Hi,

My name is Larry "Poppie" Zacharczyk (za-har-chek).

My grand children (all 10 of them) call me “Poppie”. (Thus the trade name “Poppie”.)

I have a wonderful, loving wife of 38 years who’s name is Cathy (same last name)

As grand children might have it, they call her “Grammie”. (Maybe we’ll find another hobby to turn into a trade name and call it “Grammie”, I wouldn’t want her to feel left out.)

In April of 1999, right after my triple bypass surgery (I was 49 at the time).  The Dr. said it would be good to have a hobby, so I started making working miniature steam engines, and set up a complete metal working shop in my garage. (But that’s another story for later)

I got interested in the art of Oriental Taiko Drumming while living in Reno, NV.  The nearest Taiko Drum group was in Sacramento (2.5 hour drive).  So I built my own and learned to play the Taiko Drums with DVD/Video tape help, with the intention of starting a Taiko Drum group in Reno. - - I relocated to Tucson, AZ before that materialized.

Around the same time as the Taiko interest, I became intrigued with the enchanting and spritualistic sound of Native American music.  I had a very good friend at the time (who happened to be Native American) who helped increase my interest by introducing me to the Native American Style Flute. 

I had to have one, so I ordered one on e-bay.  It took forever to arrive.  The vendor sold the original flute I ordered to someone else.  They made it good by giving me a better flute of my choice for the same price - - a very nice vendor. 

Me being the child I am inside,  I couldn't wait for the flute to arrive, so I did my research, and consulted with my friend and learned how to make the Native American Style Flutes, and I haven’t stopped since.  I made one for each of my grand children, some relatives and some very close friends – the rest is history.

The company I worked for (So Cathy and I could eat) decided they needed me in Tucson, AZ, so they moved me here in December 2004. They outsourced my department shortly after they moved me.  I worked for the outsourcing company for a while, then I got tired of Corporate America and their whims, and decided to open "Poppie Musical Instruments" the store in Tucson on May 1st, 2006.

I met a very kind and sharing person in Tucson.  His name is "Manny".  He has been extremely instrumental in my pursuit of hand drumming and Afro-Cuban music.  I love him like a brother.  He is an outgoing, caring and very spiritualistic person with so much talent that he doesn't realize all the talent he has.  He is always giving of himself and shares his talents in music with anyone who shows an interest.

He showed me a drum that I had never seen before, it was called a“Cajon”, a Peruvian Box Drum.  He asked if I could make one.  So here I am again, continuing on with what I love best - -combining my mechanical ability with my love for music, and producing beautiful looking and sounding instruments. 

 Since opening the Store in Tucson, I have met many very talented individuals.

Bobby Joe Smith is our repair Luthier.  He is a master and has been working on and building guitars for more than 35 years.  He is one of the best "Southern Blues" performers and slide guitarists I have ever heard.  He is also one of the best friends a person could ever have.

Andrew Winkeljohn has been a good friend for about 6+ years.  He voluntarily takes the pictures at our open mic's and special events.

Billy Shannon wrote the Poppie Song, and plays great country music.

Cameron Johnston is one of the best Chet Atkins stlye finger pickers I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

Gabriel Ayala is a concert Classical Guitarist.  He has played all over the country including the Smithsonian Institute.  When he is not on tour, he is one of our guitar teachers here at Poppie's. He plays periodically at our Open-mic sessions and is terrific.  He has influenced and inspired me musically and as a good friend.

I am currently building Gabriel a concert classical guitar with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Englemann Spruce top, Spanish Cedar/Ebony neck and Ebony fingerboard and bridge with Gilbert tuners.  It will be done by the end of June 2007.

(For more about Gabriel and to see some construction pictures of his guitar go to our "Links" page and click on his picture)