Famous musician Brian Marshall from Houston celebrated his 40th birthday in Bremond last Saturday. A big group of relatives, friends and fellow band members came to town in two limousines. They made stops at St. Mary’s Church and Cemetery, The Coal Mine Restaurant and the Dry Bean Saloon.
Marshall is a master fiddle player and the authority on Polish music in Texas. He and his band have played in Bremond on Polish Day and most local polks music fans have at least one of his CD’s.
Marshall has done extensive research on the music Polish immigrants brought to Texas. His study found that the fiddle was the instrument that Polish people liked the most. He proudly identifies himself as a Texas-Polish danceband fiddler.
A few weeks ago Marshall received a call from his friend Dennis Kubiak who was traveling in Poland. Kubiak was looking for the cemetery where the Marshall (Marszalek) family ancestors were buried. Marshall confirmed that Kubiak was in the right town.
Kubiak found the Marszalek family graves. He then collected some dirt from their graves and put in a plastic bag and mailed it to Marshall. When Marshall was in town visiting the family graves last Saturday he sprinkled some of the dirt on the Marshall graves and said a few prayers. Cousin Ed Filar led some prayers in Polish.
For a birthday present his family gave Brian the fiddle that belonged to his great grandfather. It had been recently refurbished.
After visiting St. Mary’s Cemetery Brian Marshall and his band played music at the Coal Mine Restaurant. They reserved the back room for the group celebrating his birthday. The cold Piwo tasted real good after being in the hot cemetery. Some local relatives joined the party.
