Larry Sodek, Harold Strand Orchestra, Ellinger Combo To Be Honored at TCHCC’s 11th Annual Gala on Dec. 5

The Fair Pavilion at the Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center in La Grange, Texas will be the site of the annual Gala on Saturday evening, December 5th. Each year, Texas-Czech bands/orchestras and/or individuals are honored for their longstanding dedication to preserving Czech heritage and sharing Czech music, therefore, advancing the Czech culture in Texas.

Doors open at 5:30 and the Gala begins at 6 p.m. with music/dancing and a meal, followed by the honoree program. The 2020 honorees are: Larry Sodek, DJ; Ellinger Combo; Harold Strand Orchestra. Larry Sodek is from Fayetteville and as a disc jockey has produced and aired a polka show in Fayette County for many years on the local KBUK radio station, keeping the music culture alive. Larry has also played in several bands including the Ellinger Combo and Central Texas Sounds. The next honoree is the Ellinger Combo from Fayette County. The Combo, founded in 1985, is a unique band in that, initially, none of the six-piece group had ever played in a band before. The Combo had a great three decade run traveling all over Central Texas because... it was fun! The third honoree is Harold Strand from the Temple-Waco area. Harold began his music career in Minnesota, but the military relocated him to Central Texas where he remained playing with the West Melodians and Urby and the Czech Mates. He later formed the Harold Strand and the Little Fishermen which later became the Harold Strand Orchestra. The ten-piece band played polkas and ballroom music around Central Texas. After retiring he sat in with numerous orchestras, most notably Harry Czarnek and the Texas Dutchmen.

Throughout the evening there will be door prizes, an open bar, silent auction, and the annual Gala Raffle drawing. After the program, the Czechaholics Band will enliven the festivities with dancing until the closing at 9:30 PM. Pre-reservations are required and can be purchased at the Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center. Call 888-785-4500 or email info@czechtexas. mg.