AREA MUSICIAN FOCUSES ON SLOVENIAN SOUND
Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 -- 1:05 PM
Slovenia is a tiny country sandwiched between Austria and Bosnia, but anyone wanting a taste of Slovenian heritage need only travel to Willard, and need only listen to the music of Mary Ann Lesar.Now 66 and living in Loyal, Lesar's been playing accordion and singing since she was 10.
She recently released two new recordings: A Polka For You and From My Slovenian Heart; the latter features Slovenian melodies, harmonies and lyrics.
"I remember asking for a drink of water in Slovenian when I was three or four," Lesar recalls, "I was introduced to the music at a neighbor's house and I fell in love immediately. It has always stayed right with me."
Although polkas and waltzes are often referred to as "old time" music, Lesar thinks there might be a resurgence.
"I even believe it could get to be a (crossover) think like country did," Lesar hopes, "From the old country music to, all of a sudden, when country got big. I sometimes hope polka will too."
Lesar says she loves recording and has another album due out this fall. If you'd like to buy any of her music, you can email her at [email protected].
Listen for her during our Old Time Music Show (Memories 1370) Sunday mornings from 7 to 9 a.m.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.