Milan Opacich Music

It's been 2 years since Milan has retired from his public performances. You can re-live that weekend captured on a DVD that plays for almost two hours. Enjoy a brief tour of St. Sava Church, a reunion performance of the popular 70's band "Mlada Srbadija", Milan performing with "Drina", and Milan narrating the mini museum display. Milan took the time to personally sign each cover. Purchase the DVD in Goods & Services for Only $20 plus $5 Shipping & Handling (credit cards only), gift wrapped free. You can also call (219) 613-6133 to order by phone (checks only). All proceeds benefit the Serbian Historical Society of St. Sava.

This is your last chance to win a hand - crafted Tamburitza Prima, made and donated by Milan Opacich for this year's final Serb Fest Raffle. Koa wood was imported from Hawaii and used for this special last prima. Ticket requests can be mailed to Milan Opacich, 2255 Robinhood Blvd., Schererville, IN 46375, or call Dorothy (219)613-6133 for tickets. Checks can be made to: Serbian Historical Society or St. Sava Church. Perhaps you'll be the lucky winner of this beautiful heirloom. Tickets are $5 Each, or 5 for $20. Pictured below is last year's prima - Milan's still building this year's prima.

Mittal Steel in Indiana Harbor and Burns Harbor has a wonderful program for their employees. JobLink provides excellent programs for continued education for qualified employees. Three years ago Milan was contacted to teach his craft for their ongoing program. Milan has been teaching adult employees how to build guitars, mandolins, and tamburitzas and is enjoying it very much. He is not only meeting wonderful people who are interested in this unique craft, but finds the experience very rewarding. Featured in the photos are some of the men in his classes working on their project. Pictured below is George Kesely working on his project and Milan instructing Rick Briones as he works on his instrument.

(Click photo to enlarge)

Watch the 50 minute narrated tour as Milan gives a detailed account of the Gary St. Sava Serbs' struggles and success stories. Tamburas and many historical items are also displayed. The museum was put together by volunteers Milan & Roz Opacich, Ted Erceg, and Paul & Xenia Jancarich for the 2006 Serb Fest. This is just part of a 2 hour presentation available for purchase as a fund-raiser for the new Cultural and Historical Center at St. Sava. (Available in Goods & Services)

Enjoy the show: Museum Tour with Milan Opacich

After sixty years of continuous playing in tamburitza orchestras, Milan decided it was time to give it all up and go on to other projects he didn't have time to pursue. It was bittersweet and with mixed emotions that he ended his long musical career. It was hard to say "so long" to the fine group he was playing with. He misses the good times, the tambura fans, and all the people he has met through the years, but he is enjoying pursing his latest love, teaching guitar building to adults for Joblink, Leon Lynch Learning Center, (Mittal Steel) and US Steel in continuing education classes for their employees. Employees are offered this opportunity to learn to build musical instruments.This new adventure is very rewarding to Milan. He has met some very talented people who appreciate the opportunity to learn this creative craft. Milan has also found time to work on the newly formed Serbian History and Cultural Society at St. Sava. In the near future a permanent exhibit will be on display at St. Sava Church. It will feature the history and journey of the early Serbian immigrants of Gary. The photos that follow are at the 2006 Serb Fest, Milan's final performance.