CORPUS CHRISTI DOZYNKI FEATURE FINE MUSIC

Buffalo, New York – Corpus Christi Church is fast becoming known as a destination for great music. This year’s Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival underscores the parish’s well-deserved reputation by featuring a wide range of musical performances.

The festivities kick off on Saturday, August 23 at 1:00 p.m. with Al Kania’s Polka Smile, Eastern Style. Kania, an accomplished trumpeter in jazz and polka circles, will lead a band that features Gino Kurdziel on bass. Kania’s belief in putting together a quality orchestra and presenting Polish lyrics in their original format will be on stage until 5:00 p.m.

At 7:00 p.m., Dyngus Day favorites Those Idiots will take the Dozynki stage for the first time. Those Idiots are a high energy group that attract young and old. A nine piece orchestra with a large horn section, their style is hard to pinpoint, but one that leaves the crowd dancing and wanting more. Those Idiots will play until 11:00 p.m.

Between bands, Buffalo’s Best Homemade Pierogi Contest will take place under the big tent at 5:30 p.m. All amateur pierogi makers are invited to enter and all are invited to observe the judging. Pierogi and a wide variety of food and beverages will be available both Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, Fr. Anzelm Chalupka will perform specially prepared music with Bruce Woody and the Corpus Christi Polish and English choirs at the 11:30 a.m. Dozynki Mass of Thanksgiving. Fr. Anzelm, pastor of Corpus Christi Church plays guitar, the French Horn and organ, and is also an accomplished vocalist. Bruce Woody, organist at the church, is the house organist at Riviera Theatre and Shea’s Performing Arts Center.

After Mass, Joe Macielàg and the Pic-a-Polka Band will play under the big tent. An accomplished polka clarinetist and vocalist, Macielàg has brought polka and Polish music closer to all ages for over 40 years. The professionally trained Krakowiacy Dancers of Eugenia’s Dance Studio will dance during the afternoon as well, featuring a special harvest dance.

At 4:30p.m., live music moves into the beautiful Corpus Christi Church, where pianist Ivan Docenko will play Chopin and Paderewski. Docenko is an accomplished classical pianist and voice teacher. He has also served as accompanist for the Chopin Singing Society. At 5:30, well-known songstress Mary Kate O’Connell will sing secular and sacred songs in church in a program called Women of Inspiration.

At 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Buffalo’s Biggest Polish Sing-Along and Jam will take place under the big tent. Song sheets will be provided to all who bring their voices and their (acoustic) instruments. The sing-along will be a great opportunity to recall some traditional Polish music, learn some new melodies, as well as to learn to sing in Polish for those just learning the language. Admission is free to all events. All proceeds from food, beverage, raffle and other sales will go toward replacing the slate roof over the landmark church.

For full information on the Dozynki Festival and how to enter the Pierogi Contest, please call 716-896-1050 or visit www.corpuschristibuffalo.org

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