Voted the 2nd best jazz band in the Alibi's 2009 Best of Burque, the Zoltan Orkestar performs quirky original songs in addition to Zoltanized standards and Hungarian folk songs.
Classical guitarist Zoltan Szekely, who was born in Romania and raised in Hungary, founded the Zoltan Orkestar in 2006. Zoltan’s style is heavily influenced by both traditional Hungarian folk music and American classical jazz. He plays an instrument of his own devise, combining a guitar and a ukulele, with a bicycle horn, cymbal and xylophone thrown in for good measure, affectionately known as the "guikemaphone" (geek-a-ma-phone) or "Zoltanator."
Joining Zoltan is his wife and vocalist, Glynda Szekely. In addition to lending her "voice of the hummingbird of the gods" to the band, Glynda also makes sure there is enough beer and estrogen at practice.
There's never a dull moment around John Keith, accordionist and innuendoist extraordinaire. John has shared the stage with the likes of Buckwheat Zydeco, Bela Fleck, Los Lobos and Tanya Tucker. The world's tallest midget, John is well-known throughout Florida for his tiki carving skills.
Bass is handled by Chris Tickner of The Big Spank fame. We don't know much about Chris--he is mysterious and elusive, much like the duck-billed platypus. We suspect he likes plaid.
Raised by coyotes in the Albuquerque wilderness, percussionist Jeff Romaniuk rounds out the Orkestar. Having previously performed with many local and national bands, including the Eric McFadden Trio and Chris Dracup, Jeff is also an avid stamp collector and world-class snake milker.
Catch them live at several Albuquerque bars and restaurants, including Monte Vista Fire Station, Nob Hill Bar & Grill, Imbibe Cigar Lounge and Scalo Il Bar and at the Mineshaft Tavern in Madrid.
Very nice, thanxs for the youtube video. I admire any accordionist who can stand, walk, run or dance while playing. My accordion is sooooo heavy I can only play sitting down. It's kinda hard to play Flight Of The Bumble Bee standing up or walking. LOL Keep it up!