Video 1: Chris Rybak Band performs at the Houston Polish Fest 2016 Orange Blossom Special with Keith Junot.
Video 2: Chris Rybak performs the 7 STEP POLKA for the KJZT Youth Camp. Watch as the kids join in on dancing the Seven Step Polka! Publishes on June 30, 2016.
Chris Rybak is a popular and versatile accordionist in Texas with a very busy schedule. From his website: “Chris Rybak – is one of the most popular accordion entertainers in Texas and can be found performing on the national and international level throughout the year. He has about 150 dates a year, about 100 of which are public shows and about 50 or more private shows for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, weddings and other special occasions.
Chris Rybak said, “”I’ve been playing the accordion full time for over 20 years now and I’ve seen the ups and downs in the popularity of the accordion. I’ve noticed in the last few years, however, a remarkable resurgence in the interest of the accordion once again by the young generation. From the accordion clinics and classes in schools to the performances at festivals, the accordion is coming back … and we are so proud to be a part of that movement in bringing it back!”
Combining his love of music, proud Czech heritage and magnetic personality, this “Accordion Cowboy” has what it takes to entertain audiences of all ages through his showmanship and fresh enthusiastic musical style. Chris’s shows utilize his special talents on the digital accordion along with keyboards, trumpet and his vocals. You can book him as a “one-man show” or with his band. Chris’s music includes Country & Western, Polka, Cajun, Tex-Mex, Folk, Gospel, Classical and other styles. Some of the dates of Chris’s performances include the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio, the German Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Caldwell Kolache Festival, Labor Day’s Czech Fest in West, Texas, Oktoberfests in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, California and other states.
Chris has done NAMM shows in Austin TX, Nashville TN, and Anaheim CA, Branson MO and the Texas Renaissance Festival near Houston TX. Chris has even taken his music shows multiple times to the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia (the homeland of his wife Edita). Also, he has played on several cruise ships going to Alaska and the Caribbean Islands. Chris’s music has been influenced by the varied music styles of Hank Williams, Garth Brooks, Flaco, Santiago Jimenez, Myron Floren, Floyd Cramer, and George Strait. This variety has captured the hearts of thousands of people across Texas.
Chris began his love of music at the age of 8 with piano lessons and by the age of 12, developed a love for the accordion after being inspired by the members of his father’s band (Leroy Rybak’s Swinging Orchestra in Texas). Chris played accordion and trumpet in his high school band and won many competitions. By the age 14, he was an often requested guest entertainer at country music shows all over Texas. After many requests for an album, he recorded his first cassette tape at the age of 15. In 1993, he was honored when given the New Dawn Award from the Texas Polka Music Association. In 1999, Chris signed a record contract with Mike Daily, who is the Best known in his role as steel guitarist for country western legend George Strait. After signing with Daily’s Glad Music Co record label, Chris recorded his self-titled debut album which was released in 1999. Since then he has recorded 9 additional albums and is currently working on a new one.
Chris and his wife Edita organize European Tours every year for their fans. Chris and Edita Rybak of Hallettsville, TX invite everyone to join their 2016 Europe Tour to the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Vatican and Germany! . More information on accordion cruises in this publication and future publications.
The tour is scheduled from September 11-23, 2016 and will feature the beautiful scenery of Europe, an audience with the Pope, churches, castles, Munich Oktoberfest, wine and beer tastings, shopping for souvenirs and music by Chris Rybak while travelling. There will also be polka parties with local bands and a dinner cruise in Prague. Chris and Edita are also engaged in the development of an educational website designed for Texas Czechs teaching the Czech language, music and culture.
Chris and Edita are organizing a Valentine Polka Cruise from February 12-19, 2017. The cruise will go to the Western Caribbean on Carnival Breeze out of Galveston, TX. They usually bring about 200 of their Polka fans and have Polka parties and dances. More details will be available in future USA News publications.
Chris and Edita Rybak are established polka promoters in Texas, and Chris Rybak, sometimes referred to as the “Accordion Cowboy”, performs regularly solo and with his own band all across Texas and the US!
In the spring of 2011, Chris became the proud father of a beautiful daughter, Kristina Nicole Rybak who is already walking in her father’s footsteps. She is showing much interest in music and has even appeared in national newspapers. She has already traveled to over 500 performances across Texas, The USA, and over 10 times to Europe!
Upcoming performances for Chris:
July 1, 2016 – Fairchilds, TX – Annual Fairchild Freedom Fest Fundraiser 6:30 – 10:30 PM. Music by Chris Rybak Band featuring Jonathan Satsky on drums. Proceeds benefit the Fairchild Volunteer Fire Department.
July 2, 2016 – Three Rivers, TX – Big Bang Sala Fest 11:AM-3:PM
July 16, 2016 – Goliad, TX – Schroeder Hall Dance. 7-11:PM
Music by Chris Rybak Band
For further information: chrisrybak@msn.com
