Nightly live music at FMCA’s next Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase promises fabulous memories from start to finish.
By Peggy Jordan, Associate Editor
June 2015
Miles of motorhomes will converge in Madison, Wisconsin, toward the end of July and make that city a capital for fun. The reason? FMCA is holding its 92nd Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase at the city’s Alliant Energy Center, July 29-August 1.
FMCA’s summer shindig has been dubbed “Escape To Wisconsin.” As one component of this busy gathering, the music offered for evening entertainment will give all comers a chance to escape the current decade for a trip down memory lane.
During the Motorhome Preview on Wednesday, July 29, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., music from the Frustrated Maestros will fill the air as Family Reunion attendees tour the outdoor exhibit area. This group is composed of FMCA members who belong to various Frustrated Maestros chapters from around the United States and Canada, vocalists and instrumentalists alike.
The Maestros will be part of a soul-stirring patriotic tribute during the Family Reunion’s opening ceremonies on Thursday, July 30, at 7:30 p.m., performing the national anthems of the United States and Canada. Afterward they will star on the evening entertainment stage and present “Back To Your Senior Year In High School,” a musical program filled with events from that pivotal year. Reminisce as you attend football games and the homecoming sock hop; take a field trip on a high school bus; attend the holiday concert and the school musical; listen to the show choir and school band perform. Attend graduation!
On Friday, July 31, get ready for an entertaining evening with three guys who play 30 instruments: New Odyssey. Their musical show blends music, comedy, and, at times, audience participation — because you can’t help dancing to the beats. New Odyssey performs country music, classic rock, and pop from the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and more, all with amazing arrangements that illustrate their versatility. The trio has played together for more than 20 years, performing at thousands of events.
Gary Polkow first learned music at the piano when he was 7; by age 8 he was rewriting and performing classical children’s pieces. He has a list of film credits besides experience in synthesizer sound design, and he is the musical director of the band.
Michael Jay began singing and playing guitar at age 12. He is the strongest vocalist in the band and plays 10 instruments. Michael has done television and radio work and is involved in music ministry at his church.
Gary Todd is the drummer and overall comic of the band. He started performing acrobatics at age 2 along with other family members as part of “The Tumbling Todds.” Gary sings and performs on more than 15 instruments.
On Saturday night, August 1, be sure to find yourself a good seat to settle in for a performance by William Florian, who will present “Those Were The Days,” an upbeat revue of folk music of the 1960s. His tunes and humor will transport you back to the time when a guitar and a point of view were all one needed to give the world meaning.
It is said that a math teacher once tried to take William’s guitar away until his grades improved. Fortunately, William’s mother did not agree with that punishment. He recorded a popular album with some high school buddies and then worked as a solo performer at clubs near his Connecticut home. William and his sister, Nanette, went on the road and were invited to join the New Christy Minstrels in the 1970s, with William as the lead singer. They performed hits such as “Green Green,” “This Land Is Your Land,” and “Today.”
William’s current show consists of these and other great songs, including tunes from John Denver; Peter, Paul and Mary; Pete Seeger; and The Mamas and The Papas. Sing along to “California Dreamin’,” “Country Roads,” “Lemon Tree,” “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine,” and others.
“William is a perfect combination of musician and storyteller, blending wonderful music with humor and memoir,” noted a recent audience member. “He takes treasured songs and weaves them together with delightful stories and snippets of musical history,” wrote another.
Join your fellow FMCA members for a nostalgia trip worth taking.
Daytime Notes
In addition to their evening performances, the Frustrated Maestros will keep the crowd tapping their toes during morning Coffee Hour on July 30, 31, and August 1. The Maestros also will perform at the Ice Cream Social on Friday, July 31.
Country, bluegrass, and gospel tunes will be part of an Acoustic Country Music Jam coordinated by RV historian Al Hesselbart. Al welcomes FMCA members who play an instrument such as acoustic guitar, dobro, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, dulcimer, etc. — as well as singers of these types of music — to join in the jam.
For more details about these and other activities scheduled during the “Escape To Wisconsin” Family Reunion, check the event program, or visit FMCA.com. See you there!