Musician Profile: Leon Finecy -- Polka King

For Leon Finecy, the familiar sound of an accordion carries with it more than a melody. It carries memories of family, community and a musical tradition that has been part of his life since childhood.

A Columbus native and Lakeview High School graduate, Leon began playing the accordion when he was just 11 years old — and he hasn't stopped since.

On Saturday, September 19, Leon will bring those familiar tunes to Pioneer Plaza as part of Fall for the Arts.

MUSIC RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Some of Leon's earliest musical memories involve his grandmother, who played piano for Leon and his brother, Clark, when they were young.

Her collection of old-time dance music introduced the brothers to songs they continue to enjoy today. Those polkas, waltzes and old-time favorites became part of a musical tradition that Leon would carry with him throughout his life.

By the 1980s, Leon was performing with a five-piece band that included his brother on bass guitar. Their repertoire went beyond traditional polkas and waltzes, mixing in country western and soft rock as they played events throughout the area.

The band got its start with the help of the late John Wachal of Richland, Nebraska.

A CAREER — AND A LIFETIME OF MUSIC

While music remained part of Leon's life, his professional career took him to Central Community College, where he spent 30 years teaching as a Machine Tool Instructor.

He also continued sharing his love of music through his church and community. Leon is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he sings with the praise choir, and is also a member of the Columbus Vertical Voices Choir.

Now retired from their careers, Leon and Clark have found themselves performing together once again.

PLAYING THE SONGS PEOPLE REMEMBER

Today, the brothers especially enjoy performing for residents of area senior living communities.

For Leon, those performances aren't simply about playing a familiar polka or waltz. They're about what can happen when someone recognizes a song they haven't heard in years.

A melody can bring back a dance, a celebration, a family gathering or another moment seemingly tucked away in time.

Leon and Clark hope the old-time songs they grew up hearing from their grandmother can do exactly that — bring back a few memories while giving people a reason to smile, tap their toes and enjoy the music.

HEAR THE POLKA KING AT FALL FOR THE ARTS

You won't have to travel far to hear some good old-fashioned polka music during Fall for the Arts.

Find Leon Finecy — Polka King at Pioneer Plaza and enjoy a selection of polkas, waltzes and old-time favorites performed by musicians who have a genuine connection to the music they're playing.

🪗 Leon Finecy — Polka King
⏰ 1 p.m.
📍 Pioneer Plaza, 2402 13th St.

FALL FOR THE ARTS
Saturday, September 19
11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Trackside District – Downtown Columbus