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Northeastern Pennsylvania's leading Polka Disc Jockey, Jolly Joe, recently celebrated his 1300th program. For twenty-six years, Al "Jolly Joe" Truszkowski has presented his special blend of Polka Music to listeners throughout the Wyoming Valley and Lackawanna Country.
For his entire career as a performer, as a musician, and as a radio personality Jolly Joe says, "I always give the audience 110 percent."
Listeners tune in Jolly Joe's Bavarian Bandstand on WICKam1340, WICKam1400, and WICKam1550 every Sunday from 11 am until 1 pm. His program features news of the community, birthdays, and anniversaries and a wide variety of polka music. "On my show I play them all," he said. Jolly Joe features the top Polish, German, and Slovenian recording artists.
As a musician, Jolly Joe and his Bavrians has entertained fans of good music for 45 years. He plays all types of music and is noted as the first artist in the United States to record "The Chicken Dance," for which his ban received a gold record.
Jolly Joe's goal for the future is to keep the love of polka alive in the region. Through his radio program and live appearances, Jolly Joe shares the fun of Polka Music and skill of the musicians of the Polka Music community. He sees the exposure of the music to younger fans as necessary for the preservation of Polka music.
"The music and culture of the central Europe can only be preserved in America when all the bands and the radio show work together to share the music and culture with the people. I will continue to do what I can to help," he said.
Fans who would like to see Jolly Joe in person can link to Jolly Joe's list of appearances at www.wick-am.com.
His radio program is in its third year on WICK. Listeners with announcements for the Jolly Joe's Bavarian Bandstand can send them to WICK, 1049 North Sekol Road, Scranton, PA 18504.
Phil Bullwinkel
Scranton
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