Bob Doszak will play the accordion in a concert at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community, 1100 N. River Rd.
Doszak was born to Slovenian and Polish parents which helped instill his style of music. He grew up in Joliet, and across the street from his childhood home was a tavern that always echoed of polka music. He remains a resident of Joliet.
Showing early signs of talent, Doszak began accordion lessons at the tender age of six. At seven, he had his first performance with America’s Polka King, Frank Yankovic, and a year later, he was the featured accordionist at the Baby Doll Polka Club in Chicago.
Doszak appeared on Ron Terry’s Polka Party on WGN – Channel 9. He started his own band at age 14, and within weeks, the bank was playing seven nights a week. The band continued throughout his high school years. Although his formal musical training was on the accordion, Doszak began playing drums in high school and was the drummer for the Joliet Catholic High School Concert Band and marching band.
Doszak has been in the polka music business for 42 years, and he is a proponent for his style of music. For example, for the past 14 years, he has been one of the key organizers of the annual Illinois Polka Festival now held in Naperville.
The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments as well as a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The public is invited, and admission is free. For more information call Shelly Goggins at 815-609-0669.
