THE BC BUZZ

(up-to-the-minute and almost recent news)

Return To Las Vegas

Well, we don’t know what we did right, but it seems something clicked when we performed three nights recently in Las Vegas with our new polka buddy, Drew Carey. He’s invited us back to Sin City’s Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand, for four shows this time, February 2, 3, 4, and 5, as part of his IMPROV-A-GANZA insanity. The element of chance has always figured prominently into our live performances and this outrageous gig gives us the opportunity to maximize that aspect of the band. I just wish two of our other Cleveland supporters, Harvey Pekar and Steve Popovich, were still around to join in the fun. But life goes on. So, make your plans now. You have plenty of advance notice.

Mystery Video

Brave Combo music pops up in myriad unusual places, but for us, nothing is unusual, so we've adopted the attitude of “expect anything and nothing.”  That makes “anything or nothing” possible.  Check out this video.  All we know is that it's a dance company somewhere in the world, we think maybe Argentina or Chile, performing to our recording of “Hava Na Gila,” from our EP ORGANIZED DANCING.   It looks like they're doing a good job to us.  We love a mystery.

Brave Combo/Wee-Beasties Dual Vinyl Release
Now Available

Here’s the deal. Our buddies, The Wee-Beasties, asked us if we would be interested in making a vinyl record with them; one side with two songs by BC, one side with two songs by WB. We accepted the happy challenge, recorded “What Do You Want?” and “Zombiefied,” and now the 7” four-song vinyl 33 1/3 EP exists and is available to you. Even if you don’t own a turntable, you must own at least one of these. And if you are lucky enough to actually have a working record player (Victrola, Gramophone, etc.), you will fall over backwards in delight upon hearing this little gem. Go directly to the Brave Combo store and check it out. It’s only $7. That’s a dollar an inch.

Cover Boys

An article about Brave Combo was the cover story in a recent issue of INTERNATIONAL MUSICIAN magazine.  What a strange life.  Check out the article here. www.afm.org/im/brave-combo

KIKIRIKI wins Pace Award

Polka America Corporation (PAC), based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has announced the winners of the 2011 PACE Awards for recording excellence in the polka field. Brave Combo’s 2010 release, KIKIRIKI won the award for “Best Variety Album,” which means no specific ethnicity in style. Voters included fans, peers in the polka industry and members of PAC. We are extremely honored by this acknowledgement. It is especially gratifying to be recognized by fellow polka supporters, promoters and musicians. Fellow winners include RESURGENCE! By Bud Hundenski and The Corsairs, THE TWO OF US by Walter Ostanek and Frankie Yankovic, BRUEGGEN DOWN THE HOUSE by Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen, GET UP AND DANCE by Wally Dombrowski and The Polka Country Musicians and RAISE YOUR GLASS by Ed Guca and The Polish Canadians. Cheers to us all!

Kiss of Fire

Brave Combo recently licensed a song from our 1996 album, KISS OF FIRE (featuring Lauren Agnelli on vocals) to a Russian film company, called PROFIT, for inclusion in their new movie, NUMBER 13. They are using the title cut from the album and it's already been placed and we've been paid in full. That's about all we know. More on this as a release date is set. Whatever, 2011 is rocking, so far.

TV Dog

Brave Combo recently scored and recorded music for the pilot of a new children's television show, THE ADVENTURES OF TAXI DOG. The program is based on a 25-year-old book by the same name.  Much more to follow on this.

It's finally Here!!!
The diary of Tim Walsh!!!

30 years ago Tim Walsh, then reedman for Brave Combo, keep a very detailed diary of the bands early days. You can now take a trip back in time and experience the beginnings of Brave Combo through Tim's eyes. Check out Tim's Diary.

Machine's Pump

The latest Machine's Pump newsletter is now online.
Check the archive for issues you may have missed. The newest installment will be here any day!!!

Even More News.....