Bavarian Inn's Linda Lee & the Golden-Aires
Bavarian Inn's Linda Lee and her Golden-Aires Band
L to R Back Row: Mike Curtiss, Darryl Schmitz, Devin Hahn, Ken Dowling, Trent Urbytes,
Front: Tommy Vale, Linda Lee, Madelyn Curtiss
Our Audio Engineer, Roger Lee
Always listening and making sure we are sounding our best!
Mixing the Audio is Roger Lee's Gig.
Tommy Vale
Tenor Saxophonist
Tommy Vale, saxophonist, vocalist & songwriter, submerged himself in the Polka World playing for "Linda Lee & the Golden-Aires". Tommy is known for playing the dirtiest, sexiest, saxophone in Rock-N-Roll. He has played for many legends best known for his tenure with The Original "Bill Haley's Comets" since 1986. Under the direction of Linda Lee, Tommy Vale is now playing the Austrian Cow Bells,, The Alphorn & has become a favorite with her fans.
Devin Hahn
Trombone, Euphonium & Accordion
Devin Hahn lives in Dansville Michigan and is an accordionist and trombone player. He retired in 2020 as the First Sergeant and Enlisted Conductor of the 126th Army Band, Michigan Army National Guard. He earned his degree in Music Education from Michigan State University.
Devin joined the 126th Army Band in 1996 as a trombone player. He also competed for many years as a Scottish pipe band snare drummer and was Adjunct Professor of Music at Hillsdale College for fourteen years, where he instructed the college’s bagpipe and drum band. He was a trombonist with the West Shore Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Michigan State Police Pipe Corps, and as an accordion soloist with the Calvin Wind Ensemble.
Devin retired as an active-duty soldier and has spent many years in law enforcement and law enforcement support. He was a certified Lead Instructor for the National Guard Bureau. His operational deployments include staff duties in Europe in support of the Latvian State Partnership Program and security and search and rescue operations as a Light Armored Vehicle Commander in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Since retirement he works as an accordion repairman and enjoys traveling with his family, teaching music lessons, and playing accordion in civilian polka bands.
In addition, Devin is an expert Accordion Repair Man in both acoustic and electronics. If you have need for a repair, or even an estimate, call Devin at (517) 862-7511 ... He is awesome!!
Mike Curtiss
Drums, Percussion, Marimba
Mike Curtiss started performing with the Linda Lee Band in 1974…..and now….he’s baaaack!
Mike began playing drums when he was five and has been in the music world ever since. While in high school, Mike was teaching drums/drumset at Whitehead Music Store when (1974) he received a phone call from Linda Lee and he commented, “What’s a cordovox?” He fell in love with the sound, the band, the music, and the people so continued performing with Linda for 13 years. During this time, Mike also attended Central Michigan University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Jazz, and Performance. At CMU, he was a member of the marching band, concert bands, jazz band, orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble.
Mike moved on to pursue his teaching career. Besides working with numerous Michigan bands and percussion ensembles, Mike taught his own school bands for over 25 years (Saginaw High School, Merrill Schools, Arthur Hill High School, Swan Valley Schools, and Saginaw Arts and Science Academy). At Arthur Hill High School, Mike led their Drumline to First Place in Winter Guard International World Championships.
Although Mike is retired, he continues to repair instruments and teach drumset/percussion and band instruments at White Crow Conservatory of Music in Saginaw. Additionally, he is Percussion Instructor for Saginaw Bay Youth Orchestra and performs with other area musical groups. He is excited to go full circle and be back on the drum throne again with Linda Lee and the Golden-Aires.
Darryl Schmitz
Accordion, Tuba, Trombone, Keyboards
Darryl Schmitz has been a member of Linda Lee's Band since the early 80's. He is a fine musician playing many instruments. Those include: Tuba, Trombone, Accordion, Keyboards, and a very well-rounded singing voice. He was also a member of Michigan State University Marching Band.
You have to hear him in person at various events and also enjoy his warm personality and musical abilities.
He also has 33 1/3 Street Recording Studio in St. John's, Michigan.
He also recorded our FRANKENMUTH CHRISTMAS Recording for us, doing a super job.
Roger Lee
Our Audio and Lighting Engineer
Roger is Linda Lee's husband and has supported her 100% since Day One. He enjoys the atmosphere and his part of the band.....making sure the band sounds great and encourages and promotes Linda Lee's Band everywhere , and he also has a friendly personality. He keeps Linda Lee in the best of musical equipment and continually learns about the latest and greatest equipment for the Band.
Ken Dowling, Accordion
Wonderful Slovenian Accordionist
Ken Dowling has been in the music business for many years, with different groups. We are fortunate to have Ken play with us , and he sure adds a great touch to our sound. Rock On, Kenny!
About Us
John Shollack
John Shollack
John Shollack
Johnny is one of the finest Jazz Accordionist anywhere to be found. We were so blessed to have him with us for nearly 20 years. Now he is still jamming with his musical friends, and enjoying his retirement.
Wild Bill
John Shollack
John Shollack
Wild Bill had a good run in Linda Lee's Band. He is a retired Violinist with the Midland Symphony Orchestra, and being a violin teacher. Now he officially retired from the Linda Lee Band.
We wish him well in his retirement and enjoying his life and travels.
John Sversko
John Shollack
John Sversko
Johnny Sversko
Johnny has been with our band for nearly 20 years and we wish him well as he pursues other interests.
He was a great drummer we appreciated the years that he played with us.
J J
Drummer JJ
Jj was born with the drum sticks in his hands. Being taught by Mike Curtiss, current drummer, JJ played on Mike's lap until he was old enough to reach the drum pedals on his own. Taking a break during his Career, you will see JJ from time-to-time on the drums for guest appearances. JJ was so popular, a "doll" was created in his image for all of his groupies.
Original Golden-Aires Band
Jim Lepeak, Accordion, Vocals, Fiddle, Mandolin, Deceased
Linda Lee, Midi Accordion, Vocals
Homer Wickman, Guitar, Violin, Vocals, Deceased
Mike Curtiss, Drums, Vocals
Madeline Curtiss, Tuba, Not pictured
Early Years
From Left to Right
Ron Tabiadon, Accordion
Ken Glaza, Tuba, Bass K & R Recording Studio
Homer Wickman, Guitar, Deceased
Mike Curtiss, Drums
Mid-career Band Members
Left-Right
Don Cialkoszewski ( The Polish Kid) Accordion, Button Box, Vocals,
Linda Lee - Midi Accordion, Vocals
Michelle Gath, Drums
Michelle Brown, Keyboard, Vocals
Dick Reid, Guitar, Vocals, Deceased
John Sversko, drums, not pictured.
Bobby Lee - Accordion, not pictured.