Jiri (George) Kralik

fiddler - bandleader - organizer

"FIDDLE GEORGE" KRALIK has played „the Devil's box“ all of his life. He was named the „Best Fiddler“ in the Czech Republic, where he makes his home, in 1998 and also in 2002. He began learning fiddle at age seven, playing classical music and Czech folk music. Then he heard and fell in love with American bluegrass, which had gained much popularity in Europe. He immersed himself in the music, becoming a sensational player of bluegrass, American traditional and old-time music. Soon he joined the popular Czech bluegrass group Sunny Side. In 2000 Sunny Side won European Bluegrass Competition in Dublin, Ireland. The group performed in the European Bluegrass Festival in Holland, played on Czech country radio in Prague, appeared on Czech television. During his time with Sunny Side George also played in guest roles with various bluegrass and country bands. With these, George took part at alot of festivals and concerts in many diferent countries such as Norway, Holand, Germany, Belgium France and of course USA. His music is chart by four CDs. latest one called „Moving On“ was recordet in summer 2007. Since fall 2004 George is a student of jazz conservatory in Prague.

George is of course the fiddler, the leader of the band(Rowdy Rascals), the arranger, and the producer. He excels in all of those roles...(George's) own tradition and heritage help him understand the music, and the direction he wants to take it.
Bob Everhart 
Tradition magazine, Iowa