"This time, no more mister nice guy….."

CLERMONT, FRANCE 1096: The first Crusade (the most documented of all the Crusades) started in 1096 with a proclamation delivered to clergy and lay folk who had gathered in a field in Clermont, central France. It was an appeal for help that was received from the Byzantine Emperor. It is claimed that these historic Crusades paved the way of our political menagerie of today, righting the wrongs and establishing a new foundation of political hypocrisy and destroying customary boundaries from which society was to exist. No longer were we to be ruled by secular possessions and false Gods

Alas, these trials and tribulations are still emergent in the 21^st century.  Thusly bringing the materialization of yet another crusade [aka-Biegaj's Crusade] to change the path of many men. These new minstrels of folk (Warriors of the road) have now given the world another place to dance the dance and another song to sing.  Their plight has taken years of obliterating obstacles against thousands of nay sayers chanting in the distance and has been clouded with barriers of stereotypes.  This new calling for pioneers of a new age are forging ahead in the tradition of the original crusades, creating a foundation for other like minded individuals, giving everyone the chance to explore and experience the same old world with fresh eyes and without restraint. The freedom to choose, the ability to see beyond the horizon, and the fortitude to go where no others have gone. 

DOCUMENTING: It is widely known that each Crusade's Royal Court had its own historian, who told his Lord's story of conquest and adventure, emphasizing his Lord's actions and heroics. Not unlike the scrolls of the early 11^th century, this web site intends to carry on that tradition as it documents the most recent crusade of Lord Edward "Eddie" Biegaj more than 900 years since the first crusade began.

BIEGAJ'S PLIGHT: Legend has it that a tortured soul known as Lord Edward Biegaj lived alongside the commonwealth on Harvest Lane… not near the sea, not near the mountains but on the flat plains of the black swamp of northwest Ohio. Unfortunately for the notorious Biegaj, this particular legend is so very real. Years ago, Biegaj found out that he owes a blood debt to a legendary Polish Dignitary that is now expecting him to make good on his promise by handing himself over to the Polka industry's servitude. But Biegaj has his own plan and will not give in without a fight, which is especially bad news for his road band who always seem to get caught up in his mishaps. If Biegaj can't find a way to rid himself of carbon copy stereo typical push bands of the '90's once and for all, it may just spell the end of this CRUSADE.  With time running out, Biegaj must find a way out of his debt or else be doomed to eternal damnation and servitude to the industry as only a sideman in the underworld of the surreal polka industry. 

TOLEDO, OH 1996:. Biegaj's success is finally abounded.  From the Beginning, they were dubbed the "Bad Boys of Polkas" and adopted a "no more mister nice guy" attitude. No longer would Biegaj be held captive by the common polish polka sound of the '90s.  He would instead embark on a path using innovation, traditionalism, radical ideas, respect/understanding for the past, prodigal musicianship and an 'Entertain the crowd at all costs' motto while trudging across uncharted waters.  CRUSADE thrusts the limits of old, setting a new standard of performance levels. The words 'Its all about the show' emblazoned across the crests of these crusader men.

The early Knights of 1996 saw the great Crusade talents of Sir Randy Krajewski of Mettler, Sir James Mackiewicz of Perrysburg, Sir Edward Kaczmarczyk of Maumee, Sir David Kish of Elyria then Sir Doug Galuzny of Columbus and Lord Edward Biegaj of Harvest Lane set sail on an incredible journey to take polka music to a new level while still holding on to their traditional roots. Mission accomplished ...But not complete. By 2001 Sir Matthew Lewandowski of Buffalo, and Sir Brian Galuzny of Brunswick joined the band only to propel Crusade to an even higher plateau. Antother change in 2003 brought Lord Biegaj to lead a new line-up of Crusaders who developed the music further. Sir "Rocky" Swiader of Cranston, Sir Andrew Pawlak of Sylvania, Sir David Pietrzak of Brunswick and Sir John Daigle of Chicopee, all seasoned professionals bringing their experience, talents and determination to keep Crusade alive as one of the most popular bands of its genre. Today, The band has evolved again retaining Sir David Pietrzak while adding Sir Eric Hite of Queenswood, Sir Richard Kois, and Sir Francis "Frankie" Dramczyk of Northwood as the foundation of the newest era of Crusade.   

With their hands held above their heads and their hands clenched in fists of rage you can hear them yell…"Stand up….Stand up…Stand up and let your voice be heard!!" (heard on the recording Tournament). This could quite possibly be the only band that freely flows between polish polka styles of music utilizing Chicago style, push, honky, Buffalo style, Detroit style, Eastern, Crossover, Cool/Hot, Cutting Edge, Traditional, and New Age to name a few. It's what Crusade is all about. The transitions are smooth and seamless, handling all of these styles so effectively! Enjoy what polka has been, but pay particular attention to what polka is today and what polka will be in the future. This CRUSADE has paved the way and opened the door for many bands on the circuit. CRUSADE is the band of today and the future.  If you have yet to experienced CRUSADE, then take a moment and listen,…. listen to what you have been missing. Pay attention to the hidden messages within each tale told and you will relate to the plight of the CRUSADE nation.  Listen closely to the original lyrics of songs like "Polka Rules", "Gather 'Round", "Lend an Ear", "Rave" and "Stand up!" Fill the abyss and join the march with CRUSADE. …you already know just how entertaining this band can be.

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