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Our very own band teacher, Mr. Kucera, will be
inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame!
The Sokol Omaha Polka Hall of Fame was established in 1972 to recognize musicians, band leaders and persons who were involved in promoting and preserving polka music. That year, there were 14 inductees, 7 band leaders, 4 sidemen and 3 supporters of polka music. Each year, the selection and voting for the nominees and inductees into the Sokol Omaha Polka Hall of Fame is completed by the past inductees.
The process begins in early May when ballots are mailed and returned to the Hall of Fame Coordinator for tabulation. Ballots are kept confidential and the winners are notified by phone and mail. This year marks the 50th year for the Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony is held at The Admiral (formerly Sokol Auditorium), located at 13th and Martha Street in Omaha, NE, on the second Sunday in September with a FREE POLKA DANCE!!
The event is this coming Sunday, September 11.
Music begins at 3:00 with Bob Blecha and the Bouncing Czechs Polka Band. The induction ceremony is at 5:30.
Coordinator of the Polka Hall of Fame is Ed “Sonny” Svoboda. The Master of Ceremonies is Jim Bochnicek.
Among the inductees this year is Jim Kucera!
Jim is currently the instrumental music teacher at Omaha Christian Academy. Jim began his teaching career at Nemaha Valley in 1990. He also taught in Waverly from 2001 to 2020, and most recently was at Scott Middle School in Lincoln for two years. Jim has been in education for 33 years.
Jim is excited about the potential for growth within the band program at OCA. Jim began performing professionally with the Math Sladky band from Waverly at the age of 14 in 1982.
He recorded three albums with Math Sladky. In 1985, Jim began his own band and continues to perform to this day. The Jim Kucera Band has recorded 9 albums, the most recent was released earlier this year. Jim states that he “is humbled and honored to be voted into the Polka Hall of Fame. To be recognized by your peers who were inducted previously is very appreciative. I am thankful to God for providing me the opportunity to perform music which I love and cherish.” Other inductees this year are Larry Skarka, Walt Bahm, Marvin Capoun and Irene and Charlie Wagner Jr.
Congratulations, Mr. Kucera!
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