Michael J. Maschek   Born in 1943, I lived in St. Louis until '97.  From '62 to '66, I served in the USAF as an illustrators assistant, and fighter aircraft mechanic.   In July 1970 I married Rose Marie. Rose & her twin sister attended St. Wenceslaus, as did I.   We re-met on Valentines Day, when my oldest sister, a Notre Dame nun, needed a ride into town. We invited Rose over for supper, and we fell in love as we feasted on Rainbow Trout.   I received my first harmonica when I was ten, and used it for tricks or treats on Halloween.  Soon another harmonica, a chromatic, was given to me.  It enabled me to do melodies like my older brother played on the piano.    My family had records of  George Gershwin classics, which I enjoyed, and on Sundays we listened to Polkas on the radio.    In High School I played in all talent shows, once receiving a third prize for my Beer Barrel Polka. I had no one to accompany me, so I developed chording techniques.    I played some while in a seminary , before entering the military. Finally in 91, I joined the Gateway Harmonica Club in St. Louis and began to play to audiences.    With instructions on reading music and playing techniques, I grew to be a lead player in the club band.  I played lead on a recording we produced around '95.   We also played the National Anthem before a ballgame one summer at Bush Stadium.     Throughout my life I practiced creating visual art.  Even before Military Service, I used my drawing ability , and afterwards I entered college for two years to study commercial art sciences.   Now retired, I now apply my experiences to fine art.  I earned Art Section status in the St. Louis Artist's Guild, then I brought my persistent muse to Arkansas.    Ten years have passed and in spite of my avid trout fishing, I participated in two art clubs, winning prizes in area shows.  As a member of the Bull Shoals Art Club, I show watercolors in the clubs art gallery at BelArco Resort.  Inspirations come through observation of area scenery, using new age music and experimental techniques to create watercolor images.   Moving to Lakeview in '97 brought a hunger for a venue where I could play my music.  A few years ago I discovered the various jam sessions in the area and began to play them.  Practice at these sessions renewed my enthusiasm so I made another try at the Monday Night Jamboree.  The "Military Medley" seemed to put me on the map and a brightly colored shirt with a river gambler hat made appealing stage props.    Bob Burazin arrived on the scene and I'm fortunate to have his great musical support.  His mastery of the accordion blends well with my harmonica sound.    During the off season I will likely play at the Van Matre Senior Center in Mountain Home .                                                                                                   ~Mike

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Best viewed by hitting the F11 button.

Painting: "Horizon" by Mike Maschek