An Afternoon of Holiday Music – Supper Club Style!

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.
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