Babouci Czech Brass Band to Tour Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska
Babouci, the renowned Czech brass band from South Bohemia led by Tomáš Staněk, will tour the United States in April 2026. With origins dating back to the 1860s in the village of Němčice, Babouci is recognized as the oldest dechovka band in South Bohemia. This tour offers American audiences a rare opportunity to experience the authentic sound of Czech brass music, performed by a group celebrated for its musical excellence and dedication to preserving a cherished cultural tradition.
Babouci’s musical identity is deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Czech brass bands, which have played a central role in Czech cultural life for generations. These ensembles have long provided entertainment and strengthened community bonds at festivals, celebrations, and social gatherings. The genre—known in Czech as dechovka—includes folk inspired compositions characterized by lively rhythms, expressive melodies, and finely crafted arrangements that showcase instrumental virtuosity.
Staying true to this tradition, Babouci performs with the classic instrumentation of Czech brass orchestras, ensuring a sound that is both authentic and immediately recognizable to enthusiasts of the genre. Their repertoire features polkas, waltzes, mazurkas, and marches—music that forms the foundation of Czech folk dance and celebratory culture. This enduring connection to tradition has made Babouci a beloved presence at cultural events and an ideal ambassador of Czech musical heritage to audiences in the United States.
The National Polka Festival, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary this Memorial Day Weekend, was approached about bringing Babouci from the Czech Republic to the United States. Although the tour will take place in April, it represents another meaningful opportunity to promote Czech heritage and culture. With such a strong Czech presence in Texas, this tour is a heartfelt way to give back to that heritage through music.
Dechovka music forms the foundation for many of the polkas and waltzes performed in the United States today, making Babouci’s visit especially significant. The National Polka Festival, together with the Czech Culture and Education Foundation of Nebraska, and the venues hosting these performances are proud to present the Czech dechovka band Babouci and share this authentic musical tradition with American audiences.
During their U.S. tour, Babouci will perform in Ennis, West, La Grange, and Temple, Texas, as well as Yukon, Oklahoma, and Wilber, Clarkson, and Omaha, Nebraska, bringing the vibrant sounds of Czech brass music to communities with deep cultural ties and welcoming new audiences alike.