International Bands

This is just a sampling of the International Bands we work with.  For more info on each band and a video clip please click on the band name to visit their bio page.

Big Daddy and LaDeeDas

In the early 1950's, a three piece band consisting of all brothers began playing polka music throughout the thumb area of Michigan.  This was the birth of “The Lackowski Brothers Orchestra”, featuring oldest brother, Clarence, on drums & vocals, middle brother, Bill, on sax & clarinet, and the youngest brother, Marshall, (Big Daddy) on accordion and vocals.  Many years of hard work and dedication kept this trio quite busy and in popular demand.  As time went on, each brother started individual careers and families of their own. By the early 1960's the group had retired.  Big Daddy Marshall Lackowski persevered in the field he so loved and continued to perform not only as a soloist, but formed “The La Dee Das Orchestra”.  In early 1964 Marshall entered St. Mary's Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan bringing with him his love of music and, of course, his accordion.  During the next seven years in seminary, Marshall was fortunate enough to continue entertaining for various events.  He was featured on national television and radio performing his popular “Everybody Does the La Dee Da”.  Marshall soon met Mary Ann Finelli, and they were married in August 1971. At this point, Big Daddy left the seminary to continue his career in music and pursue life as a newly-married man.

They quickly began raising a family, passing on their deep roots in Polish heritage and a mutual love for music.  As their family increased in size, each of the children began displaying an interest in either taking up an instrument or singing on stage with mom and dad.  Over 50 years have now passed since the birth of “The Lackowski Brothers Orchestra” and Big Daddy Lackowski still continues to entertain.  As in the beginning, the band now has three Lackowski brothers performing together along with their father (Big Daddy).

The Diddle Styx (Polka)

The "DIDDLE STYX" Polka Band is a high energetic band that loves playing your favorite Polkas, Waltzes and Obereks. While watching the Diddle Styx you will see the love and passion for their Polish Heritage. They are a five piece polka group, George – Drummer, MC and Leader of the Band, Dawn Rosinski – Saxophone, Clarinet, Keyboard Bass and Vocals, Dale Kivinen – Accordion, Trumpet and Main Vocals, Dan Bizon – Accordion, Chris Hedrich – Accordion, Trumpet, Keyboard and Vocals. We have been together approximately 10 years and Polka Music Fans have been their drive.

Based out of Grand Rapids, MI, The"Diddle Styx” Polka Band is conveniently located for jobs throughout the State of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin and currently plays about 65 jobs per year throughout the Midwest. By popular demand, they have also taken many road trips, bus excursions, polka vacations and performed throughout the U.S., Mexico, Dominican Republic and the Caribbean.

EnProsit Band (German)

They are a group of musicians from Michigan, Indiana and Illinois who enjoy playing and entertaining with a variety of German, Austrian and Bavarian "Oktoberfest" style folk music!  The band was began as an offspring of John Fleming’s German Band ensemble at Allegheny College Band Camp for Adult Musicians in Pennsylvania in 2002. Members enjoyed playing the folk music so much that Chris & John Griffith spearheaded an effort to continue playing the music together at home in West Michigan.

Equinox (Celtic/Irish)

Equinox is composed of six multi-talented musicians.  All from Michigan Tri-Cities (Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland)............ this energetic band brings you Celtic music at its best.  At the Celtic core of the band are traditional Highland bagpipes, fiddle, flute, whistles, and concertina. By adding guitars, mandolin, Middle Eastern and West African percussion, the band expands this ancient music to new dimensions. Their repertoire ranges from sweet renditions of the familiar Danny Boy, Come by the Hills, and the tunes of O'Carolan, to hard driving arrangements of Morrison's Jig, Swallowtail Jig and Whiskey You're the Devil. Having played venues from pubs and weddings to theaters and festivals, Equinox creates a musical experience that has the proverbial "glass" full to the rim with energy!!!

Fonn Mor

With a strong instrumental and percussive base, Fonn Mor performs well-crafted original and traditional songs and rollicking jigs and reels that provide an entertaining experience for all audiences to enjoy. The band successfully blends traditional Celtic folk with a variety of other cross-cultural and rock influences. Energetic melodies from fiddle, accordion, and flute are backed by explosive Afro-Celtic percussion and driving guitars to create a whole new sound with elements of old Ireland and Scotland. Their entertaining and entrancing live shows have helped them build a strong and ever increasing following.

Based in West Michigan, Fonn Mor performs in clubs and concerts throughout the Midwest. Their festival performances have included the Milwaukee Irish Fest, Chicago Celtic Fest, and Michigan Irish Fest, among many others. Their signature CD won two WYCE (West Michigan) Jammie Awards on 2/5/02 - Best World Music CD & Best CD of the Year.

 The Moxie Strings (Celtic/Folk)

With their feel-good melodies and rock-influenced rhythms, The Moxie Strings put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music.

The Moxie Strings is the electrifying combination of fiddler, Diana Ladio, and electric cellist, Alison Lynn. With their feel-good melodies, and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms, these young women have put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music. Though rooted in tradition, The Moxie Strings offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience two of the world’s best-known instruments and oldest genres through a young, progressive lens. Diana and Alison often join forces with dynamic drummer and world percussionist, Fritz McGirr, who lends his spirited expertise of traditional music’s percussion component, and an engaging rhythmic energy to the show. The Moxie Strings’ ear-catching originals and dance-worthy, traditional tunes have been captivating audiences since 2006.

Kevin Collins and Nairobi

Kevin Collins is a well-respected percussionist both locally and throughout the country, who has played one form of percussion instrument or another since he was 6 years old. Having had no formal training, at such a young age, Kevin used pots and pans in his mother's kitchen for Drums. While attending Flint Public Schools, Kevin mastered his already distinguished percussion skills, and after graduating from Flint Northern High School, Kevin began to tour with such musical legends as: Ronnie Laws, Allan Barnes, Jack McDuff, Roy Ayers, Eddie Harris, Leon Thomas, Wendell Harris, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Jimmy Smith, Marcus Bell Graves, Sule Greg Wilson, The Willie George Big Band, and Reverend James Cleveland. Kevin's musical spectrum includes all forms of music, Jazz, Blues, Big Band, Latin and Caribbean Styling.

    Currently, Kevin works with the Greater Flint Arts Council, The Flint Community Schools, The Very Special Arts Program, The Flint Cultural Center, holds various workshops and performances throughout Michigan and continually tours throughout the country for performances and or workshops. He is also featured in the Michigan Arts Directory and the Heartland Arts Directory as well.

    In addition, to his credit Kevin is an accomplished BMI Writer and Publisher, owns and operates a Musical Production Company, K. C. Productions. Even with all of his numerous projects, workshops performances, Kevin has still found time to perform regularly with his own band. At this writing he has written and produced 2 CD's: Kevin Collin "RHYTHMOLOGIST," and the second new release titled: "NAIROBI.' He is currently in the studio creating a traditional West African CD and a Gospel CD.

Kevin’s African Drum and Dance troupe Kuungana also Available for Youth Music Workshops

Kalamazoo Bag Pipe Band

BAGPIPES. . . the name alone conjures up visions of misty glens, deep lochs and mystical tales of the Old Ways. The bagpipes were a part of everyday lives of the Celts and their distinctive sounds were readily available to celebrate any special occasion. Let the wild music of the Highlands and the powerful skirls of the Great War Pipes of the North make your special day even more memorable.

In late 1993, a number of coincidences occurred that allowed for the re-vitalization of the Kalamazoo Bag Pipe Band and a tremendous effort was made by a number of people to see that the band would again be a public fixture. After a first stage performance in Allegan, the band participated in "The March Into the 21st Century" in Lansing. It was the first time in 19 years that the band had been on parade. Since that time, the band has appeared in many parades, festivals and other outings.

Dave Stuart O'Neil (Solo Bagpiper)

Dave Stuart O'Neil is the Pipe Major for the Grand Rapids District Pipe Band, and a member of the Grand Rapids Scottish Society, the Irish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, the Irish American Club of Kalamazoo, and the Gaelic League of Western Michigan.

A solo piper of extensive experience and repertoire, he has performed in every conceivable venue as varied as weddings and funerals to live stage performances with rock bands to Celtic festivals around the state of Michigan. He is also an accomplished Whistle player, and teaches up to 15 students a week in the stylings of bagpipes and whistles.