Courtesy of Rhinelander District Library

Celebrate the holidays with a relaxing and nostalgic afternoon at Rhinelander

District Library on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. with Northwoods musician

Larry Jankowski. Larry will entertain the audience with his Christmas show, performing

traditional holiday tunes and familiar hits, “supper club” style, with his “Electronic

Orchestra,” a Yamaha HX-1 organ. All ages are welcome.

Jankowski’s own musical journey has been interesting. Lots of little boys go to

sporting events and come away with a yearning to someday be an athlete. Not eight-

year-old Larry Jankowski. He was so taken with the organist at a Chicago Stadium

hockey game that he knew he had to learn to play. 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, Chicago Bulls, 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; grew in popularity and celebrity, and 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. That is when “Larry

Jankowski and His Electronic Orchestra” was born. This unique organ is a one- of-a-

kind in Wisconsin and a challenge to master. Jankowski 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 is a familiar and popular performer

throughout Wisconsin (and sometimes in Chicago) at numerous supper clubs, resorts,

country clubs, botanical gardens, art fairs, libraries, museums, assisted living centers and

churches.

All ages are welcome to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with great music and refreshments

will be served. Funding for this event is provided by RDL Foundation. Please call

Rhinelander District Library at 715-365-1070 with any questions.