Czech Plus Band a great cultural asset

Kudos to the Czech Plus Band for another memorable concert in Czech Village. “A tribute to Whoopee John Wilfahrt, America's leading proponent of Polka Music” was presented July 17 to an enthusiastic crowd.

Wilfahrt, a Minnesota native, achieved national prominence in the Midwest with his band and a folksy style of polka music scored with a touch of the “big band sound” of the '30s and '40s. The Whoopee John band was booked into the local dance hall in Cedar Rapids, Danceland, annually for many years to the delight of local fans.

Czech Plus Band is in its 31st year of presenting authentic Czech music. (Wilfahrt's parents came from Bohemia and much of his music is based on old Bohemian melodies.) Free concerts are presented every other Friday in the Kosek Bandstand in Czech Village during the summer season.

Playing without remuneration, the band continues to appeal to its audience for contributions to the flood relief fund for the recovery of Czech Village.

Wesley Drahozal

Cedar Rapids