October 15, 2014 at 3:22 p.m.
Larry Jankowski and his electronic orchestra coming to Rhinelander library
Larry Jankowski and his electronic orchestra coming to Rhinelander library
Lots of little boys go to sporting events and come away with a yearning to someday be an athlete but not 8-year-old Larry Jankowski. Fifty years ago, he was so taken with the organist at a Chicago Stadium hockey game that he knew he had to learn to play, the library said in a press release announcing the performance. His father was a professional accordion player and wanted the best teacher for his son. He found Bob Creed, who was the organist for the Chicago White Sox, Bulls and Sting, and had played with the Les Paul Orchestra.
During his high school years, Jankowski began playing publicly in restaurants, won a talent show which allowed him to be featured in a TV show, and was hired by Wurlitzer Organs to give demonstrations and teach lessons. He played local churches, ice rinks, roller rinks, and sports teams. As his popularity and celebrity grew, he was asked to audition to be the organist for the Bozo's Circus Show on TV. He had to turn down the Bozo offer, but continued to play the organ and teach 19 music students a week.
In 2008, Jankowski received a Yamaha HX-1 organ and that is when "Larry Jankowski and the Electronic Orchestra" was born. This unique organ is a one of a kind in Wisconsin and a challenge to master. He has recorded seven albums, including standards, love songs, Christian, and Christmas music. In 2013 he recorded his first vocal album, titled "OK I'll Sing!" He now lives in the Northwoods and is a familiar performer at numerous supper clubs, resorts, country clubs, botanic gardens, art fairs, libraries, museums, assisted living centers, and for many churches from the U.P. of Michigan to Madison. Due to his increasing popularity, he is now being called to perform all over Wisconsin and even at times in the Chicago area.
Jankowski's fine mastery of the "electronic orchestra" will entertain and delight, the library says. People of all ages are welcome to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with great music. Call Rhinelander District Library at (715) 365-1070 with any questions.
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