11.20.2003

On Saturday night November 15th 2003 the Sinovi Tamburitza group of Chicago celebrated their 25th anniversary. Having attended this event, I want to share some of the evening festivities and some thoughts I have on a remarkable group of friends and musicians.

I am one of the founding members of Sinovi, so this was a nice experience to be a part of. In case you don’t know ‘Sinovi’ means ‘sons’. The name came from the fact that all of our fathers played tambura and we wanted to keep a tie to that. The original four, Joe Gornick, Nick Gornick, Mike Gornick and myself. Later would come Steve Kirin, John ‘whitey’ Gornick, John Miksich, Joe Perozich, Mark Oreskovich and Toma Vucinic.

Now twenty-five years is along time, isn’t it? I know there at least a few tambura groups around that have played much longer ex. Star Serenaders (Hammond, IN) at 60+ years. I know the Popovich Bros of Chicago cranked out At least 50+ years. Marty Kapuji of Chicago celebrated his 93rd birthday Saturday night by singing 5 songs with Sinovi. I am sure there are others across the country too. But what makes this special is that Sinovi comes from a generation where keeping commitments are as common as the hoola-hoop. It is extraordinary to celebrate 25 years today. You see very few marriages last that long. You don’t ever see a person remain with the same corporation (we used to say company) for any great length of time. Commitment and loyalty are things we just don’t seem to give much attention to these days.

Here is a group who has made commitment and loyalty part of their existence. They raised the bar on performance. They play a style that’s truly their own. Whether you like them or not, is unimportant. What is important is that you take notice. Throughout the years many people have taken notice in the United States and Canada. And Saturday night many of us paid tribute to Sinovi.

The evening was kind of like a wedding. It started at 6:00pm. We had a sit-down dinner for 400 people. When we walked in, you were greeted by bottles of sljivo and kruskovac waiting to cast a nasty spell upon you. Down the center of the floor were tables loaded with memorabilia. I saw some old pictures of myself that were a little strange. Funny I don’t ever remember wearing hot pants. There were many people I knew just like one of our picnics. Dunav tamburitza from Chicago started performed during cocktail hour. I thought they just sounded great.

The guys chose to make their presentations during dinner. (A nice touch I might add, TAA take notice) They began with introducing Tom Malesh as the MC. Mrs. Gornick followed with the dinner prayer. The meal consisted of Chicken, Pork, Sarma, Sljivo and ice cream. The food was excellent. Frank Jerbich president of CFU Lodge 32 gave a nice speech and presentation.

All of Sinovi were dressed in these striped zoot-suit kind of things? (See pics) they were very…. well you know. COOL. All of Sinovi’s families were introduced and thanked. It was importantly noted that all the people who have supported Sinovi throughout the years were recognized. People from churches, lodges etc. One person in particular was recognized. Joe Alfirevich. If you are from Chicago then you know who he is. He is a guy who always brings the party level up and he always loves to sing. I can’t think of a guy who enjoys himself more at an event. I play at his house every Christmas Day night and every time it is a great experience. He and his family are great people. As part of thanks to him, Sinovi presented Joe with his very own wireless microphone. Joe immediately put it to use by having everyone get up and sing zivio. ZIVIO JOE!

Toma acknowledged every past member of Sinovi. Guys, I was touched by your words and by your friendships. Playing with Sinovi are days that I remember fondly. Thanks. Then reskie introduced and acknowledged each current member of Sinovi.

After dinner, T-Rroma played for dancing. Thanks to Muz, John McKennas in attendance who came up and sang our whole set with us. We played for about an hour and then Sinovi took the stage.

Sinovi played all the songs people love to hear. Different people joined them on stage too. Marty Kapuji and Wally Pravica joined in for a few tunes. Eddie Kammerer (sp) sang ‘The Twist’. Dick Buric, a guy who played accordion with all of our Dads, cranked out a few polka’s and waltz’s. They sounded great too. Pete Tomicic from Windsor played brac and sang. Mr. Gornick got up there as well. Before you knew it is was 1:00am and the festivities drew to a close.

We as Croatians can be proud of many things. Our culture is a beautiful one and it is, because so many people contribute to it uniquely. We as can also be proud and thankful of Sinovi. They bring our music and culture to the rest of the world in a way that the listener is left with a feeling of warmth, excitement and love.

Cestitam!

……and raise your glasses high with pride, drink a toast to you and I,

‘cause in you and I, the music stays alive.

jka

7.8.2003

This installment is filled with all kinds of emotion. I cannot describe to you how I felt during and after this weekend. I had no expectations going into it, but it was just an incredible experience for me.

I don’t even no how to begin. The social Friday was very nice. I don’t know the names of all the combos but I was very impressed with them. Our future is in good hands. I didn’t stay up late Friday anticipating the early morning rehearsal.

From the first time I performed at a junior festival I have always hated the early morning practice. You are comatose-like when you get to the rehearsal and there are people yelling, telling you to go here and there, shut up and stop playing. You’re like who are these people? they are not real.

It is a weird thing to get up in front of all these children. You don’t know how they are going to react, how they will perform etc. There is nothing else like it. You all should try it sometime. You are at their mercy and if you’re a jerk well they can certainly make you look like one. It went as well as practices generally go, But something began to take form that eventually became the theme for the weekend. That theme was FUN.

I watched some of the performances. The groups just get better and better year after year. When I started there were maybe 2-4 groups that you watched for great performances. Today, there many more groups that are excellent. That is a tribute to progress and the dedication of directors and choreographers.

Later I went to the pool, it was filled with kids everywhere. You know I have never actually directed musicians with a baton. So at the pool I got a crash-course from Zeljko and Cindy Jergan and Cathy and Carol Cubelic on the art of conductorship. I still get confused with the whole thing. But they were nice for helping.

I didn’t really realize that the guest conductor directs for the mass on Saturday too. I don’t play much church music so I really didn’t want to take that on. I want thank Marlene for supplying all the music and direction during the mass. She really handled all of it. Thanks Marlene and thanks to the other directors that helped.

Immediately after the mass we had to do a sound check for the evening social. There was a lot to be left desired with the hotel sound team. We had nothing but technical problems leading right up to the beginning of the social. While that had great equipment etc, they certainly were inept in resolving the sound problems. A 30 minute sound check wound up taking about 2 hours. Even after we started it was frustrating. Thanks to Johnny Mikisic, Kruno and Ivo Coric helping to resolve those problems. However…

This had to be one of the greatest gigs that we have ever played for. It was like playing at a rock concert. All you people were incredible. You were the greatest party animals. All the dancing and singing wow!!! We actually could have kept going, but the sound people had had enough and told us to quit. When it was over I was totally spent. Anytime you all want to get together and do that again let us know. T-Rroma thanks you.

After hours: Thanks to the all guys(Ryan, Danny, David, Peter etc.) playing in the small rooms after the dance. I really appreciated you coming up and playing for me and I was touched. Thanks to the girls from Mississauga who let me take their picture. To Patsy Lukas, one of my biggest promoters. Thanks for your love and friendship. And on to the big day…

The ‘mass performance’ is something exclusive to our culture. It is to behold. Some people have coined a phrase calling it the “mass mess” but it is not a term that I enjoy. Whether you are directing or in the audience it is always a wow type of experience. I don’t know of any other event that measures up to it. The children, costumes, the music and singing. Now it could be argued that it can sound ‘messy’. When you consider what we are tying to pull off with what we have to work with, the result is incredible. It is truly a beautiful site to see and hear. When you direct you have a view that no one else has and it is really awesome.

Just as the performance was about to begin I got on the cell phone to call Vjeko so he could hear the performance. A couple of directors and maybe others saw me and were like ‘Oh my god he’s talking on the cell phone during the performance’ so I became the first director to use a cell phone during a mass performance and a new age has begun.

Fresh from conducting school and holding my new baton I was ready to hit the first down stroke. I don’t know if it is odd or not but I was never ever nervous during this performance. It was like being at home. There is some anxiousness in anticipating the first beat and what is to follow. I loved the performance, all the kids shined. Every song was great, and ‘Zagorska’ rocked. That song really finished it. I was totally pumped during it. You cannot tell on stage what it sounds like but I could feel it. Priceless. Thank you Angelo and Derek helping in the rhythm sections. There were other people who really worked hard in their sections to keep it great on stage. I am sorry I didn’t get your names but thank you for your help. Thanks to all you great kids. You are what it’s all about.

After the performance I am on a high. The only thing left to look forward to is the director’s performance. Slam dunk right?? Nope.

I can dish out all kinds of things on people, practical jokes etc.but, I was totally blind sided by this one. After some investigation I have found out that Bernadette spearheaded it. She had accomplices too. It went like this. We had three songs to perform the first with Dave Kosovec singing solo. So while I’m running off with my mouth to the audience, there is a secret plan to undermine my efforts. I turn around to start ‘Slavonijo Ja sam tvoje djete’ 1,2,3,4 boom!!! I thought my eardrums exploded. I couldn’t make any sense out of what they were playing. I’m looking at them like they have rocks in their heads. But they’re looking back at me like I have rocks in my head. I tried stopping them but they didn’t stop. I’m like what it going on here?? The I saw Zeljko out of the corner of my eye and I knew then what was up. Touche. I was totally had. I guess the plan was to play Slejancica in many different keys at the same time. I’ll never forget it. but Remember payback’s a ______!!!

The rest of the performance by the dirs was fabulous. Dave K. Great job just like I knew you would.
I was a bit worn out by the time I sang “Suze” but it went well and I appreciate Danny’s accompaniment. ‘Ti si moja ljubav stara was beautiful. Hearing girls sing like that well there is nothing sweeter. You were all beautiful.
Thanks to you all.

The end of a weekend like this is always bitter sweet. You are sad that it is over but feel great about the time spent together. Special note: We rode out to Cinci and back with Milwaukee CFU Juniors. For those of you who aren’t from the Midwest these people are the best of the bunch. You always feel like part of the family and they are just the greatest. It was our pleasure. Thanks again. Until next time…

Jka

6.9.2003

How was that? It was a really great time. From start to finish, to music, to food, to drinks, to hospitality.

Bravo to everyone who helped make this event come alive.

Some things I noticed……

One big surprise for me was Kontraband. They exceeded my expectations. It is good to hear a new band playing so well.

It was also the first time I really heard Sanjari. They played at DP’s wedding but I really didn’t ‘hear them. I was impressed. You play and sing very well.

Trubs and Kumovi singing ‘Moja Domovina” was absolutely moving. I had goose bumps.

Kumovi performing. I think that was the first time I’ve seen them perform. I was wowed. Even bought a Kumovi shirt just to be in with the group!

Hearing Cici and Rosie again was nice as well as Freddy and Ronnie. Pleasant surprise was Derek belting out some vocals. Watch out Marlene.

I know most of you know Bernadette’s husband John. In case you don’t, he worked behind the bar, like ALL DAY. It seemed like he worked there forever. It’s one thing when we all grow up in this culture and take on tasks and work b/c we know it’s what we have to do. But here is a guy who comes from outside and takes on our culture as if it is his own and puts forth a tremendous effort. Thank you John!! (I know there may be others like John, thanks to you too)

The Energizer Bunny Rabbit Award goes to David Kosovec. He started the day with St George combo and played with, 8601, Jerry Grcevich Band, Kumovi, Momci, others all day long and continued playing by the bar until???

I still haven’t seen the ‘Z’

The T-land t-shirts are cool no?

I really looked forward to seeing MSTO. You were missed.

It was nice to share the stage with my co-mc partner Cathy. I didn’t realize that I’ve know her now for about 20 years. Thanks for taking on the job. You were great and didn’t yell at me much.

BIG Thanks to all of you at the end who came up to sing Hvala. I can’t believe it came off. You try and get Vjeko into a vulnerable position. I actually had it all worked out ahead of time. He gave me a list of people to thank then I was going to pretend that I couldn’t read his writing and tell him to come up to tell me what he wrote. As soon as he comes up we blast him with Hvala. BUT 5 minutes before the end I lost the written notes. So he was trying to re-write the notes on stage at the end, so he had to be up there anyway. Blessing in disguise. He was moved.

Zlatan, the lamb was excellent. Paul Stafura just kept cooking cevape all day long.

Thanks to Kruno and Ivo for bringing and running sound all day. It is not as easy a job as you think. Many things can and go wrong throughout a day and they acted professionally. Thanks to the others that helped out too.

Upon first look at Sestili’s living room Sunday morning. How do some of you people mange to sleep in the positions that you do? Amazing.

Thanks to all of you for your compliments on the MC’ing as well as the congrats for the CFU Directors gig in Cincinnati. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there.

I still haven’t seen the ‘Z’

jka

4.15.2003

Halo,

I too after a long hiatus have returned with some meaningless thoughts and conclusions. Basically my absence is due to the fact that I haven’t had anything to say. Unusual? Yes I know.

We are well into the second year of T-land and I must say it has really taken on a life of its own. I don’t think anyone ever anticipated its wide success. I have been happy to get to know many people better that previously I only knew by name at best. I have met new people from all over the planet although not physical in nature all the same these are new relationships that will grow.

A topic in which I am happy to talk about is my being selected as guest conductor for this Junior Festival. It is really kind of strange. When you are first selected it doesn’t really feel like anything until start to prepare for it. I am not one to write out music. So when I started searching for material I was kind of avoiding having to score it. Nonetheless I found what I wanted and set out to write it. I can tell you right now that I know there are many mistakes and more proper ways of scoring but I just don’t have the experience doing it. Doing it however was a learning experience and it gave life to the upcoming fest.

My song selection is personal and here is some insight. I had intended to select music from people who impacted and influenced my life. However I couldn’t get music from all the people I requested. Vjeko and I have a long history and I wanted to use some of his music. Hence, Selo moja malo and Nek svi Kazu. Zagorska reminds me of the fun about playing tambura. It is light and catchy. It will be good if the kids just have fun with it. Another important individual is Vlado Smiljanic whom I met in 1984. He is a man with greatest passion for our music and he has always treated my like a close friend. ‘Slavonijo, Ja sam tvoje djete’ is a great song reflective of Vlado’s brilliance. ‘Suze Za Zagorske Brege’ This song, One of the finest ever songs ever written is special to me. It is the song I sang at my dads wake in 1990. It forever changed me and it is a thank you to him for the gift. ‘Ti si Moja Ljubav Stara’ Is just a real nice song and all the girls can shine in this one. I have intended to make the music easy. I hope it lives up to expectations. See you in Cincinnati.

Another great story was/is Vjeko’s song ‘Sve Bi Da Za Nju’ being selected by Oliver and then winning the Porin. I for one couldn’t be happier about it. There will be more things like this in the future, this I am certain.

A topic that has been handled like a hot potato around here has been the re-organization of Boduli. It was tough to hear about it since I’ve known all these guys for a number of years and watched them grow. I have certainly come down this path before having parted ways with Sinovi a number of years before. At the time we split, Sinovi played many jobs, two to three times a week was not unheard of. So one minute I was playing and the next nothing. I didn’t know what to do with myself. It was weird. At the time it seemed devastating it is possible that Mark and Dave may have similar feelings. But things happen for a reason. While it may not be apparent today, it may work out to be the best for all parties. You just never know. I can say that things worked out great for Sinovi and things have worked out great for me. Always remember from something bad will come something good and from something good will come something bad. In any event for Mark and Dave, the best thing to do is to move on and do what makes you happy, likewise for Boduli. Brighter days are ahead for all.

We are anxiously waiting the first T-land fest. I am sure this will be a great fun event. We have a nice lineup of bands. I will be emceeing this event. We were talking about including a female co-host. So we are looking for some talented female candidates. You can co-host with me, which includes making announcements, introducing bands, getting me drinks, food, etc.(of course I’ll do the same for you) It will be fun! Anyone interested please email me jkkirin@juno.com. Sorry guys, females only!

That’s all for now, I’ll try to get stuff out in a more timely manner. Until the next time.

jka

10.25.2002

Seeing that Tamburitza Rroma are coming to Pittsburgh to perform. I thought I’d comment about this town and its music.

I don’t remember the last time I played in Pittsburgh. It was probably with Slanina at the last extravaganza held there. That doesn’t really count since you are holed up in a hotel for 4 days and you wouldn’t notice if you were in Alaska.

Years back Pittsburgh was THE place to perform. It has always had this mystic about it. I remember growing up going to Jr. festivals and anything from Pittsburgh was intimidating. The Jr. groups, Duquense, Jerry, the girls, Cokeburgh, etc. It was the pinnacle of everything.
I actually despised it. It was only after Joe Gornick made Duquense that my feelings towards it began to change. I really owe Joe Gornick a lot for introducing me to this great town and its people.
The early eighties were a great time to be in Pittsburgh. I actually knew all the tammies in Duquense. I found out that they are people too. I loved coming to Pittsburgh. I had so much fun I even tried out for the tammies. Oh boy. Couldn’t make the school though. Hehe. I saw some of the best bands you will ever see. Lole, Cigani and Trubs stand out in my mind.

Orchestra Lole: I think I enjoyed this band the most. They weren’t lacking in any area. They had great charisma. They were all excellent musicians. They sang well. If you wanted to meet girls you had to go no further then go to a Lole gig.(BEST CHIC BAND EVER) It was like every time they played it was an event. Butchie Kressovich, Mark Kosovec, Mark Poloka, Mike Sandelich, and Bob Vukich.

Cigani. Energy describes Cigani. After they played a set you’d be exhausted. It was all tambura. with the one exception, George Salopek played a conert double bass. Now if you ever saw George play an upright bass you’d know he could easily make you forget that it wasn’t a tambura bass. I even saw him throw it around a little. Steve Zegar, Kenny Herak, Jimmy Kopriva I remember. There were other members who helped form a great band. Sorry I don’t remember all the names. I believe Misko Jurkovich was a member at one time. They played great and sang great. I’ll always remember them performing Dalmatinski Sajkas and Backi rucak at an extravaganza. Superb! I always looked forward to seeing them. They really made you push yourself. Kenny Herak did that for me. He was a complete ball player. I miss him. Steve Zegar had and still has that great powerful lead voice.

Trubaduri. Smooth is what describes the trub’s for me. I could have listened to their singing all night. They were the kind of band that you could just sit, drink wine, and listen to. They were the first band I heard that played electric. They were scary in way. They could have been called the Shlivo Kings. They really pound the shliv and still look fresh. The first group I remember had Danny Shebetich, John McKennas, Steve Kruljac, Ken Zivic and Kruno.

It would be nice to see many of these people that I’ve met throughout the years. We can all meet November 30th at Javor Hall if you like. It will be a little reunion and we will also get to meet some new people as well. See you then

jka

9.10.2002

Well we are back fresh from the ganza. Fresh??? Am I out of my mind? What a great time had by all.
I know there is many of you have not attended recently or maybe not at all. You don’t know what you’re missing. It was also one of the best-run extravaganzas ever. Kudos’ to Kathy Katich, Mary Lou Dreher and their committee. Superb Job!!!

Many of us play throughout the year and much of it is spent playing things that are dictated by the venue or the requests. An extravaganza is really the only place where we get to play, sing and show what we love as performers and musicians.

Having been participating for what is now about 25 years I can see how far we’ve come. I can tell you that I have seen some amazing performances throughout the years. Many groups have come and gone. Many people who have attended have come and gone also. The musicianship and professionalism have continued to grow. I believe that our tamburashi need to be seen and heard by all in the world. Not just by “our” people but by all. We have a secret that needs to be a secret no more. At next year’s 2003 Ganza in Chicago will be a commitment to get our music out to anybody willing to listen. Yes, we’ll have many of our own people attend. But we are going to go out and let the world know about tambura, its music and its people. Just like what Phil is doing with Cevape. Boduli has taken strides in this area too. I think it’s time to open the floodgates. Let’s do it.

Thursday T-Rroma, Jedinstvo and Momci, played at a Greek restaurant called the Orleans cafe. That was a fun time. Lots of people all sweating, drinking and eating together. They made 10 lambs for the occasion. The first discovery of “the Hurricane” was put in place. It was the drink of the weekend.

The weather in Nawlns was a little wild. There was a tropical depression in the area so the weather was very erratic and humid. Poured unbelievable at times.

Highlights:
I will try to pick some highlights. I did not see every group. I am sure I missed something. If you have something to ad let me know.

Harmonia: Rocked the joint. Big applause to Beata. She took out the time to learn some familiar songs for the audience. I thought she was just great on “Zora Je”.

Momci: they have to be the best tambura-playing band around. They play tight. Sing well. Sonya did a nice job Her first stint as a momak????

Sviraj: the usual lots of energy and Pilem pilem

Becari from St. Louis. Here is a band that doesn’t as much credit as they should. They play so well together. They have added Tony Pavlakovic on tambura bass. They really sounded great. Hey Tony heard you lost your pants at the airport

Skrseni Glas: Nice job. Loved the first song. Never heard it before. Played well together. Good job Skippy!

Yeseta Bro’s: They did this Klape number that just set the mood in the room. It was nice and sweet.

Boduli: I really enjoyed the first number they did. Don’t know the name but I think it was Dukati song. Good job Chris.

Jedinstvo: They are a band that has played together for a lot of years. They play well together. I have to say something about Mitch. He is such a fine musician. He does it all. He plays great. Sings thirds while he plays firsts and seconds.

Sinovi: the highlight TOMA. They couldn’t have written the script better. I knew about the surprise before the show. I tell you it played out better than I could have imagined. They say things happen for a reason. I say if Toma doesn’t break his arm the whole thing never comes off like it did.

8601: Joe Grlica/Leno WOW! The eternal entertainer. You cannot describe a Joe Leno concert it has to be seen.

Tomicic Bro’s: I hope I have half the energy they do when I’m their age.

Dunav: I saw Wally just singing to one “fan” who rushed the stage. We should be so lucky.

Joe Riccio got his Founders Award. He made an eloquent speech. Nice Job Joe. I got caught eating salad while talking on the cell phone. That Vic Delmar is everywhere. During the Friday sound check, the bass players from Trubaduri and T-Rroma got into a spat about who was gonna put which bass where. It could have gotten very ugly but Danny P. volunteered to put both basses up where they belonged in his area….. It is now Monday afternoon and Bobby, Vjeko and Lisa should be somewhere around Kentucky.

How good were the hurricanes? Steve K. Danny O. and myself ventured out into the typhoon like pouring rain just to get one at a bar a couple of blocks away from the hotel…. Rich Krilich was going through the security at the airport when the security guard asks him for his I.D. and ticket. Rich hands it over and the guys looks at him funny and says. “Is this your ticket? Rich says yeah. Yeah Right. Rich handed him a ticket for Steve Ovanins bass and two other peoples tickets on different airlines. Ok Rich get out of line and take your shoes off…. The band from New Orleans who entertained at the banquet was fun. It was the first time I’ve ever seen a human clarinet playing a clarinet. The band was fun they played klezmer and some Romanian music too. Good choice.
Libby was seen at the survivors gig playing a Zydeco rub board. To all the girls dancing on the floor on our last set. “Pe bukara” does mean “we want more sex” doesn’t it?……..after seeing myself in numerous pictures I can see I have only two features, a forehead and a mouth and nothing more. After experiencing singing “It’s now or never” on Rich Krilich’s lap, I recommend you DON’T try this at home and leave it to the professionals. Marko and Kruno, good job. There are some new nicknames. Ryan Werner “huggy Bear” and Walt from Harmonia should now be referred to as “MR FUN”. Joe Modrich was seen scouting potential players for his new band he is starting. I think he got a Banjo player and a saxophonist. J

Thanks

I am just jokirinaround.

7.9.2002

Some things from the Toronto Jr. festival.

We spent a weekend in Canada at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Toronto.

It was a fun time as usual.

One thing about these festivals, They come once a year and you see people you don’t generally see any other time. It’s kind of strange. You wonder how we become good friends when we see each other for such a short time. And then really it’s shorter than that.

I think there may be two categories of people. 1. The people you’ve known for a long time and you can’t wait to talk with them and see how they are and what they’re up too. 2. The others are more like acquaintances, they are people you like also but you don’t have as much history with them or don’t know them that well.

The thing about it is how do you manage your time between all these people and still manage to attend the festival itself. I’m not sure how we do it but it does seem to happen. I think it’s the nature of these festivals and why we keep going.

For me every festival is different. I’ll always find a couple people whom I haven’t spoken with in a long time and spend a little extra time with them. It’s not like a real long time just a few extra minutes. This time it was Danny Kocis and Jimmy Kopriva. Maybe you don’t know these guys, but they are guys from Pittsburgh whom I’ve known for a long time. I met Danny when he was at Duquense through Joe Gornick. Danny is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and it was nice taking some time out to talk. He is married to Marlene(Luketic). Marlene and Bernadette did a great job singing ‘diko moja’ during the director’s performance. I met Jimmy Kopriva years back when he played in cigani from Pittsburgh. It was nice to talk to him and get to know him a little better. Jimmy’s wife Patty sang America the Beautiful. It was beautiful too. Got a couple of goose bumps along the way. Bravo!

Another interesting phenomenon was the appearance of. I can’t even believe it and I saw it with my own eyes. There is a new cult out there and they go by the name of “Prsti’s Chicks”. These are all good looking girls who run around claiming to be “Prsti’s chicks”. They wear these skimpy little shirts that say ‘prsti’s chicks’ or ‘prsti is hot’. Now that Jerry has left the States Prsti has taken advantage of the situation and started his own group(harem). They all love him it’s truly amazing. They all dress him too(Well maybe not the socks). The leader is Beth Stafura. I think she is the Prsti queen or something. When I asked Prsti about it he said “Hey I don’t even have a computer at home”. Good job Prsti!!!. btw(Apologies to Lauren(a prsti chick) for forgetting her name)

It was good to see the CFU reverted back to hiring Jr tammies to play for the Saturday evening social. The Skrseni Gals was their name. They did a great job playing for dancing and many times I saw a full dance floor. Great job guys. They have a great sense of humor too………

I appreciate choreographers and musical instructors and the work they do to have their children put on the best shows possible. I did not see that many performances. I can tell you for sure one performance I saw was Rankin’s. I am not a dancer and I’m not sure if I know a good dancer when I see one but, I thought their performance was just outstanding. And, I don’t know this young man’s name but he sang in a group from cleveland that Tommy Salopek taught. Great voice! I am sure there were other great performances too congrats to all.

Peter Kosovec. The best thing about Peter Kosovec is that he doesn’t know how good he really is. (Email me if you need an explanation). Thanks for the privilege of playing with you. You have my greatest respect.

O Curious one, Gdje si bio

Correction: It needs to be noted that the CFU hired “former jr tammies” as the group playing for the social on Saturday Also the groups name is ‘Skrseni Glas’ not Skrseni Gals. We apologize for this mistake.

All Kirin Aside

5.31.2002

This Months column is on the lighter side offering some helpful information and tid-bits.

I am going to help some of you learn how to make your own trzalica. This is a method I use it is not right or wrong just what works for me.

Items you’ll need:

krava with horns

propane torch or gas stove

hack saw

various grades of sand paper or grit cloth.

Fine steel wool

The hardest part of making a good pick is having good quality bone. If you find a nice cow with good horns be sure to take a big sledge hammer to knock it out, because it’s not going to let you take the horns freely. Hehe.

You can try to find a good piece of horn throughout the United States and Canada. Check with Slaughter houses. I have found much on the Internet, so start there. A good piece of horn will be white with a yellowish tint to it. Anything less than that usually doesn’t work that well.

Anyway once you get your horn take the hacksaw and cut a piece a bit larger than the finished size you’ll want.

There is a debate as to what direction to cut it. I cut it across the horn, like cutting rings So you have your horn stock ready to form. Well it’s still curved so what do you do? That’s where the vice and torch come in handy.

Here’s what I do. I have a small vice that I put on a gas stove. I place the horn in the vice and begin to bring in the jaws in on the horn. Don’t keep the flame too high, you don’t want to burn the horn. The heat will cause the horn to become soft and bend. Eventually you be able to completely straighten it out. Once it is straight I run it through some cold water causing it to harden in that shape.

Now you have your horn ready to finish. If you have a pick that you like the size and thickness of, use that as a template for your new pick. Basically the rest is all elbow grease and practice. Going from the heaviest grit paper to the finest keep facing down the pick to just the rights size you are looking for. Remove heavy scratches. Wetting down the paper or pick also helps smooth things out. When you have right where you want it finish it out with some 0000 fine steel wool.

If you’ve done it right you’ll have a pick that will last you for many years. If not, try again. One note to mention. When you start playing with your pick, the will tremolo will be smooth but, as you continue, it will develop a roughness that will cause you to want to go to the steel wool again. Do not do that!! Continue playing through the roughness and it will wear to your style of playing and then truly you’ll have a pick that is just as valuable to you as your tambura.

If any of this is confusing or if you have a question just let me know and I’ll try to help.

FYI.

We are happy to report that Tamburitza Rroma will be performing next week June 5-6-7 at the Field Museum in downtown Chicago. It is a private event for their members. However we will perform to over 20,000 people in three days. They have billed us as their headline act. This is very exciting and we hope it will open new doors for us. We will also be performing at Chicago’s Summer Dance Festival in Grant Park July 11th. Watch tamburaland for more info

Lastly

We are proud to report some great news. Oliver Dragojevic is currently recording a new album in Milan, Italy.

What makes this special is that it will include the song “Sve bi da’ za nju’ The composer of this song?

Vjekoslav Dimter.

Cestitam

Jokirinaround

4.23.2002

This column would like to congratulate Boduli on their upcoming appearance at Brod Fest. It is nice that many of you have extended you congrats.

It made me think of an individual who has made enormous contributions to our music and culture but, I haven’t seen much written or said on his behalf. He has made a big impact on many of our lives and he deserves to know that. That man is Jerry Grcevich.

In 1976, we (Sloboda Jr. Tammies) were in Zagreb performing in a CFU Junior Federation Festival . I was at my relatives’ home and saw on TV for the first time, Jerry Grcevich. Now I didn’t know Jerry at the time, but there was always talk about him. I had no idea who I was looking at. Jerry released his first album entitled Djeri. I think Joe Modrich was the person who suggested I buy it, and I did. Now you may not believe what I’m about to say, but when I listened to it I thought that all this talk about Jerry was hogwash. I don’t know if I was drunk or what. I know I made comments like he’s not so good and he doesn’t play that well. What’s all the fuss about?

Anyway, I eventually met Jerry and listened to his record again. I actually tried to play some of the stuff and realized, It was time to quit sniffing glue. Much of that record is phenomenal. I then became hooked on Jerry and his playing. When his second album came out I listened to it correctly and was again amazed. I tried to learn much of the material and had difficulty with it. His music caused a major shift in the style and technique of the music I was performing. Jerry was the first person to put a bone-pick in my hand. It was about the size of penny but, I was ecstatic anyway. As time went on I eventually learned, played and performed with Jerry. That is how Jerry became a one time member of Slanina.

Many conversations take place abroad about who is the best tambura band, best player etc. Jerry is the best tambura player I know period. There has been Janika, Hrvoje, Tuce and many others that we could argue who is better. None of them could play every postion/tambura like Jerry. He’s the Walter Payton of tambura. It is ironic that he is from America and there isn’t anybody from Croatia, Vojvodina or anywhere else in the tambura heartland that can do what he does.

Many may disagree with Jerry with what he does or doesn’t do. I too have shared many of those thoughts. Jerry and I have had many disagreements. He may do things differently than many of us but there is no denying the contributions he has made. It’s just until recently, that I have begun to really appreciate him. He has opened my eyes and ears to the unsurpassable beauty of the tambura. Yes, much of Jerry’s music is he himself performing. True, the recordings are not from a group in the traditional sense (multiple players) but it does give us a picture and a standard of excellence that has made all of us perform better. Jerry gives us something that all the computers, samples and software programs can’t give us. He gives us himself. Blood, sweat and tears. No gimmicks or software to hide inconsistencies and mistakes. Computers and software make it easy for people to make recordings with little or no talent. They lessen the commitment and discipline needed for people to grow and go beyond their boundaries.

Jerry was inducted into the Tamburitza Association’s Hall of Fame at last years extravaganza in Reno. During his performance he performed a song.(I don’t recall the name) that sounded like a Zamfir lullaby. You could hear a pin drop. It brought tears to my eyes. It was that beautiful. Everything that Jerry is, was captured in that performance. He recently received a prestigious fellowship award from the state of Pennsylvania. Many of his songs have been recorded and performed by different artists. His songs have been performed at many festivals by many artists throughout Croatia and abroad. He has many accolades too long to list here. I don’t believe he has any singing awards though. J

If it wasn’t for Jerry I might have never had the opportunity to meet and perform with the likes of Zvonko Bogdan, Miro Skoro, Vjeko Dimter and others. I am a lifetime Jerry fan. I am also honored to have him as a friend. So while we pass on congrats to Boduli for their presence at Brod fest this summer, Don’t forget to pass on some to Jerry, still playing tambura the old-fashioned way. He earns it. Our finest (American) tamburash in the World today.

allkirinaside

3.21.2002

Hello again.

It’s been quite a while since I last spoke with you. I have been co-hosting the Jerry Grcevich and Zvonko Bogdan Show with Danny Ovanin and it has been a busy three weeks.

I see there have been some changes at tamburaland. And I welcome the Curious Tamburash to give us new twists and spins in the tambura world.

When you look at tamburaland, you can see how many different varieties of tambura music there are.

You see groups like Boduli, Sinovi, Dukati, and Jerry etc. It leads many of us to engage in discussions about who or what is playing the “real” tambura and who is doing it correctly. There are ‘g’ instruments, ‘a’ instruments, and American, European, Canadian instruments. All different shapes, sizes, and tones. There is not a definitive instrument or style we can decided on. It’s all taste.

If we look back fifty or sixty years back you can see how different tambura music was back then compared to today. We had people playing tambura on farkas systems. The person who designed the Farkas system must have thought a tambura was a piano. Revealed by the outrageous positioning of staggered frets on the fret board. This did not do well for Mr. Farkas as I heard he was seen late in life selling pencils on a street corner. Luckily this gave way to the sremski system we now use today.

Not only were the instruments different, but the styles too. Listening to tambura from Slavonia is much different when compared to say Vojvodina styles. Tambura styles vary all over the world. We have American tamburashi playing a multitude of styles. So is anyone playing tambura the way it was intended? Yes! They all are.

Just like we cannot stop time. We cannot stop tambura from evolving. Janika Balaz I am certain made a drastic change in tambura on his arrival. The biggest recent change was the appearance of Gazde on the scene. They created a new vision of tambura; it is a more commercial approach. Many old tambura die-hards would refuse to like or listen to this version. But, no one can say they aren’t successful. It does what needs to be done, bring tambura to a higher state of awareness.

We can never agree on the best way to play and perform tambura music (Another topic, what defines tambura music?). We can, agree that we all need to support it and be supportive of each other. We are small group of people and unless we start supporting each other the tambura will become unseen and unheard.

Tambura is in an on going state of decline. The Annual CFU junior festival is a good example. You cannot look at only the number of performers, but beyond that. When I was in the Sloboda Junior Tammies we would go to festivals. On Friday and Saturdays nights, combos from participating groups would entertain. There was much competition to land a time slot to play. This is where many tambura players become ‘hooked’ on tambura. You don’t get hooked when you’re doing a 12-minute costume performance. It’s when you are on that stage playing kolo’s and dance music seeing people enjoy themselves. Playing together after hours. Oh yeah the girls too J.

Today, at the festival they are hard pressed to find combo’s that will entertain. It is now to a point where they hire a professional band to play on Saturday night. It is people from combo’s that help perpetuate tambura music and they are vanishing.

I do have a suggestion for the CFU and affiliates. With all the resources the CFU has, they could create a combo music book that contains kolo’s, songs etc. It only needs to have a lead, second, bass and bug. Words would be good too. Then they can distribute them to all participating groups. This will accomplish many things.

Most if not all groups would be able to provide a combo at the festival. They would all be learning songs from the same song list in the same keys across the country. When they arrive at a festival you will have more promoters/players than you’ll know what to do with. If one group is short a person, there will be many others who could step in. Kids would get to know and play with other kids from around the country. That, is the glue!

I cannot think of a good reason not to implement something of this nature. Even cost cannot be a factor for there is a far greater cost ahead.

There are many other areas to look at. In Chicago we have at least 4-6 tambura groups fighting for the smallest quantity of jobs. Quite frankly, we do not find great tambura support from the Croatian community. For a culture that the tambura is supposed to be one of its national treasures, they are certainly doing their best keeping it a secret.

Recently, we formed a group called Tamburitza Rroma. We perform mostly gypsy music on tambura. Our target audiences are tambura lovers and people who have not yet heard the tambura. We can’t wait for someone to find us. We have to go out and find them. BTW Our recent performances have been well received by people beyond our own culture. I have never found one person who didn’t like tambura upon hearing it.

As a director on the board of the Tamburitza Association of America it is my responsibility to help promote tambura. We are certainly open to any of your suggestions that would help us achieve our purpose. We will be in New Orleans this weekend to put together our festival in September. If you have never attended, please try to come. I think you be pleasantly surprised.

See you then!!

2.22.2002

Hi, This issue of jokirinaround is my relationship to the tambura. It is about the past and the present. It is something I would like to share with you. I hope you find some value.

When I was young I did things like most boys, I played in local sports and games etc. I was not a good athlete however, and mostly sat on the bench or looked like an idiot out on the field. (my mother does great imitations of this) It is around this time that I began to experience the feeling of not fitting in with my peers and other people. I had my friends close around home, but as I got out beyond that, I found I had difficulty relating with people. In school I was considered a nerd of some sort. I got picked on, spit on, and harassed frequently. I just didn't fit in.

Around the same time I started playing tambura. I was 9 years old, and played in the Sloboda Jr. tammies of Chicago, IL. I quickly discovered that I could excel on tambura. It was something I liked and was able to play better than most. Because of my ability to perform well, I was able to gain some respect and acceptance from the people around me. I loved when we did activities related to tambura and our group. In the tambura world I felt loved and accepted. In the rest of my world I felt lonely and unwanted.

As the years went by things manifested. We started to form combos. Early on I played with Joe and Nick Gornick, and others that eventually led to Sinovi. We eventually became popular and had different lineups through the years. (For your info, they included, Mike Gornick, John Gornick, Steve Kirin, John Miksich and Mark Oreskovich.) During this time I believe a few people thought of me as being arrogant and conceited. Looking back, I think in some ways many were right. I continued to play and learn from other people and got better. All of this started to go to my head. I started to believe I was better than others and I became dictator like in the band. This eventually led to my dismissal from Sinovi. Through all this time I would always be saying how much I loved tambura etc, little did I know it was all a bunch of crap.

I went on to help start Slanina and it's different variations. I also played in Grlica band. I noticed that through all this time I was never really happy playing. I always blamed it on others. Maybe the other guys in the band weren't good enough or not serious enough. The Sinovi guys were jerks too for getting rid of me. I would be one to cut down other bands and not speak kindly about people who were in our culture. I never enjoyed playing with anyone.

This all continued until about the year 1999. It was then I did something called the Landmark Forum. (To explain this program would take another column. The simplest thing to say about Landmark is they can help you see something in yourself that otherwise would be hidden from your view. It is the single most profound activity I have ever participated in.)

I had made an amazing discovery. What I didn't know was that I was being the opposite of what I was saying. Yes, I love tambura that is a fact. But what was hidden is that I really loved being accepted and loved as a person but used tambura to get it. That not being enough led to me wanting to dominate people and be right all the time, making others wrong. I was one of the most unrelated people I knew.

I began to see what all this had cost me. It cost me the relationships with all the people I had played and performed with. It severely limited my playing and singing ability. There is not much you can share with others when all you do is make them wrong. You cannot be a great musician when the greatness is being hidden by a need to be accepted etc.

It has opened the possibility to see music and people in a different manner. For fifteen years I had little or nothing good to say about members of Sinovi. Last year I came clean with them. Thanks to them for allowing me to clean up what I had destroyed. I have nothing but respect and admiration for them and consider them all dear friends. We didn't play a note together for 15 years. We have now performed more than a few times recently. There have been others whom I have let down. As I go on I will try to clean that up too.

On a personal side, I think I am enjoying playing for the first time in my life. I can now enjoy playing for the love of making music and sharing it with others. From time to time those old feelings come up and I need to resist and let them go. (BTW to Joe, Nick and Steve, my feeling unsorted Tuesday was just that and I didn't see it till later.)

You have my promise that now and in the future I will be stand for promoting tambura and others who support it. If you hear me not doing that, call me on it and I will get off it. I have one request. No matter what culture you are, promote it with love, class and dignity. This is the best service we can provide each other.
A wise man once told me there are two kinds of tamburashi. Good and Great.
To je to.

2.12.2002

The Rafters

During the 80's we spent a lot of time involved with tambura. I spent much of this time with John (whitey) Gornick. We could be found every week playing or if we were not booked we'd be at Golden Shell or the Rafters. I guess we were tamburaholics. We have many stories to tell, but they are probably better for a different type of web site.

I remember mostly the Rafters. South Chicago was an area where many Croats and Serbs lived. You have the Croatian church, Sacred Heart on 96th and Escanaba, and the Serbian church St. Michael Archangel on 97th and Commercial. We would find many people we knew from the neighborhood at Rafters. This is where I first met Rudy Pesut; he was a staple there. He later met Maggie and left Chicago. The pay was not great and we paid for our own drinks. Music started at 10 and you were done at 2:45. That's when Milan would yell out "That's it folks, you don't have go home but you gotta leave here!" It was after this that we gave Milan his own private concert. We then got tips and drinks from him. He is a nice guy.

Rafters was long and somewhat narrow. It had a long bar and some booths. Rafters had a stage that you could barely fit 4 people on it. The stage was in the middle across from the corner of the bar. more towards the back were tables and chairs. There was a small dance area across from the stage too.

There were good groups and not so good groups(Even when a group is not so good there is something to be learned) that played Rafters. It didn't matter much to us, we just loved to party and listen to tambura. We closed that place more than we didn't. We, Sinovi played there during this time. We once decided to play one night with no breaks. I think we all made it, but if I remember correctly Whitey let somebody else play a couple numbers on bass. That debate continues.

One of the biggest fans of tambura was a man who was there just about every week. However he was not Croatian or Serbian. He was Jewish. His name was Ed Levine. He knew more about tambura than most. I can't remember where he first heard tambura, but he was hooked after he did. He became a huge supporter and worked actively on a couple of Extravaganza's. He passed away a few years back.

Every year Labor day weekend Becari from St. Louis would come up and play the weekend. I played at Rafter's final fling about two years ago.I believe it was Danny and Steve Ovanin's first and last time there. People kept asking me where I found those guys and if they were my body guards. It was like old times everyone showing up and having a good time it was a three-day party. It was a place you could showcase your group and material. You knew the people that were there were there because they loved tambura. I miss the Rafters.

2.7.2002

Welcome to tamburaland. For those of you who don't know my name is Joe Kirin. I have been asked by the Webmaster to contribute to this forum in the form of a column. I was asked to write about anything I like. I don't know how often this column will appear or I might be let go immediately. I want to share things that I have seen and done. It may not change your life or the world as it is, It's just the way I see and have seen life in tambura. Thanks.

I have been performing tamburica music now for about 35 years. This has been mainly through Junior group ranks and professionally (ex Sinovi,Slanina, etc). I have seen tamburica music go through some drastic changes throughout the years. It really makes me wonder where it is right now and where it's going if anywhere.
I grew up listening to tambura. Joe Kirin Sr. was my dad and he played in a group called Sloboda. He played with his brother Steve (Steve Kirin {Sinovi} father). The other members were Bob Pazulinac, Bill Maronich and John Vrbancic. John by the way was a Hall of Fame recipient two years ago in St Louis. He played a Farkash Tambura bass and could make your jaw drop. This group is my fondest childhood memory. The one thing I will always attach to this group is fun. They had fun with people and I had fun watching it.

Chicago has always been an area where tamburica music flourished. It didn't really matter what side you came from. Tambura was big in Chicago. I came into the professional picture around 1980. On any Saturday night you could go to 5-6 different clubs or restaurants and hear tambura. It was amazing back then. When I was playing with Sinovi we would be booked a month at a time(fri and sat) at the Golden Shell restaurant in south Chicago and make different appearances at the Rafters, Milans Pub, Club Selo and others. It was really a 'cool' time to play tambura. We made a lot of money back in those days too. There were many nights getting 20's 50's and 100's on our foreheads or instruments. Although we did have a few evenings of a dollar and a list.

South Chicago had a huge community of tamburica lovers. The style of tambura was much different than you hear groups play today. There was a distinct sound you heard from a south Chicago group. The most distinctive would have been the Popovich brothers. They were a fascinating group of guys. They didn't play a style like anyone else and had a very old sound. They were just awesome. I wish many of today's tamburasi could have seen them. Recently Adam Popovich died. He has always had my greatest respect and honor. He was a person that brought class to tambura. I will never forget him. There was also the Happy Hearts an all girls band from S. Chicago. There are other groups that we will talk about later.