Ted Okrzesik Jr. Biography

Ted Okrzesik (Moon Spice) was born in Chicago on December 17, 1959. He grew up in the Brighton Park area of Chicago. At the age of 17, he began playing with his family's band, "Windy City Brass". His parents tavern, "The Omen" allowed Ted to listen and learn from many of the finest polka bands that played there in the 70s. Other than the Windy City Brass, Ted also played with the Chi-Town Express and Jerry Zahara & the Happy Stars. He has arranged and written many songs throughout his musical career. Songs he has written include: Breakfast Polka; Floating Rock (English lyrics); My Only Loves; Nine Horesemen Oberek; Polka Overtures (I and II); Sharon Sharalike; Windy City Brass Opening Theme.

Ted is the leader of FreezeDried is often referred to as Hat Guy because of the fisherman-hat he always wears at a FreezeDried gig. With FreezeDried, Ted plays trumpet, rhythm guitar and the congas. He also sings many lead and backup vocals.

Ted currently lives in Des Plaines with his wife Michele and three of his five daughters. Ted works as a manager at a Chicago-area audio products company.

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