Polka Festival brings talent to Kalispell

Two top-notch polka bands entertain during the Northwest Montana Polka Festival in Kalispell, July 18, 19 and 20 at the Eagles Aerie No. 234 club.

The public is invited to attend any and all performances.

It's the fourth year for the Al Lindborg band from Polson. Actually, Al and his wife, Bonnie, started the Polka Festival four years ago. They are joined by Don and the High Rollers with Shawn and Chuck from Billings for this year's event.

The three days are filled with entertainment for dancers as well as those who just want to come and enjoy listening to the music and watching dancers.

Music gets underway at 4 p.m. and continues until 11 p.m., Friday. Saturday hours are from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. The music doesn't slow down, but the Festival concludes Sunday with a 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. schedule.

It's not just polka music. Favorites from country, Latin, Cajun, Hawaiian and Big Band songs are included along with popular schottisches and waltzes.

Appreciation to the Northwest Montana Accordion Assn. for their assistance with the Festival was expressed by Lindborg.

Accordions are just not what they were in the past. Al Lindborg has had his Italian accordion for 12 years. I asked what the black box was and he explained the accordion is digital, one of the first available when obtained in Salt Lake City. It's home of Accordions International. Actually, Bonnie made the purchase while visiting in Utah and telephoned Al suggesting that he come and get it. They had first seen the digital accordion in Billings. Lindborgs resided in Sheridan, Wyo., at that time.

There are 322 different sounds electrically produced on Al's accordion. These include banjo, guitar, vibraphone, piano, organ and even a pipe organ.

Members of the Al Lindborg band are Andy Roller, Laurel, drummer, and Adam Herauf, Billings, who plays the banjo. Bonnie Lindborg is a popular vocalist with the group.

Don Roller is joined by his son, Shawn Roller, Renton, WA, and Chuck Hunkepillerel, Laurel. Both are versatile musicians. Their combined talents include playing banjo, flugelhorn, guitar, trumpet and you name it.

Al said he started his first band in 1952 and is now associated with Montana Moonlighters in addition to the Al Lindborg Band. He was a heavy equipment operator and built roads in Wyoming. Al was also employed by Western Airlines for 16 years and later by Big Sky Airlines as manager in Sheridan. He's originally from Hurdsfield, N.D.

Don's experience goes back to 45 years ago in Dickinson, N.D. He has been a Billings resident for 36 years.

The duo met in Sheridan and their polka paths have crossed innumerable times in North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and other neighboring states.

Both bands will be participating in the Oktoberfest in Laurel. It's scheduled for the third weekend in September. Other musical groups expected are from North Dakota.

Lindborg commented that attractive sidelights for the Polka Festival at the Eagles Club include a wooden dance floor, air conditioning, food and beverages on site, handicap accessible and nearby parking.

Tickets are available at the door with one-, two- and three-day passes.

Gladys Shay is a long-time resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.