It’s a polka party!
Grammy-nominated accordionist grew up in Warren
By Brian C. Louwers
C & G Staff Writer
WARREN — Kevin Solecki grew up playing the accordion. He graduated from Mott High School, moved to Pittsburgh, Pa., to be closer to his band, and eventually traveled the world playing polkas to the delight of audiences everywhere.
On Feb. 8, Solecki was on slated to be on the road again — this time, in Los Angeles for the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. His debut solo recording, “Solecktions,” was nominated for the prestigious award this year by the Recording Academy in the category of “Best Polka Album.
Solecki’s parents, longtime Warren residents Gale and Irene Solecki, are obviously more than pleased.
“It goes without saying that we’re very proud of him,” Gale Solecki said. “When he got out of high school, he right away moved to Pittsburgh and ever since he made that his home. This is a big accomplishment for him at his age. It’s very exciting for him, too. Since he was 6 years old, he took to the accordion. It just blossomed for him.”
Kevin Solecki, 27, said he took lessons for about 10 years, studying under Eligio DiBernardo, in Warren. After high school, he started playing with the Polka Family Band, in eastern Pennsylvania. He later moved to Pittsburgh to be closer to the band.
After five albums with them and a long list of appearances throughout North America, Solecki went to work on his first studio album. The six-month effort teamed him with fellow accordionist Mike Zawojsky of Sterling Heights.
Mixed at Peppermint Studios in Youngstown, Ohio, the 20-track recording features Polish, Slovenian, French, Italian and Mexican polkas, among others.
“It’s an instrumental polka album. It features the accordion, but I do have a back-up band,” Solecki said. “There are different styles of polkas on there. I also play some old standards, and some novelty favorites.”
Solecki said he was honored to find out that he was nominated for a Grammy. He said he enjoys all polka music.
“Polka is just lively music in general,” Solecki said. “I like the Polish style. I’m 100-percent Polish. That might have something to so with it. I’m actually getting into Slovenian music. The French polkas are very good. They each have their own unique style.”
More information about Solecki’s album, including links to sound clips, can be found on his Web site at http://www.kevinsolecki.com/
Solecki will be back in Warren later this month for performances at Michelle’s Restaurant, on Van Dyke between 13 Mile and 14 Mile, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 26 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Paczki Day, Feb. 28.
You can reach Brian C. Louwers at brianlouw ers@candgnews.com