Tom Brusky, Webmaster    

The Music Connection received the most recent honor of “Band of the Year” in November of 2006 from the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame.  They also received “Band of the Year” awards in 2005 and 2006 from the Wisconsin Polka Music organization.
Founded in 1985 and based out of Wausau Wisconsin, this band has entertained crowds throughout the Midwest with special appearances in Branson Missouri, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.  They have also performed aboard several cruise ships touring Alaska the Caribbean and Hawaii.  The Music Connection has taken their fans on several national tours, with more in the making.
                                        
The style of music performed by these entertainers is a variety of Polkas, Waltzes, Big Band, Country and 50’s.  The four- part harmony, tight music arrangements, their vibrant personalities and great showmanship, make this band truly entertaining.  It is definitely worth finding out what so many around here already know, these guys are good!

The leader of the band, Neal Zunker, has been a musician all his life.  Neal was born in Wausau WI on June 16, 1953 and grew up on a farm in the Marathon City rural area.  His parents spoke German in the house when he was a young boy.  This made it possible for him to remember enough of the language to get him around Germany!  His education started in a one room country school.  Coming from a family of musicians, his interest in music began with concertina lessons starting when he was just five years old.  His first public appearance was at the age of eight.  He along with his father Norton & brother Larry played for local events as, The Zunker Trio. That began a long journey of musical entertaining for Neal. Another band that he performed with was the popular Jolly Gentlemen during his college years.  Neal married Lynn Neumann in 1977, they live in Merrill WI.  Neal & Lynn have two sons, Craig & Brandon, one daughter, Kristin daughter-in-law Jessica and two grandsons, Zachary & Jordan.  Neal also performs with The Swing City Dance Band.  Neal Zunker is the lead vocalist in The Music Connection; he also plays trumpet, concertina, keyboard, and drums.

Brian Seehafer is the most versatile musician in the area. Brian was born in Wausau WI on September 6, 1957.  He grew up in Wausau, and currently lives in the Merrill WI area.  Brian’s ability to switch between various instruments is what makes the music of this four-piece group seem like a full orchestra.  This talented artist is also responsible for arranging most of the music they perform.  Brian has entertained with many popular bands in the Midwest.  During his college years he was the leader of the popular Band Boys Orchestra.  Brian married Pam Wilharms in 2007.  Brian also performs regularly with the Bridge Street Dixieland Review and The Swing City Dance Band.  Brian Seehafer plays the Zupon electronic accordion, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet and sings.

Jeff Heinz has been with the Music Connection since the beginning.  Jeff was born in Wausau WI on September 13, 1961.  He also grew up in the Wausau area and he currently lives in Ringle WI.  Being versatile in any style of music makes Jeff an important part of the smooth sound they’re so well known for.  The vocal harmony he adds is subtle but definitely effective.  During his college years Jeff was a member of the Band Boys Orchestra.  Jeff married Diane Trzebiatowski in 1989.  Jeff & Diane have two sons, Alex & Nicholas.  Jeff also performs with The Swing City Dance Band.  Jeff is known in this area as the “Polka DJ”.  Jeff hosts two radio shows in Wausau WI, WDEZ 101.9 FM Polka Jamboree every Sunday 8:00am to 12:00pm and WSAU 550AM Polka Party every Saturday 6:00 to 7:00am.  Jeff Heinz plays drums and sings.

John Wudtke is the newest member of The Music Connection. John was born in Advance, WI on May 17, 1968.  He grew up in that area and currently lives in Bonduel.  John adds his own style and flare to the music, which only enhances what was already there.  His ability to blend in makes him a welcome addition to the group.  He can play any style of music from Slovenian to Polish and all those in between.  John attended NWTC in Green Bay after high school.  In 1993 John married Amy VanHandel.  John and Amy have two daughters, Rebecca & Janel.  John has been playing for several years with bands such as The Polish Express, The Marosik Brothers, Eddie Blazonczyk and The John Wudtke Band.  John plays the Baldoni electronic accordion and sings.

When you see The Music Connection perform you don’t only get great music, you get to see good friends.  The Music Connection Fan Club is growing every year.  The people in this group have become very close.  We welcome newcomers with open arms. 
 
For booking information: Neal Zunker 715-536-2163 or Wausau Music Center 715-845-4313 or e-mail wausaumusic@yahoo.com.