The Bouncing Czechs Band was formed twelve years ago by members of the Tucson Czech-Slovak Club. The initial members were George Masa, Frank Prokop, John Prokop, Bill Kohut and Joe Malik. The band initially played for club functions, but as they became more popular, played for other events in the city of Tucson. Today the principal members are:
John Prokop on Tuba
Arleen Watkins on Accordion and vocals
Lois Smith on Clarinet and Alto Saxophone
Howard Smith on Electric Guitar and Tenor Saxophone
Scotty Welch on Trumpet/Flugelhorn and vocals
Dan Duperre on Drums
Occasional Substitutes:
Roxanna Baker on Accordion
Ben Buette on Drums
The Bouncing Czechs have been popular for dancing and have played at mobile home parks, Senior communities, the European Muti-ethnic Alliance of Tucson (EMAT), other Ethnic Clubs in Tucson, Fraternal organizations, Tucson and Phoenix Area Arts Festivals, the Hon-Dah Casino in Pinetop, numerous private parties, and the Tucson Czech-Slovak Club where they play several times during the year. A complete list of groups for which we have performed can be seen by going to: Performance History.
The Bouncing Czechs perform throughout the year. We are experienced and accomplished musicians that love to play our music for Southern Arizona audiences. Please consider us when you are planning your event and, by all means, please come and hear us at one of our performances. We will be happy to consider opportunities that require traveling outside of the Tucson area. See contact information below.
Performance Schedule - 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008, Waverly Park Health Care Center - Celebrate the New Year, 5 PM.
Sunday, January 13, 2008, Tucson Family Arts Festival, 1:00 PM, El Presidio Stage.
Sunday, March 2, 2008, European Multiethnic Alliance of Tucson (EMAT) Fair at the Foothills Mall, Stage set up near Barnes and Nobles Book Store - 2:00 PM
Tuesday, March 11, 2008, Highlands Mobile Home Estate, 322 W. Matterhorn St., Oro Valley, 7 PM
Sunday, March 30, 2008, Comcast Southern AZ Arts & Cultural Festival at the Pima Community College Northwest Campus on Shannon Rd between Magee and Ina, 10 to 11 AM.
Sunday, May 11, 2008, Tucson Czech-Slovak Club, K of C Hall, 1330 Mountain View Ave., 1:00 PM
Sunday, June 1, 2008, CDO Riverfront Park, Oro Valley Arts Council Free Concert Series, 7:45 to 9 PM
Friday, July 4, 2008, Annual Independence Day Breakfast Celebration at Far Horizon's East Mobile Home Park, 7570 East Speedway Blvd., 7:30 AM
Oktoberfest at Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, Noon to 4:30 PM - Dates TBA on weekend days between
September 20 and October 12, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008, Rincon RV Resort West, Red Hat Ladies Dinner, 5 PM
Saturday, October 4, 2008, Tucson Slavic Festival, St. Melany Byzantine Catholic Church, Evening TBA
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, Oktoberfest at SaddleBrooke Country Club, SaddleBrooke, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
(Ticket Information - 818-3899)
Friday, October 10, 2008, Trails West Mobile Home Park Oktoberfest, Time TBA
Friday, October 10, 2008, Tucson Meet Yourself Festival, Noon (Tentative)
Saturday, November 22, 2008, Highlands Mobile Home Estate, Dance, 7-10 PM
Sunday, December 14, 2008, Tucson Czech-Slovak Club, K of C Hall, 1330 Mountain View Ave., 1:00 PM
For bookings or more information about the Bouncing Czechs, please contact
