THE WORLD ACCORDING TO POLKA

#101 Let’s Go Bowling
Short:
Explore the importance of community gathering spots at Youngstown’s Westside Bowl.

Long:
The band explores a singular Youngstown haunt, the Westside Bowl — a music venue, bowling alley, pizza place and bar hybrid. Diving into the importance of community gathering spots, the band is joined by Akron guitarist Michael Weber and the Grammy Award-winning co-owner of Youngstown’s Peppermint Productions, Gary Rhamy. Performances include “Old Style Beer,” “Red River Valley” and more.


#102 Polkas and Pierogies
Short:
Quell your polka hunger with food-themed performances at The Pierogi Lady’s Akron kitchen.

Long:
The Pierogi Lady kitchen in Akron is taken over by the band for performances of food-themed songs such as “Deli Girl Polka” and “Dinner Time.” Drummer Bob Young performs “The Entertainer” using items from the kitchen including cutlery and mixing bowls. While there, owner Autumn Johnson teaches lead singer Jake Kouwe how to make her famous Polish dumplings.


#103 Small Town Summer
Short:
See the community-building potential of entertainment in a tour of the band’s hometown.

Long:
Lead singer Jake Kouwe is joined by his wife Emily for a tour of their hometown, Chardon, Ohio. Stopping by Chip’s Clubhouse, King Kone and the Mayfield Road Drive-in Theater, the couple discuss the merits of providing joy to their community through the power of entertainment. The band performs “Summer Breeze” and more at the Chardon Square Gazebo, with a little help from Bob and Sawyer Buzecan.


#104 Polkas in Nature
Short:
Visit the Geauga Park District with Chief Naturalist John Kolar for campfire polka tunes.

Long:
The band performs selections inspired by the great outdoors including “The Happy Wanderer,” “You Are My Sunshine,” “Goodnight Irene” and more throughout the beautiful landscapes of the Geauga Park District. Joined by Chief Naturalist John Kolar, lead singer Jake Kouwe celebrates the excellent opportunity for outdoor recreation here in Northeast Ohio before being interrupted by a woodland creature.


#105 Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
Short:
Travel across the country to see how polka brings people together across vast distances.

Long:
Polka is alive in Mt. Angel, Oregon, where the band travels yearly to perform at one of the premier Oktoberfest events in the country. Learn about the event’s history while the band plays Oktoberfest favorites including “Hofbräuhaus Waltz.” The band catches an alphorn performance by Salzburger Echo and pays a visit to Silver Falls Country Store for the famous “Sasquatch burger.”


#106 Cleveland Kurentovanje
Short:
Polka through frigid temperatures and learn about the Slovenian festival Kurentovanje.

Long:
Embrace winter traditions while learning about the history of Cleveland Kurentovanje, a festival held at the Slovenian National Home. The band performs songs including “Polka All Night,” “Silk Umbrella,” “The Midnight Special” and more. Lead singer Jake Kouwe is joined by ukelele songstress Sara Beth Lowe for a snowy outdoor performance.