Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra

Star of Syracuse Polish Festival 2006

With his warm personality, endless good humor, wide-ranging repertoire, and thrilling orchestra, Jimmy Sturr is polka’s foremost contemporary ambassador. Like his peers at the cutting edge of the bluegrass, Celtic, and alt-country genres, bandleader Sturr has a knack for finding contemporary relevance in polka’s classic qualities, subtly interjecting modern elements while never losing sight of the exuberance and joy that has endeared polka to fans around the world. His unique vision has made his orchestra a concert and festival favorite, and has earned him a remarkable fifteen Grammy awards.

On Shake, Rattle and Polka!, Sturr and a host of special guests reinvent polka yet again, tackling an array of songs drawn from classic rock’n’roll, r&b, doo-wop, and country sources. A host of special guests are on-hand to handle vocal duties.

The legendary Willie Nelson contributes three performances, including a haunting “Unchained Melody,” and spry polka takes on “I Walk the Line” and “Blueberry Hill.” Blue-eyed soul belter Delbert McClinton takes on Chuck Berry’s “Promised Land” and Leiber and Stoller’s “Kansas City.” The Duprees reprise their silky rendition of “You Belong to Me,” while guitar great Duane Eddy contributes a revision of his hit “Detour.” Also on board is New Orleans shouter Frankie Ford, who revisits his hit take on Huey “Piano” Smith’s “Sea Cruise.” Throughout these songs, Sturr’s orchestra surges propulsively, steering the arrangements with driving backbeats and crisp interjections. The result is an exciting new sound, assembled by a master musician from a host of timeless traditions. Sturr and his Orchestra are currently on tour, performing songs from Shake, Rattle and Polka. This May the band will perform for Pope Benedict XVI at Rome's The Trevi Fountain.

Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra Concert during Polish Festival 2006 sponsored by Drs. Juan Kassab & Dorothy Kozlowska-Kassab of Smile Solutions."