Trustees Honor Roll

Kershishnik, Joseph Richard "Rudy"

Bassist, Button Box Player and Teacher (1934-2001)
Inducted on November 27, 1999

Joseph Richard "Rudy" Kershishnik overcame the rigors of contending with nine musical siblings in Pennsylvania to emerge as one of Cleveland-Style Polkas' finest bass players. With his musical discipline, fine vocals, and occasional tuba work, Rudy was a key component in the Markic-Zagger juggernaut that thrilled Cleveland-Style audiences across the U.S., Canada, and Europe in the 1970's and 1980's. A journeyman musician and consummate team player, Rudy worked and performed in person, on radio and television, and in the recording studio with a long list of Cleveland-Style orchestras beginning in 1951. Taking up the button box in 1979, Rudy founded the Cleveland Lake Erie Button Box Club and began teaching button box to both individuals and groups in addition to tutoring on the bass.