Curt Traska

Early Days

Curt was kicking his feet to polka music before he was even born!  Just ask his mom!  She said she had the internal bruises to prove it!  Curt grew up as a kid loving the sounds of Eddie Blazonczyk, Lenny Gomulka & The Chicago Push, Stas Golonka, and The New Brass just to name a few.  He would always get out the pots & pans and anything he could beat with wooden spoons at grandpa and grandma's house.  In fact, Curt was extremely disappointed when he found out on the first day of kindergarten that he couldn't join band and play the clarinet until 6th grade! 

School

Curt never did pick up the clarinet, but instead opted for the trumpet for a year and a half before settling on being a true bass man playing both electric bass and tuba in junior and senior high school.  At Wausau West High School he performed in Symphonic Band, Full Orchestra, Marching Band, Pep Band, and Jazz Band.  He also learned drums and accordion on the side.  Curt also loved singing in choir.  He performed in various choirs including Concert Chorale and Master Singers that were invited to sing in the International Choral Festival in Italy in the Spring of 1998.  Curt was also chosen to sing in the Wisconsin State Honors Choir as well.  It was in the Summer of 1998 when Curt joined Roger Majeski & The Harmony Kings.  Little known fact: Curt's first polka gig was at Polish Fest in Milwaukee! 

College

Curt continued his education at UW-Stevens Point from the Fall of 1999 until December of 2003 when he graduated with a BA-Music degree.  During this time, Curt performed in Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, and Opera Workshop.  He also received instruction in Music Theory, Conducting, Voice Lessons, Ear Training, Music History, not to mention learning how to play the piano a little.  Curt continued to play with the Harmony Kings through college on the weekends instead of going out to house parties and experiencing "normal" college life.  He says he wouldn't have had it any other way.  It was during college that Curt met his wife Korrin and introduced her to the polka side of life. 

Life As We Now Know It

Curt and his wife Korrin were married on November 26, 2004.  Curt joined the Polish Connection in January of 2007.  Curt and Korrin had their first child Julian Nicholas Traska on December 25, 2007.  Curt works for West Business Services in Wausau, WI as a Business Consultant for American Express.  He has filled in with bands such as the Polka Hi-Lites, A.K.A., New Generation, Prime Time, Jersey Polka Richie, and Hocus Polkas. 

Discography    

Polish Connection - Good Clean Fun (2008)

Jersey Polka Richie - Live Concertina Jam Session (2006)

Roger Majeski & The Harmony Kings - Let's Party (2005), One Of A Kind (2003),

Electrified Polkas (2002), A Jukebox Full Of Polkas (2001), It's A Family Tradition - (2000)