'Oktoberfest!' an afternoon of German polkas, songs

By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Arts and Entertainment
Published October 19, 2007

Richey Community Orchestra kicks off its 2007-08 season Sunday with Oktoberfest!, a celebration of fall that includes an orchestra concert featuring accordionist Rich Ricardi, plus German food and beer for sale.

"Tickets for all our shows are selling very well," said Denise Isaacson, publicist and performer with the orchestra. This show is expected to be particularly popular with those who enjoy "that authentic Oktoberfest sound" provided by Ricardi, she said.

Ricardi has performed with the man often called America's polka king, late Grammy-winning accordionist Frankie Yankovic, and still tours with Yankovic's band members when they pay tribute to their founder. Yankovic died in 1998 in New Port Richey.

Ricardi took up the accordion at age 5. At 7, he played at the famed Steel Pier in Atlantic City, N.J. He has performed with crooner Julius LaRosa, country singer Eddy Arnold and Tarpon Springs singer Bertie Higgins.

Richey Community Orchestra, led by Robert Boyd, will perform polkas likeBeer Barrel Polka, Pennsylvania Polka and Too Fat Polka, waltzes and popular German songs.

There will be a full cash bar with food.

Future orchestra performances will be the Christmas dinner show at Spartan Manor on Dec. 16, featuring former Miss Florida Carolyn Cline in a tribute to her cousin, Patsy Cline; the Magic of Bobby Darin with singer Marty Thompson on Jan. 20 at the Knights of Columbus Hall; Dixieland Jamboree featuring trumpet player Charly Raymond, singer Michele James and Florida Fiddle Champion Elan Chalford at the Center for the Arts at River Ridge; Songs of Stage and Screen featuring Una Voce: The Florida Men's Chorale on March 30 at River Ridge; and We Love America with John and Mary K. Wilson on April 27, also at River Ridge.

All shows are at 3 p.m. and are $15, except the dinner show. It starts with cocktails at 1 p.m., followed by dinner and the show and costs $30.

Richey Community Orchestra also will give a free concert at 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Hudson Seafest at Festival Grounds behind USA Flea Market in Hudson.

If you go

'Oktoberfest!' by Richey Community Orchestra

Where: Knights of Columbus Hall, K of C Drive, Port Richey (go east off U.S. 19 one street south of Ridge Road)

When: 3 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: $15. Call (727) 919-3866 or go to the box office at 6827 Amberjack Lane (west of U.S. 19 a half mile north of Beacon Woods Drive), Hudson

[Last modified October 18, 2007, 23:30:47]