.jpg)
![]()
rich bernier
![]()
rich bernier
![]()
rich bernier
.JPG)
Rich born and raised in Norwich Connecticut, Rich fell in love with the accordion after attending numerous Polish functions with his parents Walter and Sylvia Bernier. At the age of 9 he started playing the accordion. Since then he and the instrument shared a musical career together that took them from the small New England town to performances at venues throughout the United States. His early training on the accordion, coupled with his fascination of polka music, gave him the drive and inspiration to someday perform among the best of the best in his genre.
Rich’s performing career began in 1966, at the age of 13. In 1970, Rich was approached by promoter and bandleader Dick Pillar who asked if he would be interested in joining The Dick Pillar Band. In 1973, Rich took advantage of a new opportunity to join the “New Brass” and they showcased the talents of Rich and his accordion in a way that benchmarked his style of playing. In 1976, he started another band and named it the “Sounds of Chicago”. In 1978, Rich returned to the New Brass and remained part of the band for another five years. In 1983, Rich joined the ever popular Happy Louie Band where he performed with them over the next ten years. Starting in 1993, Rich began to freelance with many bands such as the Polka Country Musicians, Ed Skinger, Rich Bobinski, Swinging Brass, Marion Lush, Baystate 4, Polka Family, The Classix, Beer Hall Boys, The Happy Travelers, Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push, New Brass Reunion Band, Myron Florin, Accordion a Go-Go, Stas Golonka, Mass Brass and America’s Polka Sweetheart “Stephanie”. Then in 2001, Rich became a permanent member of the Maestro’s Men and continues with the band to this day. In 2016, Rich had the privilege to be in the movie “The Polka King” with actor Jack Black which was released in 2018.
Rich has contributed his time and talents to many charitable organizations, including the Lisa Biskup Foundation, performing with the Polish American Carolers at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, various Alzheimer’s facilities and nursing homes and religious organizations. He has conducted music clinics, playing and educating people of Polish heritage. On 9/1/18 Rich received the Leon Kozicki award from the International Polka Association for his 50 years of contributions to the Polka field.
Rich’s performing career began in 1966, at the age of 13. In 1970, Rich was approached by promoter and bandleader Dick Pillar who asked if he would be interested in joining The Dick Pillar Band. In 1973, Rich took advantage of a new opportunity to join the “New Brass” and they showcased the talents of Rich and his accordion in a way that benchmarked his style of playing. In 1976, he started another band and named it the “Sounds of Chicago”. In 1978, Rich returned to the New Brass and remained part of the band for another five years. In 1983, Rich joined the ever popular Happy Louie Band where he performed with them over the next ten years. Starting in 1993, Rich began to freelance with many bands such as the Polka Country Musicians, Ed Skinger, Rich Bobinski, Swinging Brass, Marion Lush, Baystate 4, Polka Family, The Classix, Beer Hall Boys, The Happy Travelers, Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push, New Brass Reunion Band, Myron Florin, Accordion a Go-Go, Stas Golonka, Mass Brass and America’s Polka Sweetheart “Stephanie”. Then in 2001, Rich became a permanent member of the Maestro’s Men and continues with the band to this day. In 2016, Rich had the privilege to be in the movie “The Polka King” with actor Jack Black which was released in 2018.
Rich has contributed his time and talents to many charitable organizations, including the Lisa Biskup Foundation, performing with the Polish American Carolers at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, various Alzheimer’s facilities and nursing homes and religious organizations. He has conducted music clinics, playing and educating people of Polish heritage. On 9/1/18 Rich received the Leon Kozicki award from the International Polka Association for his 50 years of contributions to the Polka field.
Recordings:
Maestro's Men - "Decade Two"Maestro's Men - "Enjoy The Little Things"Maestro's Men - "Don't Stop The Music"Maestro's Men - "Decade"Maestro's Men - "It's All About The Music"Maestro's Men - "Strike Up The Band"Maestro's Men - "Music Maestros Please"Maestro's Men - "Polkas For A Christmas Season 2"Maestro's Men - "Polkas For A Christmas