Polka! Polka! Polka! The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame (03.13.09)

Were you psyched about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony? For the first time since 1997, Cleveland hosted the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – something that usually takes place in New York City. But if you think the Rock Hall is the only Cleveland organization hosting musical inductions this year . . . think again.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame.

Polka, you ask? Yes, folks, polka. That jolly two-step dance accompanied by the lively accordion beat is a Cleveland pastime that we mustn’t forget. And, thanks to our friends at the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame in Euclid, forgetfulness is out of the question.

Not familiar with this unique gem of the Cleveland Plus landscape? Well, I assure you a fun and educational experience. While small in size, the Polka Hall is big on history. Upon entering, expect to peruse numerous audio exhibits, photographs and original instruments that take you on a historical journey of the Cleveland-style polka, from its roots in Slovenia to its post-war popularity.

Highlights include the accordion and stage outfits once used by Frankie Yankovic, America’s Polka King; the accordion once played by Johnny Pecon, Cleveland’s Polka King; and the accordions used by Polka favorite, Johnny Vadnal.

While there, also make sure to inquire about polka’s newest up-and-coming young artist, Johnny Koenig.  This 21-year-old skilled accordionist is letting Polka fans know that his genre of Americanized folk music is still alive and well with young people.  Koenig, who was born and raised in New York City, made the move to Cleveland three years ago after learning that Cleveland really is keeping his music alive.

And, of course, the Polka Hall of Fame hosts its own induction ceremony right here in Cleveland. Every November, prepare yourself to meet the stars at the Crystal Polka Awards Show, as the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame welcomes a new group of hall of famers. And, no need to worry that they’ll move this induction ceremony to New York. It’s been a Cleveland tradition for more than 20 years.

The Polka Hall of Fame receives much of its funding from its sales of new and vintage polka and waltz recordings, and hard-to-find polka-themed apparel, souvenirs and books. So, make sure to pick up a CD while there. I highly recommend the New Generation Band’s album, This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Polka. The band performs a techno-infused Slovenian polka called “Let’s Go Beer Drinking.” It’s totally worth the $15.

Before you leave, make sure to flip through some of the free Slovenian recipes, like traditional stuffed cabbage and a wide variety of goulashes. Snag a couple and you’ll be making authentic cabbage and noodles in no time!

Admission to this homage to the” happiest sound around” is free and opened to the public six days a week. It’s located on the first floor of Euclid’s former city hall, and upstairs sits the Greater Cleveland Slo Pitch Softball Museum & Hall of Fame (but that’s for another blog on another day).

For more information, call 216.261.FAME, toll free 866.66-POLKA, or log onto the website, www.clevelandstyle.com. –LRH

Editor’s Note: For more Polka, check out: 247PolkaHeaven.com (originating in Cleveland, 247PolkaHeaven.com features the best Polka music and personalities from across the US and Canada 24 hours a day, seven days a week), Tony Petkovsek’s Thanksgiving Polka Festival (Thanksgiving weekend, thousands of polka fans from across the world partake in this annual festival that includes live performances by popular polka groups and, of course, dancing) and Polka Polka Polka Television Show (this 30-minute TV show airs to 1.4 million households in Cleveland Plus and features popular local and out-of-town polka bands).

Upcoming polka event: 10th ANNUAL POLKA PICNIC – LET’S POLKA (June 28, 2009, gates open 1pm, Honky Express plays from 2-6pm.) Held at St. Sava’s Pavilion (2300 W Ridgewood Drive, Parma) with European-style food, games, raffles and refreshments. $5 admission, cash bar. Funds go to help local veteran programs For tickets, call: E. Wojciak 330,637,1720, M. Polichuk 216.298.-4869 after 7pm or
K. Milenovic 216.524.3908.