About Keith Heffner:
Originally from NJ, Keith worked as an arranger, composer, and
keyboard player in Los Angeles for about 20 years before
changing careers in 2003 when he began
teaching Audio Production Technologies in Mesa, AZ.
​
Recently retired, Keith has written about 20 Polkas
(with more on the way) after his friend Dr. Tom got him hooked.
He's having fun coming up with the tunes and they can be heard on ​
Polka Joe Manjack's Magic Polka Machine on Sunday mornings
and more recently on 24/7 Polka Heaven, and Polka Jammer.
​
He would love to have a polka covered by one of the
great polka bands currently touring on the polka circuit.
Please feel free to contact him at the email below.
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Keith owns the copyright and publishing for all of his polkas.
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See some of Keith's other music credit highlights here:
Jimmy Sturr and Eddie Biegaj setting up for Polka Joe's 50th broadcasting year celebration at the Lakeside Ballroom in Barnesville, PA 5/26/2024
Me and Dr. Tom with
Eddie Biegaj and Randy Krajewski
from Crusade at the AZ Pulaski Club 2/24/24
Keith Heffner
​
Polka Joe Manjack showing me the WMGH studio where the
Magic Polka Machine
is broadcast and streamed live every Sunday 10-1 EST.
Dr. Tom
About Dr. Tom Kusek:
​
Originally from Hazleton, PA., I was a Blues/Rock guitarist and played with many local bands in the 1970’s. I was always a Polka listener as my father was a Polka musician who was the founder of The Swingmasters Polka Band, and he recorded in 1963 with the Hi-Hat's Orchestra. When I was in a need of a wheelchair due to spinal cord issues, my wife Peg and I relocated to Arizona.
I met Keith Heffner in Mesa Community College’s Audio Production Technology program where he was an instructor. We suddenly became good friends and worked on many music projects there for disabled students. We would often have jam sessions and I immediately realized what a professional keyboardist he was. However, it really became obvious when we performed at the International Film Awards Festival in Scottsdale. When people were listening to his solos, they were not only listening, but leaning forward in awe.
​
I performed with one of my Dad’s bands, The Pulaski Taverners, playing his upright bass at a confirmation party for my brother, which was an honor for me. I was also called to the stage to play violin with Joe Stanky and his Cadets a few times as we were friends through the Polish National Catholic Church Polka band bookings.
​
I also obtained a PhD and Keith was one of my biggest motivators. Recently, I shared my Polish musical heritage with Keith. He took great interest. Also, Paul Nunez was a perfect fit for our group adding his amazing sax talents to our Fezziwig sound. ​
Here we are, The Fezziwig Express! I hope you enjoy the recordings.
Dr. Tom w/ Happy Louie
Just Fiddling' Around!
About Paul Nunez
Paul Nuñez is a native Arizonan who grew up and lived most of his life in
the Phoenix area. He graduated from Arizona State and Stanford Universities,
and then became an engineer in the Aerospace industry. He later worked as a math faculty member at Mesa Community College where he met Keith Heffner and Dr. Tom Kusek, and the Fezziwig Express was born through their shared love of music!
Paul currently plays the alto and tenor saxophones with several groups, including the Fezziwig Express, and spends much of his time improving his musical skills on saxophone, guitar, and synthesizer. He loved contributing to the music of the Fezziwig Express,
and he looks forward to working on more music projects with various groups.
