LynnMarie's Passion For Squeezing
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Written by: Kate Kelsall
Publication:
Date written: 2001
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At the beginning of this year, LynnMarie was ready to throw in the towel
and her squeeze box and refocus her energy away from her music. However,
in February, her CD, "Squeeze Box" was nominated for a Grammy
in the polka category. Although she didn't win, this experience has opened
new opportunities of which she never dreamed. The Grammy nomination and
the appearances on the Leno and Letterman shows have been significant turning
points in her career.
LynnMarie can still remember her father, Ludwig Hrovat's ability to walk
into a room and make the audience come to life with his accordion music.
Her father became a true inspiration for LynnMarie. She too wants to move
audiences and change the mood, from a neutral or depressed one to an atmosphere
of joy. LynnMarie wants to make people happy. She lights up the room while
singing and playing the squeeze box.
LynnMarie spent her free time during her growing up years at the Slovenian
home (similar to a community hall) in Cleveland. Her father was the leader
of the house band there. LynnMarie has fond memories of singing with the
Slovenian Junior Chorus at age five and festivities filled with music, singing
and dancing. She first had the opportunity to transform a typically uneventful,
boring First Communion party into a festive occasion through her music.
In high school, LynnMarie was a teen you could label, Miss High School.
She was one who participated in all the school extracurricular activities
such as being in plays, cheerleading, in addition to playing the button
box. However, her first love was acting, and she was accepted to the American
Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. But LynnMarie's mother died of cancer
during her senior year in high school. She changed her plans and decided
to remain in Ohio to continue her education.
LynnMarie, 36, has been married to Jim Rink for 15 years. He is supportive
of her and encourages her to do all that she does and be all that she
can be. In 1994, they moved from San Diego (where they had been living
for eight years working in the television industry) to Nashville.
With her high energy (she doesn't relax), LynnMarie is constantly pursuing
new avenues to express herself through music. She has a new CD coming
out in September. It incorporates traditional polka, "alternative"
polka, Tex-Mex, Cajun and swing music. Her mission is to bring the world
of polka music to new audiences that haven't previously been exposed to
polka music and to help take away the "bad rap" of the accordion.
Tidbits of advice that she has received along the way are "You will
regret things in life that you don't try". When she's in doubt about
pursuing a new path, she asks herself, "Will I regret it if I don't
try it?" These words have kept her moving forward.
Country music artist, Tim McGraw, once said that the music industry is
often dependent upon luck. The important thing to remember is that when
your lucky time comes, you need to be ready.
LynnMarie's advice to others is "find your passion
and don't
quit." God always gives us desires in our hearts. And God is able
to imagine all of the possibilities and opportunities that are available
to us.
With her determined spirit, you never know where LynnMarie may appear-maybe
even on the "Drew Carey" television show.
Kate Kelsall also has a passion for squeezing. She enjoys entertaining
with the piano accordion and plays solos, in an accordion quartet and
accordion band in the Denver area. Kate can be contacted at KateDenver@aol.com.
Photo by Linda Crist
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