Mike Matousek: Bass, Vocals, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer!
Mike began his professional polka career at the age of 14 (the first time he got paid) in a family band called The Polka Cousins. He later joined The Royal Cavaliers and co-founded The Brass Works in the 1970's. He co-founded and performed with The Boys from Baltimore in the 1980's, played with The Hylites in the mid 1990's, and co-founded Charm City Sound in 1997. During his tenure with The Boys, the band was recognized with numerous national awards that included Favorite Album and Favorite Band by the Unites States Polka Association in 1989 and 1990. Mike facilitated The Boys' appearance in Paramount's major motion picture, He Said, She Said that starred Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Perkins. Under his leadership, Charm City Sound garnered the USPA's Favorite Song and Favorite Band awards for 2001 and 2003. Over the years, he has performed with some of the nation's most notable bands that include Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push, Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones, Happy Louie & Julcia, The Brass Connection, Polka Family, Freeze Dried, and many others. Mike has also performed on over 20 nationally-released recordings. Currently he enjoys touring with The Boys and Full Circle, and leading Charm City Sound. When off the stage, Mike co-hosts Polkamotion by the Ocean, an annual four-day polka festival held in Rehoboth Beach, DE every September, and "The Mikes Are On!", a one-hour polka/variety Internet show on www.247polkaheaven.com with Mike Ziemski. They were both voted the USPA's Favorite IJs for 2008. Along with his Full Circle partners, Mike hosts the annual "Polka Cruises with the Stars." In 2008, Mike was inducted into the Polka Music Hall of Fame. Mike is married to Ann Marie and they have three children, Amanda (20), Matthew (17), and Amy (13). He also has two children from a previous marriage, Michael Jr., and Melissa. The Matouseks reside in Millersville, MD (about half way between Baltimore and Annapolis).
Dave Morris: Concertina
Dave was born in Monongahela, Pennsylvania (about thirty miles south of Pittsburgh). He started playing accordion in the early 70’s with a group called The Polka Dynamics. While playing with them he picked up the concertina and was fascinated with its sound. In 1977 Dave joined forces with five other local musicians forming The Sounds orchestra. The Sounds were together for six years. Dave was with them until they disband. From 1983-1986 Dave played with a local band called Sil Martini and the Invictas. In 1986 Jimmy Weber and The Sounds reunited and were together until 1990. During his time with The Sounds Dave recorded eight albums and was honored along with the rest of the band with many awards. These awards were bestowed upon the band by the USPA, IPA, and two Grammy nominations to name a few. Dave also played from 1990-1991 with Vinny and The New Soundz and recorded one album with them. During his music career Dave filled in with many local bands. He has filled in with Henny and The Versa Jay’s, Ray Jay and The Carousels, and The Trel-Tones just to name a few. In 1995 Dave joined the NuTones and is still playing with them today. Dave is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of The Boys’.
Dave has an Associate’s degree from Penn State University in Mining Engineering and also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Waynesburg University. He worked at Bethlehem Steel as a Supervisor for fourteen years. He has been employed by Consol Energy as a Mine Examiner for the past twenty years. Dave is married to Stacey; they reside in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. Stacey is the drummer, vocalist, and leader of the NuTones and has been honored in the past as the USPA’s Favorite Female Vocalist. She is also a hairdresser and owns her own beauty shop. Dave and Stacey have two daughters, Dana and Kala. Dana is a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated with a BS in Marketing and Supply Chain Management. Dana works at Ariba as a project manager. Dana married Ryan Salotti in September 2009. Kala graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She is pursuing a Master of Education as a Reading Specialist and is currently employed by the Charleroi Area School District.
Allen Puwalski: Accordion, Clarinet, Vocals
Allen is married to Nanci, and they have four children: Jonathan (17), Jared (15), Lydia (12), and Sophie (10). The Puwalski’s reside in Silver Spring, MD (a DC Suburb). Allen is a Senior Vice President of Paulson & Co. Inc, the world’s 3rd largest hedge fund, which also was the subject of the book, The Greatest Trade Ever. Allen works four days a week in Manhattan, New York where he has an apartment in Times Square. Jonathan is hopefully on his way to the Naval Academy (fingers crossed) where he hopes to study military history. Jared is an upcoming bassist, studying both electric and upright. Lydia is an avid Indie-music fan and promising gymnast. Sophie, who was diagnosed with profound autism at 18 months, inspires unconditional love from all that work with her. While still exhibiting unmistakable behaviors of severe autism, with the help of her friends, Julie, Theresa, and Kahlen, Sophie is making remarkable academic progress.
Mike Evan: Trumpet and Vocals
It’s been fun the last few years playing horn next to Frank Liszka again & teaming up with The Boys. Some of the best musicians and friends a guy could hope to be associated with. I want to thank each and every one of them for giving me the opportunity to get back in the saddle and play some great music with a group of talented & crazy guys! Hope to continue this ride for many years to come. See everyone on the road! Currently living in Hanover Township, PA with my lovely wife Deneen.
Jeff Yash: Drums
Jeff’s love for polka music began at an early age, mainly influenced by his parents’ involvement with polka music. He starting playing drums at age 15 and began performing professionally in 1986 with a band called The Happy Harmony Boys from CT. From there, he played frequently with The Polka Family band in 1988 and 1989. In the fall of 1989, Jeff began his tenure as a full time "Boy." After The Boys disbanded at the end of 1990, Jeff began playing with a band from the New England area called The Classix (led by Jackie Libera). At the start of 1994, he relocated to the Midwest and joined Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones for 3 years. Jeff moved back home to New York at the end of 1996, and filled in with numerous bands throughout the country, including John Gora & Gorale, Eddie Forman Orchestra, Bay State IV, Freddy K, Rhythm & Sound, Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, The Maestro’s Men, Charm City Sound, Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push, Polka Family, and numerous local bands. Over the past few years, Jeff has enjoyed his time playing with The Boys again. He looks forward to seeing many of the friends he's made over the years and to continue contributing to The Boys' signature sound. Jeff is married to his wife Judy and have two Boys, Nikolas (9) and Alex (6). Jeff enjoys spending time with his family & friends and loves participating in his son’s seasonal sporting events. They currently make their home in Wynantskill, NY.
Frank Liszka: Trumpet - Vocals
Frank is one the leading horn men & vocalists in the polka industry today. He was inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame in 1998 and continues his creativity and musical direction to this day making The Boys one of the major players on todays polka scene. Frank enjoys spending time with his wife Denise & coaching his sons many sporting activities. They currently make their home in the Cleveland Ohio area.
