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Tell us what you think.
Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly.
1/9/06
stas golembewski
somerset ma
in answer to question by willd bill polakiewicz. wild bill ,e-mail me at mrgeeski@aol.com--have been on cox public access 10 years promoting polka misic song and dance thruout the country.it is easy to get polkas on cable.
1/10/05
Gerd M. Mayer
Toronto, ON, Canada
Hi,
Dancing the Polka, whether in the regular steps or the steps of the Danube Swabians (Donau Schwaben)is exhilerating, and if we overdo it, it is nice to "fall" into our partners arms, and we share the moment. Here in Toronto, the Donau Schwaben have dances and it is the only place where you dance your heart out to great polka music here.
Have you heard of the Sauerkraut Polka?
11/29/04
Kelly Ost
Brainerd MN
Just saw the last half of the show - what a wonderful story - I was SO happy to see some younger men out there really enjoying themselves with their polka band - I think there from New Prague? Loved it! I taught myself how to play a very-out-of-tune, old buttonbox I found in my Dad's closet when I was about 13 - he told me if I could learn to play it he would buy me a new one - and so he did - to his surprise when he heard the first polka coming from the basement.........I'm now a 30 year old girl and don't know many other girls my age who even know what it is I do......I grew up listening to polka music and there is just nothing that matches the feeling you get when you hear a good polka........I want to continue to play so that this type of music never dies.........it's too important and too happy!! I would love to get together with other players - especially at the event at Gibbon if it continues.
11/22/04
Trudy Rangel
Webster Goves, Mo
It's 10:30 Sunday night--hanging up the last load of laundry before I hit the sack. I always turn on this 10" screen B&W tv while I'm in the basement. Tonight what a thrill--my spirit soared and a smile came across my face I'm sure. Oh yes, polka is definitely "happy" music. My aunt and uncle lived in Swansea Ill and at least once a month we'd be iver there--Aunt Lil always had wonderful music playing on the speakers in the yard while we barbequed, ate, played ball. I still hear Blue Lady Waltz (her song) on lovely sunny days out in the country. At home on Saturday, my mother and I would polka thru the house a couple of times before getting to chores. Locally (St Louis) Skeets Yaney and Sylvia played on the radio around 5:30 in the evening (I think).
In high school, the love of my life took me to a dance @ the Goodfellows and since he couldn't polka, he got his mom to polka with me. 40 years later, he still couldn't. I have bunches of my own polka records (33-1/3 of course) and more that belonged to John's parents and grandoarents.
I've never beento a ballroom or ever danced with anyone else--and boy am I sorry. I do hope you all can keep the Gibbon up and a one and a two!!!!
Thank you for the lovely memories--I'll sleep well tonight!!!!
Oom pa pa.
11/16/04
Bridget Wilson
San Diego, CA
Dear Ms. Blackstone:
I wanted to thank you for taking me back to my childhood in Iowa and Nebraska with this film. I felt that I knew all these people. In Omaha, I knew best Czech polka. And South Omaha was full fo Czech immigrants in the 50's & 60's . The Bohemian Cafe still serves the best Czech goulash, and when I go to visit my sister I eat there. I can't get good Czech food in Southern California, or any Czech food, at least not in San Diego, sigh.
In my last visit to Omaha, and the Bohemian Cafe, I was saddened to discover that the last of the Czech bakeries in Omaha had closed. Our silver and blue haired waitress was dressed, as always, in the traditional dress I identify with polka.
A fella with an accordian still plays polka music on weekends at the Bohemian Cafe. But, the days of oom-pah-pah at the Golden Goose, full house polka at the Sokol hall or the Husker House are long gone. The Music Box is not around,and few are those who remember Lawrence Welk or that he got his start playing polkas. Nor is "Polka Time" on television, the audience has dwindled.
The nice waitress at the Bohemian Cafe upon discovering that I had emigrated [some 33 years ago] to California, asked me , " Do they have Polka in California? " .. " Not so much" I told her. To be honest, I have not seen or heard any polka since I left the Midwest. I don't know if you could find polka on the radio anywhere in California.
Immigrants always bring their strong backs and good time music to us. The Sokol Hall now plays to " Banda" that oom-pah-pah Mexican music that is not really all that different than polka.
Thank you for your film.
11/16/04
Barbara
I loved the show on Polka! I attend every festival during the season within 100 miles, including NY and CT.
The two fellows from Twin Lake Trio were such fun to watch. How do I get their scedule? Do they ever play here in the Northeast?
Keep up the good work!
11/16/04
Ryan Bogan
Livonia Mi
i loved this program. I'm 17 years old and all my friends polka at our school dances. introduced them to the dance more as a joke and now they can't get enough of it. it is so fun. Last Homecomming we Polkaed for almost the entire time ad even waltzed a bit. it is so fun. it a nice change from the new "bumping and Grinding"
11/16/04
mark goggin
lacrosse,wi
i thought the documentary was wonderful. i really enjoy ballroom dancing( my favorite cha cha) of all kinds. to see a group of people who get so much out of just one dance was great. i live in lacrosse wisconsin, which is home to a large octoberfest, and polka dancing is featured. my favorite variation of the polka is the cotton-eyed joe, i did not see it beening done in gibbon, this is a fun way to dance and shows how one dance can be so very versatile.
11/16/04
C.J. Becker
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I really enjoyed your show on the polka and I got a kick out of the Three Lakes Trio,I wish they played here in BrewCity!If indeed polka is to make a come back, it will with the likes of bands like Three Lakes Trio.Oompapa On!
11/10/04
Erin
Walters, Minnesota
Hi. I am a freshman in college. I attended high school at United South Central in Wells, Minnesota. I just thought you might be interested to know that a few years ago a student from my high school decided to write a paper about Bandwagon, the polka TV show based out of Mankato. He brought some friends with him the second time he went. It became a cult event; several students would go to Mankato on Monday nights to polka dance the night away! I believe we were the only high school that had polka songs played at prom! So, you'll be happy to hear that we're keeping the tradition alive. Thank you.
11/10/04
WILD BILL POLAKIEWICZ
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA
I AM INTERESTED IN TRYING TO GET OUR LOCAL CABLE TV STATION, COX COMMUNICATION, TO CARRY POLKAS ON THEIR MUSIC CHANNELS. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?
11/10/04
I LOVED the polkaime film. Well done!
11/10/04
Sarasota, FL
Dear Talkback:
This piece was really enjoyable especially by many of us grew up dancing the polka at weddings mostly.
Music and dancing is something women in particular love to do. The lady who stated that if gentlemen would learn to dance, they would not be without a lady... this is a very true statement.
I'd love to find a local group who gather to enjoy some polka dancing. Does anyone dance in Florida??
If so, where? Thanks again for a most enjoyable film.
11/10/04
Todd Hagen
Phoenix, Arizona
I just caught the tail end of this program and it sure brought back a lot of memories of growing up in the Twin Cities. I started playing the accordion when I was 9 listening to Frankie Yankovic. By the time I was 14, I was earning money playing for private parties. My mom and dad belonged to the Polka Club that was mentioned. Now I'm 50 years old and I still play the accordion for a living. I perform at most of the nursing homes, retirement centers and other senior facilities here in Phoenix. Down here, many people are from the upper midwest and when I play, I get so many people coming up and telling me stories about places and dances just like in this program. As soon as I start playing a polka, the older folks start moving, even if they're sitting in their wheelchairs. I'm happy I play the accordion and I'm also happy to say that you have to go a long way to find someone who can play those polkas as well as I do because my heart and soul is in it. It's always been my dream to play in a polka band because you can tell how much fun they have. I hope it never dies, but it's sure not as popular as it used to be.
Thank you,
Todd Hagen
11/10/04
Adi Hartfeil
West Linn, Oregon
Just viewed the Polka Time film on OPBS and enjoyed it very much. I listen to all kinds of OPBS musical specials and regularly to the Austin City show.
My wife and I enjoy dancing the polka, especially the faster tempo types. Since I am of German descent, I really liked the tall, blond singer and button accordianist from Louisiana in this independent film presentation. His singing, playing and style were exceptional. Please respond and let me know where his band plays regularly.
I agree with all the dancers interviewed on the film that the polka is very happy and uplifting both as music and a dance!!
Danke Schoen,
Adi
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