance and listen to the Steve Meisner Band without
paying a cover charge. Imagine a place with valet parking. How about
complimentary coffee and soft drinks in designated locations, plus happy
hour drink specials in the bar? Then add in a total of
six resturant options from quick and casual to fine dining. Now
throw in an afternoon of great music from Steve Meisner. Could such a
place actually exist? You bet it does. The third Thursday of every month
is the time and the
Fire Pit Side Bar inside the Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee is the
place. What really could be better? No charge to get in, drink specials,
and plenty of ways to make a day of it. Who knows, you could even win
big on the casino floor or in the bingo hall. If it’s been a while, or
if you’ve never stopped by, you’ve got to get to the Potawatomi Casino’s
Fire Pit Side Bar on April 17 to see Steve from 2-6. Other dates include
May 15, June 19 and July 17. No matter the date, it’s always the third
Thursday of the month for Steve Meisner at the
Potawatomi Casino.
OUR LONG, LONG WINTER
CONTINUES February 17, 2014 Just about everyone will agree... this
has been a winter to remember! There's never been a better argument to
travel to Florida or Arizona or anyplace warm and snow-free, rather than
face yet another day of sub zero temps and more snow. Spring will have to
get here sooner or later and we are all ready! Apologies go out to anyone
inconvenienced by the many cancellations over the past several months.
It's always a good idea to check in here at
www.SteveMeisner.com
to make sure that either snow or sub-zero temperatures hasn't forced a
last minute cancellation of the performance. We'll provide you with the
latest info. In the meantime, stop out and catch
Steve and the guys for a hot performance sometime soon. We'll take
your mind off of the weather with some of your favorite tunes. Hope to see
you soon!
MEISNER MERCHANDISE ON
SALE FOR THE HOLIDAYS November 24, 2013 The holiday season is once again
upon us and about to kick off in full-force with “Black Friday” along with
“Cyber Monday” on-line. It’s pretty hard to escape. Meisner merchandise is
not left behind by Black Friday or Cyber Monday as
everything in the on-line store comes with free shipping on every
order over $25! This means real savings for you – as in up to 20% off of
regular total prices. The Meisner Holiday Sale free shipping offer runs
from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve and is good on every single item
in the
Meisner store. But that’s not all, make your purchase anytime on
Black Friday, November 29 through
Cyber Monday, December 2,
spend $25 or more, and not only will you get free shipping on your order,
you’ll also get a Meisner Time T-Shirt free with your order! That’s a $10
value making your total savings something you just don’t want to miss.
What could be easier than starting your Christmas shopping with some
Meisner music for your family and friends? Free shipping on any order over
$25 from Thanksgiving through Christmas and a free, $10 value, Meisner
Time T-Shirt on any order over $25 purchased between
Black Friday and
Cyber Monday 2013. What a
great way to kick off the holiday shopping season - Meisner style!
STEVE ON THE BALLOT FOR
MORE AWARDS September 21, 2013
Steve Meisner is once again on the ballot to be inducted as a life-time
achievement winner, this time into the Wisconsin Polka Music Hall of Fame.
Last year the Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame placed Steve into this coveted
category of lifetime achievement honors - the highest award presented by
most organizations. Now, for 2013, Steve has been added to the ballot for
Lifetime Achievement honors with the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame. Back in
Cleveland, Steve's Meisner Time CD is up for Recording of the Year.
Both the Wisconsin and Cleveland Halls of Fame rely on votes from the
membership to determine the award winners. Any Meisner fans who are
members of either the Wisconsin or Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fames are
encouraged to return their election ballots prior to the deadline. Of
course a vote for Steve in any of the categories is also greatly
appreciated. Both Halls of Fame will hold their awards shows later this
year.
CATCH STEVE LIVE
OUTSIDE IN WEST ALLIS July 27, 2013 West Allis,
Wisconsin will be the place to see Steve several times during the first
days of August. It starts with the rain date for Veterans Park near 70th
and National where Steve and the band make their second attempt to perform
for the free, summer concert series. The first attempt was rained out so
don't forget to come out for the rescheduled free concert with Steve,
hopefully under a clear sky this time, on August 1st. Four days later the
band travels just up the street from the West Allis Veterans Park to the
West Allis State Fair Park where the band once again performs at the
Budweiser Pavilion. This year's dates are Monday and Tuesday, August 5th
and 6th starting at 11:00 AM and running until 2:30 PM. It's a great time
to visit the Wisconsin State Fair and if you do, be sure to stop by and
catch a set or two with the Steve Meisner Band!
BIG WEDDING WEEKEND ALL
SET July 2, 2013
The Steve Meisner family will celebrate the
wedding of Steve and Barb's middle child, Lindsey,
as she marries Nik Martin at a private celebration on Saturday, July 20th.
The party will keep going on Sunday as everyone heads to Rick’s Eastside
Pub in Whitewater for an afternoon of great music with the Klancnik &
Friends band together with the Steve Meisner Band. The music will get
underway starting at 1:00 PM and run throughout the afternoon alternating
with both Klancnik & Friends and the Steve Meisner Bands all afternoon
long. There is no coverage charge to attend! Don’t miss this chance for a
great afternoon of fun at Rick’s Eastside Pub with two of the hottest
bands in Slovenian style polka music. It will be a great way to wrap up
the second Meisner wedding in two years.
STEVE NOMINATED FOR
WISCONSIN AREA MUSIC INDUSTRY AWARD - WAMI March 11,
2013 The Wisconsin Area Music Industry
(WAMI) awards have been presented to the best Wisconsin musicians in a
variety of categories for over 30 years. The WAMI is a volunteer
organization whose purpose is to educate and recognize the achievements
and accomplishments of individuals in the Wisconsin music industry. The
group also utilizes its funds to provide a Youth Music
Showcase
and provide scholarships to students and emerging artists. Steve has been
nominated in several categories over many previous years and has won in
the polka category several times. The WAMI committee recently released the
nominees for 2013 and once again Steve Meisner has been nominated in the
polka category. The awards show will be held at Turner Hall in Milwaukee
on April 14th. Information about the WAMI as well as tickets for the
awards show are available directly from
their website. Steve is
both pleased and proud to once again be nominated for a WAMI at their 33rd
awards show.
MEISNER TIME CD RELEASED
AT RELEASE PARTY February 10, 2013
The wait is over! At long last the new and long-awaited
Meisner Time CD has arrived to the Meisner Mansion nearly two years to the day
after it was started. The original recording session took place on January
24 and 25, 2011 and the shipment of CDs arrived on January 25, 2013.
To
help celebrate, Steve and the band hosted a CD release party on
Saturday, February 9th at Rick’s Eastside Pub in Whitewater,
Wisconsin. Fans were able to hear the
actual recording band perform all of the songs on the CD, plus many other
favorites as well as pick up a copy of the brand new Meisner Time
CD together with their free Meisner Time T-Shirt, given away only at the
CD release party. It was a packed house taking advantage of hearing a rare
five and sometimes six-piece band live on stage. If you missed it, Meisner Time
CDs along with some pre-view samples are now available on-line from the Merchandise
page. Hear portions of six songs from the new CD then order yours
right now! Click on the image to the right to see the new
Meisner Time CD cover, or
click
here to see the back side of the CD package, including song titles and
CD information. COVERBACK
GREAT PHOTOS FROM THE
HEATWAVE POLKAFEST January 23, 2013 Steve, Don Hunjadi and Tom Brusky
were recently captured on stage by photographer, Dick Blau, as they
performed for the Heatwave Polka Fest at the Amerahn Ballroom in Kewauskum.
When the band arrived early Saturday evening, it was something of a
Heatwave for January in Wisconsin with temperatures nearing 50 degrees. By
the time the performance had ended only a few hours later, it was anything
but tropical as a blizzard of sorts had moved in dropping temperatures
into the single digits and blasting wind gusts over 40 miles per hour! At
least the music inside was still hot, hot, hot with Steve and the band.
See some great photos right here
and don't forget about all of the other recent photo adds available from
the PHOTOS page.
STEVE INDUCTED
INTO CLEVELAND STYLE POLKA HALL OF FAME November 26,
2012
It was a big weekend for Steve as he became
both the youngest inductee and the first father-son inductee into the
Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame. Steve and the band performed at the
Thanksgiving polka festival during all three days of the event as well as
appearing in the 25th anniversary awards show on Saturday. Photos and
video from the weekend's events have already started to appear on Facebook
and You Tube. Check out some of the photos and video from the 2012
Cleveland, Thanksgiving weekend events.
STEVE FEATURED IN
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL ARTICLE
October 21, 2012
Steve was recently featured in an article
appearing in one of the largest newspapers in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin
State Journal, published in Madison, ran a feature on Steve as part of
their Sunday, October 21, 2012 edition. On Wisconsin is a feature
of the newspaper that looks at interesting topics related to life in
Wisconsin. The feature included both information and photos of Steve,
covering his now 35 plus year career. See the feature along with previous
news coverage of Steve on the NEWS PAGE.
STEVE TO BE
INDUCTED INTO CLEVELAND POLKA HALL OF FAME
October 15, 2012
Steve Meisner will join his father on
Saturday, November 24, 2012 when he is inducted into the National
Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame at the annual awards ceremony. Being
inducted along with Steve are Father Frank Perkovich of Chisholm,
Minnesota and Eddie Vallus of Youngstown, Ohio. All other awards are not
announced until the awards ceremony while lifetime achievements are named
by the Hall of Fame trustees and pre-announced.
The 25th
annual National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame Awards Show takes place
at 2:00 p.m., Saturday afternoon, November 24, 2012, at Euclid Auditorium,
711 East 222nd Street, in Euclid, Ohio. This year's program
features an all-star salute for the Hall of Fame’s silver anniversary,
featuring Steve Meisner, Canada’s Polka King Walter
Ostanek, and Nashville’s button-box sweetheart Lynn Marie Hrovat Rink.
The Steve Meisner Band will also be performing throughout the weekend at
the event as well as taking a
bus trip of fans along with them. Steve is extremely honored to
receive the news and be inducted as a lifetime achievement award winner.
Watch for more information in the November newsletter (sign up on the
right if you don't currently receive the newsletter) and here at
SteveMeisner.com.
TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE
October 4, 2012
The first Steve Meisner web site was created
over 15 years ago. Wow, that's a long time! Since then a whole lot of
stuff has been put up around here. We've had all sorts of information,
photos, videos, band schedules, trip information, accomplishments,
performances, more photos, music, and even some information about my
familly, friends, and hobbys. With all of that content, we've really
created quite an inventory of items - including some that are now pretty
out-dated. As you can see, we already have a new look that will hopefully
help everyone find what they need, but it's really only temporary. I won't
bore you with everything taking place behind the scenes, but we have
started to clean house here at Steve Meisner.com and will continue to make
changes and clean up over the next few months. Then, sometime in 2013
we'll roll out a completely redesigned website that both current and new
Steve Meisner fans will not only enjoy but be able use as a great resource
for everything Meisner. Until then, please bear with us as we continue our
house cleaning.
NEW MEISNER TIME T-SHIRTS
AVAILABLE August 10, 2012
In preparation for the highly anticipated
Meisner Time recording, brand new Meisner Time T-shirts now available. The new
T-shirts were introduced at the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair with many Meisner
fans already getting theirs! Meisner fans can order their Meisner Time
T-shirt right now from the Merchandise section. While you are there, be
sure to check out all of the Meisner recordings available on CD and DVD.
Fans can use any major credit card to safely order on-line - right from
this website! We'll ship anywhere in the world, and typically have your
order on the way to you within a few days! Take some time right now to
check out all of the merchandise and make certain that you aren't missing
anything from your CD collection - including some of the early Meisner
music - all available now on compact disc.
