Cairo-durham High School Alumni
Cairo, New York (NY)
Alumni Stories
adam barthalt
Class of 1953
Hall of Fame Inductee
by the
International Polka Association
Music Hall of Fame
and also
Hall of Fame Inductee
by the
National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
ADAM BARTHALT was born in Ridgewood, Queens, a borough of New York City. Adam's deep-rooted interest in music began unpretentiously at the age of three with a toy accordion he received from his grandparents while on a visit to Europe.
By the time Adam was seven, he had graduated to the "real thing" and he began his formal musical education. At the age of twelve, he earned his first dollar playing solo at local establishments in the Catskill Mountains, where he lived. When Adam reached age 16, he was a full-fledged Master of The Accordion, who had formed his own Polka Band, which had a series of constant engagements at leading resorts in the Catskill area.
Through the years, Adam's reputation in The Polka Field steadily grew. His bookings started taking him from local NY engagements to such places as: Michigan, Florida, South Carolina, Delaware, Ohio, Texas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, and points in between!
In 1975, Adam recorded his first album and to date has 12 albums to his credit. 1975 also was the year Adam was named Director of Entertainment for one of the largest festivals held in the USA which prompted him to start his own production company. Shortly thereafter, Adam Barthalt Musical Productions was booking talent for Civic and Corporate Activities both locally and Nationally!
In 1975, Adam also became President of German American Broadcasting Co. which aired four weekly radio shows heard in NY, NJ, CT and PA, till 2002..
It was in 1977 that the Cruise Companies recognized his talents and authorized him as booking agent for Polka-Fest Cruises. Since then he has hired bands and dancers for 147 cruises, 63 of which he has done himself (including THE LOVE BOAT); a Feat Hard to Match!
After numerous requests for information concerning Adam's appearances, a mailing list was started which now numbers over 2,500. He also takes pride in having a very active FAN CLUB.
In 1978, Adam and his band were invited to perform in Austria, and to date has had 25 years of Tours to Europe. In 1996 & 1998, Adam featured USA Tours. In 1991, Adam was awarded the Prestigious "Golden Badge of Honor" by the Austrian National Tourist office for special achievement in the promotion of Austrian tourism through his music. In 1998, the Government of Slovenia awarded Adam THE CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION for his immense contribution to the cultural heritage of Slovenia.
In 1980, POLKA WEEKENDS were started by Adam Barthalt Musical Productions and for many years Adam produced 2-3 Polka Weekends a year. To date he produced 71 weekends For future Polka weekend dates, please see Upcoming Events
Adam's current concert dates are eagerly anticipated, and through his radio shows, his production company, travel tours, recordings and personal appearances, he has truly brought happiness to the hearts of Polka Lovers everywhere! Adam thanks all his fans for their dedicated support throughout his musical career!
If you are looking for something different, exciting, good times, really "Super Charged Entertainment; whether Polka-Style or for the "Music of Your Life", make your affair more fun with THE ADAM BARTHALT BAND!
by the
International Polka Association
Music Hall of Fame
and also
Hall of Fame Inductee
by the
National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
ADAM BARTHALT was born in Ridgewood, Queens, a borough of New York City. Adam's deep-rooted interest in music began unpretentiously at the age of three with a toy accordion he received from his grandparents while on a visit to Europe.
By the time Adam was seven, he had graduated to the "real thing" and he began his formal musical education. At the age of twelve, he earned his first dollar playing solo at local establishments in the Catskill Mountains, where he lived. When Adam reached age 16, he was a full-fledged Master of The Accordion, who had formed his own Polka Band, which had a series of constant engagements at leading resorts in the Catskill area.
Through the years, Adam's reputation in The Polka Field steadily grew. His bookings started taking him from local NY engagements to such places as: Michigan, Florida, South Carolina, Delaware, Ohio, Texas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, and points in between!
In 1975, Adam recorded his first album and to date has 12 albums to his credit. 1975 also was the year Adam was named Director of Entertainment for one of the largest festivals held in the USA which prompted him to start his own production company. Shortly thereafter, Adam Barthalt Musical Productions was booking talent for Civic and Corporate Activities both locally and Nationally!
In 1975, Adam also became President of German American Broadcasting Co. which aired four weekly radio shows heard in NY, NJ, CT and PA, till 2002..
It was in 1977 that the Cruise Companies recognized his talents and authorized him as booking agent for Polka-Fest Cruises. Since then he has hired bands and dancers for 147 cruises, 63 of which he has done himself (including THE LOVE BOAT); a Feat Hard to Match!
After numerous requests for information concerning Adam's appearances, a mailing list was started which now numbers over 2,500. He also takes pride in having a very active FAN CLUB.
In 1978, Adam and his band were invited to perform in Austria, and to date has had 25 years of Tours to Europe. In 1996 & 1998, Adam featured USA Tours. In 1991, Adam was awarded the Prestigious "Golden Badge of Honor" by the Austrian National Tourist office for special achievement in the promotion of Austrian tourism through his music. In 1998, the Government of Slovenia awarded Adam THE CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION for his immense contribution to the cultural heritage of Slovenia.
In 1980, POLKA WEEKENDS were started by Adam Barthalt Musical Productions and for many years Adam produced 2-3 Polka Weekends a year. To date he produced 71 weekends For future Polka weekend dates, please see Upcoming Events
Adam's current concert dates are eagerly anticipated, and through his radio shows, his production company, travel tours, recordings and personal appearances, he has truly brought happiness to the hearts of Polka Lovers everywhere! Adam thanks all his fans for their dedicated support throughout his musical career!
If you are looking for something different, exciting, good times, really "Super Charged Entertainment; whether Polka-Style or for the "Music of Your Life", make your affair more fun with THE ADAM BARTHALT BAND!
Recent Members
| Aaron Lewis | 1985 |
| Deborah Dewitt | 1981 |
| Evan L Torrey Evan L Torrey | 1985 |
| Gary Cutler | 1971 |
| Henry Weinert Henry Weinert | 1963 |
| Joanne Rubin | 1963 |
| Makenzie Higging | 1992 |
| Terylyn Harvey | 1963 |
Military Alumni
Honoring Our Heroes
This area is dedicated to our alumni that have served or are serving in our armed forces!
Lost Class Rings
Have you lost your Cairo-durham High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Mustangs lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Do you have a fun holiday story or a great family tradition? Share them with our fellow Cairo-durham High School alumni! Submit your own stories, achievements and photos in our Alumni Stories section. Read other classmate’s stories and see what they have been up to over the years.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!