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Music awards honor two from Walworth County

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Photo by Terry Mayer

East Troy's Tallan Latz has advanced to the next round of NBC's "America's Got Talent."

Steve Meisner was named Polka Artist of the Year by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry. Terry Mayer/staff.

APPLETON -- The Wisconsin Area Music Industry awards' show in Appleton had a Walworth County flavor Monday night as two local musicians came away with trophies.

Whitewater's Steve Meisner Band was named Polka Artist of the Year, and Elkhorn's Tallan Latz was named Rising Star of the Year.

The polka award, which had been absent from the WAMI awards for the past few years, returned after the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences dropped its Grammy for Best Polka Album.

"That's great, I'm just tickled," Meisner said, upon learning Tuesday that he had won the award. "I know all the people who were in the category, and they're all terrific. It's an honor."

Meisner, who turns 49 Saturday, began playing polka music at the age of 5, inspired by his dad, Verne, a Wisconsin polka legend. He said taking lessons from his dad was not an easy task, but playing music was.

He calls his dad his hero, and remembers watching crowds of people dancing and having a good time while his dad provided all the enjoyment.

That's all the motivation he needed to launch his life-long career in music.

Meisner said he's glad that WAMI once again is honoring polka music and that it's important to keep the legacy of polka music alive.

"I really think it was big of them to step up and take the bold move to include the state's music," he said.

Meisner credited all the musicians he's worked with over the years for his success.

"I can't do it without them, that's for sure," he said.

Some of the musicians have played with Meisner since high school, including Rick Hartmann, Larry Sokolowski, Don Recheck, Jason Goldsmith, Bill Micale. Jerry Beiniek, Tom Brusky and Gary Hendrickson, among others.

Latz, 10, has gained a national reputation as a musician, and in his earlier years, billed himself as the world's youngest blues guitarist.

He's performed with guitar legend Les Paul and co-headlined a show in memory of Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Last year, he was on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” where his performance was highly touted by judges and the roaring crowd.

Tallan’s influences range from Eric Clapton to Buddy Guy, B.B. King to Joe Satriani. His favorite song is “Voodoo Child,” by Jimi Hendrix.

At age 5, Tallan got his first real guitar from his parents and began taking lessons. As he put it, by age 6, he was already “rippin’ into the blues.”

“He started out playing, and it created a life of its own,” said Carl Latz, Tallan’s father and manager.

The complete list of winners is HERE.