WEBVTT 00:05.233 --> 00:08.933 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% ["Clarinet Polka"] 00:09.033 --> 00:10.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - It's at our festivals. 00:10.666 --> 00:12.700 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Our sporting events. 00:12.800 --> 00:14.233 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% Our churches. 00:14.333 --> 00:16.333 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% It's even our official state dance. 00:16.433 --> 00:18.100 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% - What is this music? 00:18.200 --> 00:19.166 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% - It's polka! 00:19.266 --> 00:20.900 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - Happy music. Polka music, right? 00:21.000 --> 00:23.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Polka is the soundtrack of Wisconsin. 00:23.900 --> 00:25.700 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% - Polka is Wisconsin! 00:25.800 --> 00:28.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - And it has a special way of bringing people together. 00:28.800 --> 00:32.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - My wife and I danced every week for 60 years. 00:32.933 --> 00:34.900 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - It's music that's made for dancing; 00:35.000 --> 00:38.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% begging you to clap your hands, tap your feet, 00:38.266 --> 00:40.100 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and get out onto the floor. 00:40.200 --> 00:41.966 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - Why did you start dancing, dear? 00:42.066 --> 00:43.900 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - For the women. 00:44.000 --> 00:45.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - [Squeezebox plays "Let's Have a Party"] 00:45.600 --> 00:47.766 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% ♪ Let's have a party 00:47.866 --> 00:49.233 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% - I'm Mollie Busta. 00:49.333 --> 00:51.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And I've been playing and dancing the polka 00:51.200 --> 00:53.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% since I was a little kid. 00:53.733 --> 00:57.100 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - [Squeezebox plays "Pulling Around the Floor"] 00:57.200 --> 00:59.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - I've been able to turn my passion into my career, 00:59.966 --> 01:03.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% recording and playing polka music across America. 01:03.633 --> 01:05.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Over the next hour, I'm going to take a look 01:05.933 --> 01:08.200 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% at how polka got so big in Wisconsin 01:08.300 --> 01:10.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and why we continue to love it. 01:10.433 --> 01:15.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - ["Pod Krakowem Czarna Rola" (The Black Soil of Krakow)] 01:15.100 --> 01:17.200 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - I'll discover its scandalous beginnings. 01:17.300 --> 01:19.733 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - Queen Victoria forbad the polka 01:19.833 --> 01:21.800 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% to be danced in her presence. 01:21.900 --> 01:24.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Visit some of Wisconsin's great polka festivals. 01:24.700 --> 01:28.300 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - I call this a Polish Woodstock. 01:28.400 --> 01:29.966 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - And talk to some of the people 01:30.066 --> 01:31.733 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% keeping this folk tradition alive. 01:31.833 --> 01:33.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - We're just having fun. - Yeah, having fun. 01:33.933 --> 01:36.266 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - And most people don't like that much fun. 01:36.366 --> 01:38.233 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% [laughing] 01:38.333 --> 01:40.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% ["Pod Krakowem Czarna Rola" (The Black Soil of Krakow)] 01:43.400 --> 01:46.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Join me, Mollie B, for a celebration of 01:46.366 --> 01:48.300 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% - crowd: Polka! 01:48.400 --> 01:49.866 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 01:49.966 --> 01:53.400 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% [cheers and applause] 01:54.233 --> 01:56.433 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% -Polka!is funded in part by 01:56.533 --> 01:58.966 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Stanley J. Cottrill Fund, 01:59.066 --> 02:01.833 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% International Polka Association 02:01.933 --> 02:04.433 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Wisconsin Dells Polka Fest 02:04.533 --> 02:07.533 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and Friends of Wisconsin Public Television. 02:09.266 --> 02:11.733 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% [indistinct conversation] 02:15.333 --> 02:18.333 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 02:20.433 --> 02:22.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - It would be really strange 02:22.666 --> 02:25.000 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% if there were this music and dance tradition 02:25.100 --> 02:28.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that literally millions of people participate in, 02:28.933 --> 02:31.900 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% and nothing has been studied or written about it. 02:32.000 --> 02:33.833 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% Well, truth is stranger than fiction. 02:33.933 --> 02:35.300 align:left position:57.5% line:5% size:32.5% That's polka. 02:35.400 --> 02:40.033 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% [The Polka Family Band plays "Mocilnikar's Polka"] 02:44.566 --> 02:45.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - The happiest people on the planet 02:46.033 --> 02:47.633 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% are at a polka dance. 02:47.733 --> 02:48.733 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% I've been playing polka 02:48.833 --> 02:50.933 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% since I was, probably, seven years old. 02:51.033 --> 02:53.666 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% I'm fifty-three, and I've never seen a fight. 02:53.766 --> 02:56.133 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% - It's happy music. 02:56.233 --> 02:59.166 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% You don't see many fights or anything at the polka music. 02:59.266 --> 03:00.600 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% - We fight after! 03:02.266 --> 03:05.000 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% - In polka music, you don't sing about your troubles, 03:05.100 --> 03:06.333 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% you forget your troubles. 03:06.433 --> 03:08.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% [Hey Baba Reba plays "Ee eye ee eye ee eye oh!"] 03:08.500 --> 03:10.700 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% - crowd: ♪ Ee eye ee eye ee eye oh 03:10.800 --> 03:12.566 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - ♪ Ee eye ee eye ee eye oh 03:12.666 --> 03:14.466 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% - crowd: ♪ Ee eye ee eye ee eye oh 03:14.566 --> 03:18.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - The catharsis that goes on 03:18.466 --> 03:19.733 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% within a polka festival, 03:19.833 --> 03:22.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% a dance, or listening to the music 03:22.366 --> 03:23.966 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% is peace. 03:24.066 --> 03:27.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% It brings you peace, it brings you joy, 03:27.333 --> 03:28.866 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% it brings you happiness. 03:28.966 --> 03:32.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Band: ♪Ee eye ee eye ee eye oh -crowd: ♪Ee eye ee eye ee eye oh 03:32.300 --> 03:34.866 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Whoo! 03:34.966 --> 03:36.266 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - It's a folk tradition 03:36.366 --> 03:38.533 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% like no other in Wisconsin. 03:38.633 --> 03:41.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% When we celebrate life, chances are 03:41.366 --> 03:44.066 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% we're dancing and playing the polka. 03:44.166 --> 03:46.400 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% It's part of our heritage. 03:46.500 --> 03:48.733 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% It's something we share with family. 03:48.833 --> 03:50.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% It's a connection to our community. 03:51.066 --> 03:53.233 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% The polka story 03:53.333 --> 03:54.900 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% is the story of Wisconsin. 03:55.000 --> 03:57.900 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% ["Iron Range Polka"] 03:58.000 --> 04:00.366 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% - If you want to look at a dance form 04:00.466 --> 04:04.266 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% that distinguishes Wisconsin from other places-- 04:04.366 --> 04:06.300 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% not only in the nation, 04:06.400 --> 04:07.633 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% but also in the world-- 04:07.733 --> 04:09.400 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% it's polka music. 04:09.500 --> 04:12.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And so it's fitting that it's our official state dance. 04:12.600 --> 04:14.966 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% [cheers and applause] 04:18.100 --> 04:21.533 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 04:22.466 --> 04:26.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - Polka emerged in central Europe around the 1840s. 04:26.266 --> 04:28.933 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% Exactly how is something of a mystery, 04:29.033 --> 04:32.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% but its name can be traced to a pair of Slavic words. 04:33.000 --> 04:36.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The world "Polka" essentially means Polish woman, 04:36.400 --> 04:39.800 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% like "Polák" is a Polish man. 04:39.900 --> 04:41.000 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Although there's a Czech word 04:41.100 --> 04:44.366 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% "pulka" that means sort of half, 04:44.466 --> 04:47.300 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and there is kind of a half step in the polka 04:47.400 --> 04:48.566 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% when you're dancing it. 04:48.666 --> 04:51.666 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% ["Oh Suzanna Schottische"] 04:54.233 --> 04:55.433 align:left position:52.5% line:83% size:37.5% - Like the word itself, 04:55.533 --> 04:58.133 align:left position:60% line:77% size:30% the story of how polka began is murky. 04:58.233 --> 04:59.733 align:left position:52.5% line:89% size:37.5% But most common 04:59.833 --> 05:02.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% is the legend about a peasant girl in Bohemia 05:02.233 --> 05:05.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% who spontaneously invented the dance in front of her boss. 05:07.400 --> 05:10.366 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - She's usually a Czech or a Polish girl 05:10.466 --> 05:13.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and her boss is usually a German or Austrian, 05:13.300 --> 05:15.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and he notes it down some way 05:15.566 --> 05:17.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and spreads it all around. 05:17.666 --> 05:20.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - There isn't much historical evidence 05:20.800 --> 05:23.300 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% to support this origin story. 05:23.400 --> 05:24.600 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% It's more likely 05:24.700 --> 05:27.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that polka emerged out of another couples' dance. 05:29.233 --> 05:31.833 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - I say it came from the waltz. 05:31.933 --> 05:34.933 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% [waltz music] 05:36.833 --> 05:39.100 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - To Europe's cultured society, 05:39.200 --> 05:41.233 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% the waltz was scandalous. 05:41.333 --> 05:43.700 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% It was shocking for a man and a woman 05:43.800 --> 05:45.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to wrap arms around each other. 05:46.000 --> 05:47.066 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% But after a while, 05:47.166 --> 05:49.133 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% the waltz lost that shock value, 05:49.233 --> 05:51.233 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% paving the way for a new dance. 05:52.733 --> 05:55.566 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - Pop culture loves to outrage 05:55.666 --> 05:57.800 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% the previous generation's norms. 05:57.900 --> 06:02.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Along around the 1840s, they just upped the ante. 06:02.566 --> 06:06.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Let's do it in 2/4 time and hop up and down frenetically! 06:06.833 --> 06:09.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% ["Tritsch-Tratsch Polka" by Johann Strauss II] 06:09.533 --> 06:11.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - Well, predictably, the polka 06:12.000 --> 06:15.300 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% was condemned as licentious and horrible. 06:17.633 --> 06:18.933 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% In the 1850s, 06:19.033 --> 06:22.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Queen Victoria forbad the polka 06:22.200 --> 06:24.300 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% to be danced in her presence. 06:25.266 --> 06:28.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - But this new dance was a huge hit. 06:29.066 --> 06:32.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Polka spread through Europe like wildfire. 06:32.400 --> 06:33.866 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% And it was at this time 06:33.966 --> 06:37.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that thousands of people were immigrating to America. 06:41.266 --> 06:44.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% ["Oj Maricka Pegla" (Marie is Ironing)] 06:46.133 --> 06:49.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - You had Germans and Swiss, and Luxembourgers, 06:49.466 --> 06:53.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and Dutch people, and you had French-speaking Belgians, 06:53.866 --> 06:57.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you had Polish and Czechs and Slovenians, 06:57.933 --> 07:00.733 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% you had Finns, and Norwegians and Swedes, 07:00.833 --> 07:03.566 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and all of them had some form of polka. 07:05.900 --> 07:08.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - Polka turned out to be a fad in Europe 07:08.266 --> 07:09.533 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and would eventually subside. 07:09.633 --> 07:12.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% But the immigrants headed to America 07:12.300 --> 07:14.966 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% had polka ringing in their ears. 07:15.066 --> 07:16.800 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - Because it was the music and dance that 07:16.900 --> 07:19.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% was popular in their homeland at the time they emigrated, 07:19.866 --> 07:22.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% it became their heritage here. 07:28.333 --> 07:31.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% ["Goin' Home from Symphony No. 9" (alphorn song)] 07:32.566 --> 07:35.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - Today, Wisconsin's identity is closely tied 07:35.866 --> 07:38.333 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% to the cultures of its European immigrants. 07:40.633 --> 07:43.766 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Sometimes in wonderfully apparent ways. 07:45.166 --> 07:47.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% One of Wisconsin's most charming small towns 07:48.033 --> 07:49.366 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% is New Glarus. 07:49.466 --> 07:51.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Founded by Swiss immigrants in the 1840s, 07:51.833 --> 07:54.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% New Glarus not only looks like the old world, 07:54.700 --> 07:56.566 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% it celebrates the old traditions. 07:56.666 --> 07:59.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% One of those, of course, is polka. 07:59.600 --> 08:02.666 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% ["Pop N' John's Polka"] 08:05.366 --> 08:08.366 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - Every year, The Roger Bright Memorial Polka Fest 08:08.466 --> 08:11.833 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% in New Glarus attracts thousands of people. 08:11.933 --> 08:14.566 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% For some, the event is personal. 08:17.233 --> 08:19.566 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% - Polka, Swiss music, 08:19.666 --> 08:23.333 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% makes me think of my mom and my dad 08:23.433 --> 08:25.433 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% and my heritage. 08:25.533 --> 08:27.833 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% My mother was from Switzerland. 08:27.933 --> 08:32.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% She lived to be 101, eight months and 28 days. 08:32.333 --> 08:36.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% She had a great spirit, and she loved to dance, 08:36.300 --> 08:38.366 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% and my father. 08:38.466 --> 08:41.466 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% ["My Ann Waltz"] 08:46.133 --> 08:48.366 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% - My father is Swiss. 08:48.466 --> 08:49.566 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% At an event like this, 08:49.666 --> 08:52.533 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% you can't help but think of your old family members 08:52.633 --> 08:55.066 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% and family fun times, really. 09:01.533 --> 09:02.900 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - I come here every year. 09:03.000 --> 09:05.566 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% Sit and enjoy, and meet people, 09:05.666 --> 09:08.300 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% and drink beer and listen to the music. 09:08.400 --> 09:11.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - 95 year-old New Glarus resident Herman Pfund 09:11.533 --> 09:13.800 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% is a true polka lover. 09:13.900 --> 09:15.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% For over half a century, 09:15.300 --> 09:18.200 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% dancing was one his great passions. 09:18.300 --> 09:19.533 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% - Oh, boy. 09:19.633 --> 09:23.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I miss it now because my legs won't let me. 09:23.433 --> 09:24.766 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% I really miss it. 09:24.866 --> 09:26.700 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% So I come and listen to it. 09:26.800 --> 09:28.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% It's my background, Swiss. 09:28.666 --> 09:30.000 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% And I love it. 09:35.333 --> 09:38.033 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - [laughing] Hey! 09:39.400 --> 09:41.366 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - The polka festival is a link 09:41.466 --> 09:43.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to New Glarus's Swiss heritage. 09:43.733 --> 09:47.000 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% People can sample local-made cheese, 09:47.100 --> 09:48.766 align:left position:45% line:89% size:45% beer, 09:48.866 --> 09:50.533 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% and bacon. 09:50.633 --> 09:53.833 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Half a block from the main tent, 09:53.933 --> 09:57.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Puempel's Olde Tavern is also a part of the festival. 09:57.266 --> 10:00.266 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% ["Baby Doll Polka"] 10:01.500 --> 10:04.033 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Puempel's was established in 1893, 10:04.133 --> 10:06.366 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and has hardly changed in all that time. 10:09.066 --> 10:11.100 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% On a floor that's over a century old, 10:11.200 --> 10:13.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% there isn't much room for dancing. 10:13.500 --> 10:15.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% But that doesn't stop these polka lovers 10:15.733 --> 10:17.600 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% from making the most of it. 10:27.200 --> 10:28.966 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% The culture of the Swiss immigrants 10:29.066 --> 10:31.300 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% is alive and well in New Glarus, 10:31.400 --> 10:34.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and a vital part of their tradition is polka. 10:34.433 --> 10:37.000 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 10:37.100 --> 10:40.100 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% [cheers and applause] 10:43.400 --> 10:45.500 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% But New Glarus certainly isn't the only place 10:45.600 --> 10:48.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% you can experience a great polka festival. 10:48.300 --> 10:52.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% They happen throughout the year in every corner of the state. 10:53.066 --> 10:55.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% One of the most popular polka festivals in Wisconsin, 10:55.800 --> 10:59.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and possibly the country, takes place right here in Pulaski. 10:59.566 --> 11:02.200 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 11:02.300 --> 11:05.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Pulaski was settled by Polish immigrants, 11:05.166 --> 11:06.966 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% who transformed its rocky soil 11:07.066 --> 11:10.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% into the vibrant farmlands surrounding the town today. 11:10.733 --> 11:13.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But Poles brought more than agricultural skill to this area. 11:13.833 --> 11:16.066 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% They also brought their music. 11:16.166 --> 11:18.700 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% And in 1978, a festival was launched 11:18.800 --> 11:21.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% that has become an institution. 11:22.533 --> 11:25.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Pulaski Polka Days is a four-day event 11:25.100 --> 11:27.266 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% that attracts thousands of people. 11:27.366 --> 11:29.333 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Folks come here from across Wisconsin, 11:29.433 --> 11:31.466 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and across the country. 11:31.566 --> 11:35.566 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% - I call this a Polish Woodstock. 11:37.300 --> 11:39.666 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% ["Polish Boyfriend"] 11:39.766 --> 11:42.433 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 11:54.200 --> 11:58.533 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% ♪ I've got a Polish boyfriend 11:58.633 --> 12:02.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% ♪ He looks a lot like you 12:02.100 --> 12:05.066 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% ♪ Oh he's kind of nice 12:05.166 --> 12:06.733 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% ♪ Pretty dark eyes 12:06.833 --> 12:08.066 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% ♪ I love him 12:08.166 --> 12:09.333 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% What are you grilling? 12:09.433 --> 12:11.000 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - Polish sausage. 12:11.100 --> 12:14.000 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - At Pulaski, you can have tasty Polish fare, 12:14.100 --> 12:16.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% like a pierogi and a cabbage roll. 12:16.733 --> 12:19.366 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% [drummer strikes cymbal] 12:19.466 --> 12:21.766 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% - Yeah! - [cheers and applause] 12:21.866 --> 12:24.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - But what brings in the big crowds is polka. 12:24.266 --> 12:27.166 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% ["Old Time Polka Dance"] 12:27.266 --> 12:29.266 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 12:35.233 --> 12:36.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - LeAnn and her Aunt Sue 12:37.000 --> 12:39.300 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% are from a Polish family. 12:39.400 --> 12:41.833 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% They've traveled to every Pulaski Polka Days 12:41.933 --> 12:43.733 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% for over ten years. 12:43.833 --> 12:45.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - I initially came up here with a bunch of friends. 12:46.033 --> 12:48.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And then I told my family, told my aunt, my mom and dad. 12:48.633 --> 12:50.733 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% And they said, "Oh! We're gonna have to go next year." 12:50.833 --> 12:52.633 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Well now, they've ruined my fun every year! 12:52.733 --> 12:54.166 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% [laughing] 12:54.266 --> 12:56.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But then again, I have a dancing partner every year. 12:56.733 --> 12:59.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% So it's all good! [laughing] 12:59.466 --> 13:01.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% ["Pod Krakowem Czarna Rola" (The Black Soil of Krakow)] 13:01.400 --> 13:03.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% ♪ Pod Krakowem czarna rola ♪ Ja jej oral nie bede 13:03.600 --> 13:04.900 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - Sue and LeAnn enjoy dancing 13:05.000 --> 13:07.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% to the festival's Polish style bands, 13:07.266 --> 13:09.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% which attract a new audience. 13:09.666 --> 13:12.333 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - The Polish style has 13:12.433 --> 13:14.800 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% a much more syncopated beat, 13:14.900 --> 13:19.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% big amps, electric bass guitars, and loud drumming. 13:20.633 --> 13:22.900 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% A loud sound. 13:23.000 --> 13:25.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% It has a lot more in common with rock 13:25.166 --> 13:27.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% than the other polka styles. 13:27.666 --> 13:30.366 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% There's kind of a generation gap sometimes 13:30.466 --> 13:33.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% with the people who don't like the music to be that loud. 13:33.733 --> 13:36.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% It's one of the reasons that the Polish style 13:36.833 --> 13:38.633 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% has kept a younger audience. 13:38.733 --> 13:41.666 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 13:46.700 --> 13:49.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Many of the young people dance in the hop style, 13:49.333 --> 13:51.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% which came out of the Polish community. 13:52.500 --> 13:54.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - You dance in double time to the music. 13:54.433 --> 13:55.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% One,two,three, hop! One,two,three, hop! 14:00.100 --> 14:02.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - This new generation of dancers is one reason 14:02.933 --> 14:05.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Pulaski Polka Days is so unique. 14:05.533 --> 14:07.033 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% - Harold, I know you're a polka fan. 14:07.133 --> 14:08.100 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% I'm a polka fan. 14:08.200 --> 14:09.333 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% Why do you think this festival 14:09.433 --> 14:11.766 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% is so important to the polka industry? 14:11.866 --> 14:13.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - If you come to Pulaski, 14:13.300 --> 14:15.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% you're gonna see the younger generation coming out. 14:15.266 --> 14:17.600 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And that means a lot because a lot of our old friends 14:17.700 --> 14:19.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% are now 70, 80 years old. 14:19.666 --> 14:22.033 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% And we've got the younger generation involved in it. 14:22.133 --> 14:25.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And I tell you, it's a great honor to see that here. 14:26.133 --> 14:29.266 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Pulaski's famous festival is a joyful reflection 14:29.366 --> 14:30.933 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% of its Polish pedigree. 14:31.033 --> 14:32.366 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% - People are 14:32.466 --> 14:36.466 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% just very uninhibited 14:36.566 --> 14:38.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% in terms of enjoying themselves, 14:38.566 --> 14:41.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% enjoying one another, and just having a great time. 14:42.100 --> 14:45.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Once you're here once, you'll come back every year. 14:45.333 --> 14:47.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - You'll come back. You will. 14:49.366 --> 14:51.833 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% [cheers and applause] 14:51.933 --> 14:53.766 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - Hello, Pulaski! 14:53.866 --> 14:56.300 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% - crowd: Whoo! 14:57.300 --> 14:59.100 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% ["Ein Prosit"] 14:59.200 --> 15:03.833 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% - ♪ Ein Prosit, ein Prosit 15:03.933 --> 15:05.300 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% ♪ Der Gemütlichkeit... 15:05.400 --> 15:07.466 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% - Germans were the largest European immigrant group 15:07.566 --> 15:09.466 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% to settle in America. 15:09.566 --> 15:12.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And today, over 40 percent of Wisconsin residents 15:12.766 --> 15:14.733 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% have German ancestry. 15:14.833 --> 15:18.733 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% - ♪ Der Gemütlichkeit 15:18.833 --> 15:21.733 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - Oktoberfests are beer celebrations 15:21.833 --> 15:24.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% held throughout Wisconsin and the nation. 15:25.000 --> 15:26.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% They're inspired by the annual Oktoberfest 15:27.066 --> 15:29.466 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% held in Munich, Germany. 15:29.566 --> 15:32.566 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 15:33.766 --> 15:37.433 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% This Oktoberfest is hosted by German restaurant Essen Haus 15:37.533 --> 15:39.266 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% in Madison. 15:39.366 --> 15:41.333 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% People come dressed for the occasion, 15:41.433 --> 15:44.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% whether they have German ancestry or not. 15:44.400 --> 15:46.400 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% - This place is nothing but German culture here. 15:46.500 --> 15:48.400 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% Most people have something German on. 15:48.500 --> 15:51.266 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% Or they're carrying something German... 15:51.366 --> 15:53.033 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% in a glass. 15:53.133 --> 15:54.733 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - Zicke, zacke, zicke, zacke 15:54.833 --> 15:56.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - crowd: Hoi, hoi, hoi! - Ernie: I can't hear you. 15:56.766 --> 15:58.066 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Zicke, zacke, zicke, zacke 15:58.166 --> 15:59.366 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - crowd: Hoi, hoi, hoi! 15:59.466 --> 16:03.433 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% ["Fest Polka"] 16:03.533 --> 16:07.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - So they may be Irish as can be, but today they're German. 16:07.466 --> 16:10.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Mannerchor Guys call out: Oans! Zwoa! G'suffa! 16:12.700 --> 16:14.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - European immigrants didn't just bring 16:14.733 --> 16:18.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% their languages, cultures, and love of polka to America. 16:18.200 --> 16:20.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% They also brought their favorite beverage. 16:20.800 --> 16:22.500 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% ["In Heaven, There is No Beer"] 16:22.600 --> 16:25.166 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% ♪ Well in Heaven there is no beer 16:25.266 --> 16:28.100 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% ♪ That's why we drink it here 16:30.200 --> 16:32.000 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Beer! 16:32.100 --> 16:33.666 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% - Gotta have beer. 16:33.766 --> 16:35.433 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Beer has everything in it, right? 16:36.533 --> 16:39.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - In Milwaukee, breweries like Miller and Schlitz 16:39.366 --> 16:43.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% were founded in the 1850s by German immigrants. 16:43.466 --> 16:46.600 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Beer has been part of our state identity ever since. 16:47.433 --> 16:50.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - Wisconsin is rightly known as the party state. 16:51.066 --> 16:53.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% People like to work hard, they like to play hard, 16:53.800 --> 16:57.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% they like to have their beer and they like to dance. 16:57.400 --> 17:01.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - It's a beverage associated with community and celebration, 17:02.066 --> 17:03.533 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% just like polka. 17:03.633 --> 17:06.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And you'll find beer served at most polka dances. 17:07.566 --> 17:09.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - This is the heart of the Midwest, 17:09.700 --> 17:11.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% where these hard-working people, 17:11.533 --> 17:12.766 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% like to have a good time. 17:12.866 --> 17:15.466 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% And they like to go hear music that's happy, you know? 17:15.566 --> 17:18.033 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% They want to hear music that makes them feel good. 17:21.233 --> 17:24.666 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% - Hey! Woo hoo! 17:24.766 --> 17:26.300 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Ah, we're getting' goin' now. 17:26.400 --> 17:29.633 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% ["Dorf Kapelle"] 17:29.733 --> 17:32.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - Because European immigrants cherished their polka tradition, 17:32.666 --> 17:34.866 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% they passed it along. 17:34.966 --> 17:37.000 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Generations have grown up with it 17:37.100 --> 17:39.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and then shared it with their children. 17:39.466 --> 17:41.166 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% It's a link from the past 17:41.266 --> 17:44.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that has carried polka all the way up to the present. 17:44.233 --> 17:46.233 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Luckily, the polka tradition 17:46.333 --> 17:48.400 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% is something kids take to naturally. 17:48.500 --> 17:50.966 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% ["A Polka Celebration"] 17:54.600 --> 17:58.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% ♪ We're gonna have a polka celebration 17:58.800 --> 18:01.000 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% ♪ You bring your friends out 18:01.100 --> 18:02.733 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% ♪ And I'll bring mine 18:02.833 --> 18:04.166 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - I grew up with my grandmother 18:04.266 --> 18:06.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% teaching me how to polka, 18:06.666 --> 18:09.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and I stood on her feet as she taught me how to polka. 18:09.533 --> 18:11.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - ♪ We're gonna party and have a good time 18:11.833 --> 18:13.833 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - The polka is a multi-generational dance. 18:13.933 --> 18:16.533 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% It's grandma and grandpa, 18:16.633 --> 18:19.000 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and their kids, and the little kids. 18:20.466 --> 18:24.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - There are a lot of parents who are carrying around 18:24.700 --> 18:25.566 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% a baby or toddler, 18:25.666 --> 18:27.033 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% bouncing them along, 18:27.133 --> 18:30.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% as they are inculcating that feel for the polka. 18:30.400 --> 18:31.566 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 18:31.666 --> 18:34.933 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - Whoooooooooooo! 18:35.033 --> 18:38.100 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 18:38.200 --> 18:41.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% ♪ We're gonna have a polka celebration 18:41.866 --> 18:43.166 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% ♪ You bring your friends out 18:43.266 --> 18:44.366 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - Well, you know what? 18:44.466 --> 18:47.133 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Put a polka record on for a kid. 18:47.233 --> 18:48.433 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Watch what happens. 18:48.533 --> 18:51.533 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% ["Gornick's Polka"] 18:51.633 --> 18:53.866 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - I don't care what nationality they are, 18:53.966 --> 18:55.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% you put on music that's going 18:55.600 --> 18:56.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% [singing bass line] ♪ Oompah oompah 18:57.066 --> 18:58.966 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 18:59.066 --> 19:00.766 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Once you hear that, 19:00.866 --> 19:01.900 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% it's just the beat, 19:02.000 --> 19:04.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and then you just start doing this, 19:04.400 --> 19:05.966 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% even if you don't know what you're doing. 19:06.066 --> 19:09.900 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - Band: Weee-hoooooooo! 19:15.600 --> 19:17.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - [cheers and applause] 19:17.633 --> 19:20.500 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% ["Poor Boy Lookin' for a Home"] 19:20.600 --> 19:23.233 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - One of his first words was polka: 19:23.333 --> 19:24.433 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% "Polka, polka!" towards the radio. 19:24.533 --> 19:25.900 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% He always has to have it on. 19:26.000 --> 19:27.533 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% They both always have to have it on. 19:27.633 --> 19:29.266 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% It's on at the house when we left. 19:35.033 --> 19:36.700 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - ♪ Well-a old Mister fox 19:36.800 --> 19:39.866 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% ♪ Done found him a home He got a place to sleep 19:39.966 --> 19:42.166 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% ♪ Well, the fox got a place to call his own 19:42.266 --> 19:44.433 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% - I have a video of him from six months old 19:44.533 --> 19:46.600 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% standing on the back of the stage at Polka Days 19:46.700 --> 19:48.300 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% watching his Uncle Chris play drums, 19:48.400 --> 19:50.866 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and he's just a-jumpin' on my lap and jumpin'. 19:50.966 --> 19:53.966 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% ["Root Beer Rag"] 19:56.400 --> 19:58.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Zander and his family seem to have polka 19:59.066 --> 20:01.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% running through their veins. 20:01.200 --> 20:02.266 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% But they're not alone. 20:02.366 --> 20:04.266 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% ["The Tinker Polka"] 20:04.366 --> 20:07.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - When I perform at dances, I don't see 20:07.200 --> 20:09.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% kids and parents looking at their phones. 20:09.600 --> 20:11.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I see them sharing an experience together. 20:11.900 --> 20:15.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I think it's neat to see the families that come to the event. 20:15.800 --> 20:18.366 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% Not only do we then see the polka music being carried on 20:18.466 --> 20:22.633 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% but it's a very family-friendly environment. 20:22.733 --> 20:24.233 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Do you feel the same way? 20:24.333 --> 20:25.533 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% - Oh, yeah. 20:25.633 --> 20:27.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% There's many times when we'll go to a dance, 20:27.633 --> 20:30.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and someone will be like, "Oh, I'll watch them," 20:30.100 --> 20:31.700 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% or "Oh, you guys go dance. 20:31.800 --> 20:33.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% We'll take care of them." 20:33.200 --> 20:36.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And it's just like everybody's just a big family. 20:36.533 --> 20:39.100 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% ["New Ulm Waltz"] 20:47.633 --> 20:49.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - And you see a lot of other parents, too, 20:50.000 --> 20:51.566 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% teaching their kids. 20:51.666 --> 20:53.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And you know that they're in that moment 20:53.600 --> 20:56.633 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% like we get with our kids. 20:56.733 --> 20:57.866 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% As parents, we're just proud 20:57.966 --> 21:01.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that we're passing it on to the next generation, 21:01.333 --> 21:05.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and we can share something that we all enjoy together. 21:10.766 --> 21:12.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% ["Saturday Night Waltz"] 21:12.366 --> 21:14.966 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - I come from a polka family. 21:15.066 --> 21:16.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% That's me right there. 21:16.700 --> 21:19.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Growing up, I loved dancing and playing the polka, 21:19.866 --> 21:23.066 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% especially with my dad. 21:23.166 --> 21:25.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Now, I'm a polka performer and recording artist. 21:25.700 --> 21:28.833 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% Is everybody happy? 21:29.700 --> 21:32.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And on occasion, I still get to play along with dad. 21:33.900 --> 21:36.666 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% - I grew up on a farm in northeast Iowa. 21:36.766 --> 21:40.066 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% And I can't ever remember a time that I didn't like polka music. 21:40.166 --> 21:43.333 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% So it was something I grew up liking an awful lot. 21:44.800 --> 21:46.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Playing polka music is something 21:46.533 --> 21:48.833 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% dad passed on to us kids. 21:48.933 --> 21:51.433 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% My brother Chad plays drums. 21:51.533 --> 21:56.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Multigenerational musicians like us are common in polka music. 21:56.900 --> 21:58.500 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% - One of the things 21:58.600 --> 22:01.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I think is that polka is 22:01.433 --> 22:04.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% a genetically-transmitted trait. 22:04.566 --> 22:08.266 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% There are so many wonderful family bands, 22:08.366 --> 22:11.400 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% you can go two, three generations 22:11.500 --> 22:14.500 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% where everybody plays polka. 22:17.366 --> 22:20.800 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 22:20.900 --> 22:24.800 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% [Box On plays "Karolenka" (Karen)] 22:27.633 --> 22:31.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Box On is a Polish style polka band from Michigan. 22:31.700 --> 22:35.500 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Mom and dad are joined on the stage by seven of their kids. 22:37.900 --> 22:40.566 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% At first, parents Rick and Alicia 22:40.666 --> 22:43.366 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% were reluctant to form a family polka band. 22:43.466 --> 22:45.733 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% - My wife and myself have always played in polkas, 22:45.833 --> 22:47.000 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% since I was eight years old 22:47.100 --> 22:48.833 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% and her also. 22:48.933 --> 22:51.333 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% And we said we'd never want our kids to get into polkas 22:51.433 --> 22:53.133 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% just because we know the travel and stuff. 22:53.233 --> 22:54.900 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% It's a lot of work. 22:55.000 --> 22:57.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - But the Vinecki family started playing polka music 22:57.366 --> 23:01.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% at local nursing homes, and people loved them. 23:01.133 --> 23:02.666 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Things snowballed from there, 23:02.766 --> 23:05.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and now they're playing around the country. 23:05.233 --> 23:09.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% ["You're Why God Made Me"] ♪ You're why God made me 23:10.000 --> 23:12.200 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% - But what do the kids think of all this? 23:12.300 --> 23:14.466 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% - Since we grew up on polka music 23:14.566 --> 23:15.733 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% that has been our thing. 23:15.833 --> 23:17.566 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% And plus with just my dad playing accordion, 23:17.666 --> 23:18.933 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% it just all worked out. 23:19.033 --> 23:20.933 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% - It's fun to just do it as a family 23:21.033 --> 23:22.200 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% and interact with each other. 23:22.300 --> 23:24.133 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% It's not stressful. - No, it's not stressful at all. 23:24.233 --> 23:26.266 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% - It's not like, "Ugh, mom and dad are with us." 23:26.366 --> 23:27.833 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% It's like, "Oh, these are my cool parents 23:27.933 --> 23:29.466 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% who play and still look young!" 23:29.566 --> 23:31.300 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% - Yeah, they're young and awesome looking 23:31.400 --> 23:33.000 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% so it's like, "Yeah, you can tag along!" 23:33.100 --> 23:34.533 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% - I love it, I do. 23:34.633 --> 23:36.933 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% I mean a lot of people are kind of questioning us like, 23:37.033 --> 23:39.400 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% "How do you guys travel so much? 23:39.500 --> 23:41.800 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% How is it, all of you being together 24/7?" 23:41.900 --> 23:43.433 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% But we have a good time. 23:43.533 --> 23:45.800 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% I mean, we're making memories everywhere we go. 23:45.900 --> 23:48.500 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% ["Karolenka" (Karen)] 23:48.600 --> 23:50.833 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% ♪ Karolenka don't you cry 23:50.933 --> 23:53.200 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% ♪ I will never say goodbye 23:53.300 --> 23:55.000 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - Every time we go out and we play, 23:55.100 --> 23:57.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% it's a little bit better, it's a little bit better. 23:57.100 --> 23:59.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I'm proud, as a father, to know that these are my children. 24:00.066 --> 24:01.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - All right, Pulaski, come on everybody. 24:01.533 --> 24:05.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Here we go: Box! On! Box! On! 24:05.200 --> 24:07.900 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - Rick and Alicia have a talented polka family. 24:08.000 --> 24:10.566 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Alicia comes from one herself. 24:13.333 --> 24:16.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - Her family formed a Mexican band in the early 70s. 24:16.933 --> 24:19.333 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Alicia's mom was of Mexican descent, 24:19.433 --> 24:21.100 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% her dad of Polish. 24:21.200 --> 24:22.266 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Her brother Hank remembers 24:22.366 --> 24:23.966 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% grandmother's fateful suggestion. 24:24.066 --> 24:25.966 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% - Hey, you guys are learning all this Mexican stuff. 24:26.066 --> 24:27.966 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% Hey, remember, you are hunkies, too. 24:28.066 --> 24:30.200 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% You're from the old country. You're Polish. 24:30.300 --> 24:31.500 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% You gotta learn some Polish songs. 24:31.600 --> 24:34.300 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% So we started to learn a couple Polish tunes for her. 24:34.400 --> 24:35.600 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% [singing "Hosa Dyna" in Polish] 24:35.700 --> 24:38.866 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% ♪ Oj od krakowa jade 24:38.966 --> 24:41.933 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% ♪ Z dalekiej obcej strony 24:42.033 --> 24:43.766 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% ♪ Bo mi nie cheilei dac 24:43.866 --> 24:46.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - The Guzevich family switched to polka music, 24:46.166 --> 24:48.833 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% calling themselves The Polka Family Band. 24:48.933 --> 24:51.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% But their appearance threw audiences for a loop. 24:51.800 --> 24:53.900 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - We have moustaches, long hair, 24:54.000 --> 24:55.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and we'd get up there, and we start singing. 24:55.800 --> 24:56.866 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% [singing in Polish] 24:56.966 --> 24:59.966 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% ♪ Oj Boze Boze ♪ Moj Boze 25:00.066 --> 25:01.700 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% And all these Polish people are like, 25:01.800 --> 25:03.100 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% "What in the heck is going on? 25:03.200 --> 25:05.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% That's a bunch of Mexicans singing in Polish!" 25:05.400 --> 25:09.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% ♪ Graj Chlopcy Graj I na wodke mi dac 25:09.866 --> 25:14.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% ♪ Graj Chlopcy Graj I wodke popijac 25:14.100 --> 25:15.766 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% ♪ Graj Chlopcy Graj 25:19.766 --> 25:21.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - After nearly 40 years, 25:21.733 --> 25:24.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% multiple Grammy-nominated Hank Guzevich 25:24.300 --> 25:27.300 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% is the only original Polka Family Band member. 25:27.400 --> 25:31.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - [singing in Polish "We Are Family Polka"] 25:31.533 --> 25:35.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% ♪ We are family ♪ Polka family 25:37.166 --> 25:40.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Hank's sister Alicia is now with Box On. 25:40.333 --> 25:42.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% You might notice Uncle Hank's influence 25:42.466 --> 25:44.800 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% on this new young band. 25:46.500 --> 25:48.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Hank and his sister Alicia learned polka 25:48.633 --> 25:50.133 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% from their parents. 25:53.566 --> 25:57.100 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Alicia and Rick passed it along to their kids. 25:57.200 --> 25:58.966 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% It's a musical circle of life 25:59.066 --> 26:01.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% that you'll find in many polka bands. 26:02.500 --> 26:05.500 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% - ["Nobody's Lonesome for Me"] 26:15.933 --> 26:17.100 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - The Goodtime Dutchmen 26:17.200 --> 26:20.033 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% are a popular multi-generational polka band 26:20.133 --> 26:22.133 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% from Kewaskum, Wisconsin. 26:22.233 --> 26:25.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Ralph Thull used to play in his father's band. 26:25.900 --> 26:29.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Now, Ralph's kids join him on the stage. 26:29.533 --> 26:31.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The Goodtime Dutchmen formed in the 90s, 26:32.000 --> 26:35.133 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% with all five of Ralph's kids. 26:35.233 --> 26:38.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Could you see talent in them at an early age? 26:38.266 --> 26:39.333 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% - Oh, yeah. 26:39.433 --> 26:40.900 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% Feet were always tapping, and 26:41.000 --> 26:43.300 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% as soon as they could find the instrument, they picked it up 26:43.400 --> 26:45.933 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and went and practiced and practiced. 26:46.033 --> 26:47.266 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - We practiced anywhere. 26:47.366 --> 26:48.500 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% And I can remember, you know, 26:48.600 --> 26:50.466 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% "Oh, well now Randy's coming down to the basement, 26:50.566 --> 26:51.833 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% "and he's practicing, 26:51.933 --> 26:53.433 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% so he's driving me nuts." 26:53.533 --> 26:57.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% So I would take my saxophone and go and play to the cows. 26:57.366 --> 27:00.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - Ah, I love it! And their reaction was? 27:00.266 --> 27:02.100 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - They'd move away from me. 27:02.200 --> 27:03.566 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% [laughing] 27:03.666 --> 27:05.566 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% ["Southern Belle" by Copper Box] 27:05.666 --> 27:07.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Ralph Thull's daughter, Michelle, 27:07.433 --> 27:09.666 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% is now married to Danny Jerabek. 27:09.766 --> 27:12.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Danny comes from a polka family, too: 27:12.466 --> 27:14.533 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% the Tuba Dan Band. 27:14.633 --> 27:15.966 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% - When I was a kid, 27:16.066 --> 27:18.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% my grandfather gave me his little button box accordion, 27:19.000 --> 27:22.133 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and says, "Hey, Danny, can you learn a couple songs?" 27:22.233 --> 27:23.333 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% And I'm like, "No." 27:23.433 --> 27:25.000 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% And my dad's like, "Yeah. 27:25.100 --> 27:27.433 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Yeah he will, Grandpa." 27:27.533 --> 27:32.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Today, Danny and Michelle have their own band: Copper Box. 27:32.133 --> 27:35.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And while they play many genres of music, 27:35.100 --> 27:37.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% polka is a tradition they will always cherish. 27:38.933 --> 27:40.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Having both my side of the family 27:40.666 --> 27:42.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and my husband's side of the family 27:42.533 --> 27:44.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% deeply rooted in polka music, 27:44.600 --> 27:46.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% we try to pass down the tradition 27:46.633 --> 27:49.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% because it's been around in our family for generations. 27:49.600 --> 27:50.566 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - Everybody, now. 27:50.666 --> 27:54.266 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% ♪ I love to polka 27:54.366 --> 27:58.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% ♪ When I'm dancing with my sweetheart 28:00.033 --> 28:02.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - The Thull family's polka legacy continues. 28:02.100 --> 28:04.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Ralph's grandson looks like 28:04.433 --> 28:06.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% he's ready to take up on grandpa's instrument, 28:06.766 --> 28:08.133 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% the good old polka mainstay: 28:08.233 --> 28:11.700 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% the accordion. 28:11.800 --> 28:14.800 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% [cheers and applause] 28:16.733 --> 28:19.333 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 28:19.433 --> 28:22.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - Squeezeboxes like accordions and concertinas 28:22.500 --> 28:24.266 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% play a big role in polka music. 28:24.366 --> 28:26.633 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% This is a button accordion. 28:26.733 --> 28:29.500 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Confuse it with a concertina at your own risk. 28:30.600 --> 28:36.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - And a one, two... [accordions bellow opening note] 28:37.566 --> 28:39.766 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - The big divide among squeezebox players 28:39.866 --> 28:43.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% is between concertina players and accordion players. 28:44.000 --> 28:46.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - What's the difference between a concertina and an accordion? 28:46.733 --> 28:49.533 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 28:49.633 --> 28:51.733 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% It takes longer to burn an accordion! 28:51.833 --> 28:52.800 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% [laughing] 28:52.900 --> 28:55.100 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 29:01.000 --> 29:02.233 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% - There's the cartoon 29:02.333 --> 29:05.200 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% of a fella dying and going up to Heaven. 29:05.300 --> 29:07.566 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% There, St. Peter has a harp. 29:07.666 --> 29:09.700 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% He said, "Welcome to Heaven, here's your harp." 29:09.800 --> 29:11.533 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And there's a guy going down the other way 29:11.633 --> 29:12.733 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% and there's the Devil 29:12.833 --> 29:15.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% saying, "Welcome to Hell, here's your accordion." 29:15.700 --> 29:17.200 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% [laughing] ♪ ♪ 29:20.433 --> 29:22.666 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% - The joke is: a guy goes to the store and 29:22.766 --> 29:25.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% takes his accordion to the mall and leaves it in the car, 29:25.800 --> 29:27.266 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% goes in shopping, 29:27.366 --> 29:29.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and he comes back and there's seven more in his car. 29:30.066 --> 29:32.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - When I was 10, my accordion was stolen 29:32.766 --> 29:34.800 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% out of the back of dad's station wagon 29:34.900 --> 29:36.166 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% after they'd just packed up. 29:36.266 --> 29:38.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And that's all they took was my accordion. 29:38.733 --> 29:41.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Did it ever get returned? - No. [laughing] 29:41.233 --> 29:44.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Speaking of accordion jokes, it's an honest to God truth. 29:44.900 --> 29:47.133 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Someone actually stole an accordion, 29:47.233 --> 29:48.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% they didn't put one in. 29:48.633 --> 29:51.233 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 29:55.900 --> 29:57.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - Perhaps more than any other instrument, 29:58.033 --> 30:00.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the accordion is associated with polka music. 30:00.433 --> 30:03.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - They don't call it the "stomach Steinway" for nothing. 30:03.866 --> 30:06.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% You can take an accordion, play by yourself, 30:06.933 --> 30:09.533 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and sound like a whole band. 30:09.633 --> 30:10.700 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - It's the only instrument 30:10.800 --> 30:13.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that you can start a party all by yourself. 30:13.333 --> 30:14.666 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% I can't do it with a trumpet. 30:14.766 --> 30:16.533 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% - But I can! 30:16.633 --> 30:19.633 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% ["Sneaky Pete"] 30:21.033 --> 30:22.766 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% The accordion actually is a classical instrument. 30:22.866 --> 30:26.800 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% The United States is probably the last country on earth 30:26.900 --> 30:29.366 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% that considers an accordion 30:29.466 --> 30:31.100 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% anything but classical 30:31.200 --> 30:35.233 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and has probably the largest stereotypes. 30:35.333 --> 30:37.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Okay, if you play the accordion, you're fat 30:37.700 --> 30:39.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and you've got to have lederhosen. 30:39.700 --> 30:42.466 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 30:42.566 --> 30:43.900 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% [whistles sharply] 30:45.333 --> 30:47.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - So how is an accordion different 30:47.233 --> 30:49.400 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% than a concertina? 30:50.700 --> 30:54.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - The word in German for chord, a musical chord, 30:54.866 --> 30:56.300 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% is Akkord. 30:56.400 --> 30:59.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And so an Akkordeon is an instrument 30:59.133 --> 31:02.066 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% where you can press one button and get a chord. 31:02.166 --> 31:04.766 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% [plays chords] 31:04.866 --> 31:06.300 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% And on a concertina, 31:06.400 --> 31:08.500 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% you just get one note per button regardless. 31:08.600 --> 31:10.800 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% So if you want to make a chord, 31:10.900 --> 31:12.433 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% you have to press two or more buttons. 31:12.533 --> 31:14.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - When they were first made, they just had 31:14.866 --> 31:18.533 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% relatively few buttons, if you will, on each side. 31:18.633 --> 31:20.600 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% When they added more octaves, 31:20.700 --> 31:23.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% they left those existing buttons where they were 31:23.400 --> 31:24.833 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and they filled in around that. 31:24.933 --> 31:28.066 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - Kind of like the letters on a keyboard. 31:28.166 --> 31:31.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You know, they're not in alphabetical order or anything, 31:31.100 --> 31:32.833 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% they're just based on usage. 31:32.933 --> 31:34.233 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% - Don't you think that the guy 31:34.333 --> 31:36.433 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% that really put them together had to be drinking a lot? 31:36.533 --> 31:38.300 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% - I think so. [laughing] 31:38.400 --> 31:39.933 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - There's really no rhyme or reason 31:40.033 --> 31:41.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to what the pattern on the things are. 31:41.633 --> 31:43.233 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% I never could figure it out. 31:44.233 --> 31:47.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - No matter where the buttons are, Karl Hartwich, 31:47.300 --> 31:49.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% from Galesville, Wisconsin, has certainly figured out 31:50.000 --> 31:51.933 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% how to play the concertina. 31:52.033 --> 31:54.800 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - He is the best concertina player that I know 31:54.900 --> 31:56.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% on the face of this earth. 31:56.666 --> 31:58.266 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% He plays so well. 31:59.900 --> 32:01.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Aw, thank you, Jim. - I oftentimes-- 32:02.066 --> 32:03.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - Aw! [smooch] - [chuckles good-naturedly] 32:03.566 --> 32:05.466 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 32:05.566 --> 32:10.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Karl was attracted to the instrument from a young age. 32:11.433 --> 32:13.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - I grew up with it when I was a little kid, 32:14.033 --> 32:16.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and I've just always loved the sound of the concertina. 32:16.466 --> 32:19.266 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% It's got a nice reedy sound to it. 32:19.366 --> 32:21.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% When I was five, six years old, I decided I wanted to play 32:22.033 --> 32:24.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% either concertina or accordion, 32:24.133 --> 32:25.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and I decided to go with the concertina. 32:25.733 --> 32:27.733 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% And I'm glad I did. 32:27.833 --> 32:30.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Because they just seem like they're more fun than accordion. 32:33.400 --> 32:35.133 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - Molly B: It's "Eddie's Waltz." 32:35.233 --> 32:37.700 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% - Hey, hey! - Mark on the clarinet. 32:37.800 --> 32:40.133 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Karl and Jim on the concertinas. 32:40.233 --> 32:42.166 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - Just think: three down! 32:42.266 --> 32:45.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - Polka players are easy-going on the stage. 32:45.266 --> 32:46.800 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - I wish you "sto lat." 32:46.900 --> 32:49.500 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% Sto lat, just like the shirt says, sto lat. 32:49.600 --> 32:52.600 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% That means "May you live one hundred years!" in Polish. 32:52.700 --> 32:55.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - And they love interacting with their crowd. 32:56.533 --> 32:59.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - How many people paid to get in here today? 32:59.166 --> 33:01.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% You were charged way too much! [laughing] 33:02.066 --> 33:04.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - One of the things about polka bands 33:04.900 --> 33:07.766 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% is they have a very close relationship 33:07.866 --> 33:09.000 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% to their audience. 33:11.233 --> 33:14.100 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - Are you having fun, Bob? 33:15.100 --> 33:18.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Is everybody having fun? - [audience cheers] 33:18.100 --> 33:19.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - There's a strong connection 33:19.566 --> 33:21.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% between the musicians and their audiences. 33:21.833 --> 33:23.566 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% They're not haughty, 33:23.666 --> 33:25.733 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% they're not up on an elevated stage. 33:28.000 --> 33:29.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - You're a regular guy or gal. 33:30.000 --> 33:31.100 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% You'll be out there 33:31.200 --> 33:35.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% helping lug the amps and hooking up the cords. 33:35.666 --> 33:37.233 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - Test one, two, check. 33:37.333 --> 33:39.000 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - Testing one, two, one, two. 33:39.100 --> 33:41.866 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - Just like everybody else. 33:43.500 --> 33:46.200 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - Musicians are the heart and soul of polka. 33:46.300 --> 33:48.500 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% But only a few manage to do it full time. 33:48.600 --> 33:51.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% And none of us are driving Ferraris. 33:51.200 --> 33:53.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - Well, I gave up on the first million, 33:53.800 --> 33:56.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I'm working on the third. [laughing] 33:56.800 --> 33:59.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Never happen, will it? - No. 33:59.200 --> 34:01.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Not the way you pay! [laughing] 34:01.166 --> 34:04.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - You cannot make millions of dollars on polka music, no. 34:04.466 --> 34:06.300 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% This is a hobby that we enjoy, 34:06.400 --> 34:08.500 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and everybody's got regular jobs. 34:08.600 --> 34:11.533 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% So we come back to the real world on Monday. 34:11.633 --> 34:13.333 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Dragging your feet. 34:13.433 --> 34:14.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% [sighing melodramatically] Uggghh! 34:14.766 --> 34:17.500 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 34:17.600 --> 34:19.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - A lot of times, we don't get home 34:19.600 --> 34:21.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% 'til 3 or 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning 34:21.766 --> 34:23.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and go home, take a shower, and go right to work. 34:24.033 --> 34:25.766 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - A typical gig, 34:25.866 --> 34:27.533 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% you might spend three, four hours 34:27.633 --> 34:30.266 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% driving to it, and longer sometimes. 34:30.366 --> 34:32.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - It usually turns into a 16-hour day. 34:32.300 --> 34:33.433 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Yeah. 34:33.533 --> 34:37.066 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% - Travel is the hardest thing 'cause 34:37.166 --> 34:39.133 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% not only are you a full time musician, 34:39.233 --> 34:40.466 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% but you're always, 34:40.566 --> 34:42.600 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% you're also just like a full time truck driver. 34:42.700 --> 34:45.700 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 34:52.033 --> 34:54.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - One of Wisconsin's great polka players 34:54.566 --> 34:56.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% is Steve Meisner from Whitewater. 34:56.466 --> 34:58.266 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% At the age of five, 34:58.366 --> 35:01.200 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% his extraordinary polka journey began 35:01.300 --> 35:04.200 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% with a discovery in his grandmother's house. 35:04.300 --> 35:06.700 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - Her attic was always full of stuff. 35:06.800 --> 35:09.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% My brother and I came across a 12-bass accordion. 35:09.733 --> 35:11.000 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% And I said to grandma, 35:11.100 --> 35:13.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "Do you think my dad would teach me how to play this?" 35:13.500 --> 35:15.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And she said, "Well, when he comes to pick you up, 35:16.000 --> 35:17.000 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% we'll ask him." 35:17.100 --> 35:18.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And he gets there, picks us up 35:18.533 --> 35:21.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and I said, "Dad, will you teach me how to play this accordion?" 35:21.200 --> 35:25.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And he said, "Sure, if you promise never to quit." 35:25.166 --> 35:27.100 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% So that's it. 35:27.200 --> 35:28.466 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% - So you never quit? 35:28.566 --> 35:29.766 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% - I never quit. 35:29.866 --> 35:32.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - You started playing when you were five. 35:32.333 --> 35:35.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% When did you step foot on stage and start playing? 35:35.333 --> 35:36.766 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - When I was six. 35:36.866 --> 35:38.366 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - Oh! So, very very soon. 35:38.466 --> 35:40.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - My goal when I was a kid 35:40.433 --> 35:41.600 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% was to play with my dad. 35:41.700 --> 35:44.666 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% So that's all I really wanted to do. 35:47.566 --> 35:51.266 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - Hey, how about a little father and son duet here? 35:51.366 --> 35:54.366 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 35:57.433 --> 36:00.633 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - Steve's dad was the great Verne Meisner. 36:00.733 --> 36:04.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Hailed by the New York Times as "one of the titans of polka," 36:04.433 --> 36:08.133 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Verne began his career playing in local bars at the age of 11. 36:08.233 --> 36:11.933 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% - ♪ Oh my She's making eyes at me 36:12.033 --> 36:13.066 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% ♪ Yeah 36:13.166 --> 36:14.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - He was a full time musician 36:14.566 --> 36:16.033 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% his entire life, 36:16.133 --> 36:18.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% a well-known bandleader around the country. 36:18.766 --> 36:21.366 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% You could walk into any tavern 36:21.466 --> 36:23.833 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and the jukebox would have Verne Meisner on it. 36:23.933 --> 36:26.833 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - ♪ She wants to marry me 36:26.933 --> 36:30.300 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% ♪ And be my honey babe 36:30.400 --> 36:31.766 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - Verne and Steve Meisner 36:31.866 --> 36:34.600 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% primarily play Slovenian style polka, 36:34.700 --> 36:36.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% a style that features the accordion. 36:36.766 --> 36:39.766 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 36:43.800 --> 36:45.633 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - Slovenian style has always been 36:45.733 --> 36:49.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% kind of the jazz side of polka music. 36:49.433 --> 36:51.366 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Most Slovenian-style bands, 36:51.466 --> 36:53.000 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% they know how the melody's going, 36:53.100 --> 36:54.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% doesn't necessarily mean we're gonna play 36:54.433 --> 36:56.166 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% those exact notes tonight. 36:58.200 --> 37:00.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% They're just feeling it and playing it. 37:00.100 --> 37:02.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Okay, has everybody got their dancing shoes on? 37:02.666 --> 37:04.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Let me look around out there. 37:04.200 --> 37:05.333 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Okay, a one, and a two. 37:05.433 --> 37:06.700 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% Polka time! 37:06.800 --> 37:09.800 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 37:11.700 --> 37:14.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Steve's dream of playing with his dad would come true. 37:19.466 --> 37:21.666 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% In 1984, father and son 37:21.766 --> 37:24.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% release the albumMeisner Magic. 37:24.200 --> 37:26.266 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - That was so close to me, 37:26.366 --> 37:30.300 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% because it was the first one I got to play second accordion on. 37:30.400 --> 37:32.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I wrote some songs, he wrote some songs. 37:32.933 --> 37:35.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And from that point on, every album after that 37:35.600 --> 37:38.766 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I helped produce and make all of his albums. 37:40.300 --> 37:43.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Steve continued recording and performing with his dad, 37:43.100 --> 37:44.166 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% but he would go on 37:44.266 --> 37:47.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to establish himself as an accordion virtuoso. 37:58.166 --> 38:00.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - His piano accordion playing is amazing. 38:00.700 --> 38:04.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% He's able to do the bass part and totally counter melodies. 38:04.866 --> 38:08.200 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% So he might be making this fantastic run going up, 38:08.300 --> 38:10.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% while his bass side with his left hand 38:10.800 --> 38:12.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% is coming down, doing a run. 38:12.200 --> 38:13.933 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% It's like, "That's mind blowing." 38:14.033 --> 38:16.366 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 38:17.600 --> 38:19.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - Steve gives all the credit to his dad. 38:19.833 --> 38:22.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He never stopped learning from the master. 38:23.000 --> 38:25.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - Just listening to his music 38:25.200 --> 38:27.233 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% or just watching him, 38:27.333 --> 38:29.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% he was the best teacher I could ever have. 38:29.266 --> 38:31.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Even when he wasn't teaching me, he was teaching me. 38:31.566 --> 38:33.966 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Kickin' his feet 38:34.066 --> 38:36.566 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% or jumpin' around. 38:36.666 --> 38:38.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% He would just light up the stage when he played. 38:38.633 --> 38:40.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - Are y'all havin' a good time? 38:40.733 --> 38:43.233 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Yeah! 38:43.333 --> 38:48.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Verne Meisner passed away in 2005 at the age of 66. 38:48.400 --> 38:52.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He's been inducted into several polka Halls of Fame. 38:52.100 --> 38:55.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But perhaps Verne's biggest legacy is what he gave his son. 38:56.066 --> 38:58.200 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% ♪ We don't want to go home 38:58.300 --> 39:01.200 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% ♪ We're having too much fun 39:01.300 --> 39:02.433 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% ♪ Yes we are 39:02.533 --> 39:04.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% ♪ We don't want to go home 39:04.500 --> 39:06.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%   ♪ We don't want to go home 39:06.966 --> 39:08.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - To me there's only one guy. 39:08.566 --> 39:09.933 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% It was Verne Meisner. 39:10.033 --> 39:13.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% He truly was, from day one, my inspiration. 39:14.033 --> 39:15.900 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - ♪ We don't want to go home 39:16.000 --> 39:19.733 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% ♪ We're having too much fun 39:19.833 --> 39:21.733 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - [cheers and applause] 39:21.833 --> 39:22.866 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Hey! 39:25.766 --> 39:28.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - Polka music is the soundtrack of Wisconsin. 39:28.766 --> 39:31.766 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 39:33.933 --> 39:37.066 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And it turns up in all sorts of places in our state. 39:37.166 --> 39:41.633 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Festivals, bars, weddings, 39:41.733 --> 39:44.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and even sporting events like Badger football games. 39:44.533 --> 39:46.233 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% [crowd cheers excitedly] 39:46.333 --> 39:50.533 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% [band plays "You've Said It All"] 39:50.633 --> 39:53.633 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 39:57.700 --> 40:01.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - [crowd sings] ♪ When you say WIS-CON-SIN 40:01.200 --> 40:02.466 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% ♪ You've said it all 40:02.566 --> 40:04.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% [band plays final notes] 40:04.566 --> 40:08.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But one of the most unusual places you'll find polka... 40:08.400 --> 40:10.533 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - Welcome to our polka worship service. 40:10.633 --> 40:12.400 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% It is wonderful to be here. 40:12.500 --> 40:14.633 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% - ...is at church. 40:14.733 --> 40:16.900 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% - We're gonna use a few of our band instruments 40:17.000 --> 40:18.900 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% that we have here today. 40:19.000 --> 40:21.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - This is an ecumenical polka church service. 40:21.366 --> 40:24.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% It's based on a Roman Catholic tradition in the Midwest, 40:24.433 --> 40:27.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% dating back to the 1970s, called a Polka Mass. 40:27.900 --> 40:29.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It's like other church services, 40:29.366 --> 40:33.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but instead of an organ or choir, there's a polka band. 40:33.100 --> 40:34.733 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% - ["Chapel in the Valley"] 40:34.833 --> 40:38.100 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% ♪ Oh La! Oh Lee Oh! 40:38.200 --> 40:42.000 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% ♪ Please take our troubles for today 40:42.100 --> 40:44.533 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - The band plays religious songs 40:44.633 --> 40:45.733 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% but with a polka beat. 40:45.833 --> 40:49.333 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 40:52.100 --> 40:54.366 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - People don't dance at a Polka Mass. 40:54.466 --> 40:56.633 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% They sing along to the music, as usual. 40:56.733 --> 41:01.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - ♪ Great things happen when God mixed with us 41:01.800 --> 41:04.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - A Polka Mass is commonly held on Sunday mornings 41:04.933 --> 41:06.633 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% at festivals like this one: 41:06.733 --> 41:09.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the Wisconsin State Polka Festival in Oconomowoc. 41:12.066 --> 41:14.500 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Another place you can attend a Polka Mass 41:14.600 --> 41:17.166 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% is at a church picnic. 41:17.266 --> 41:19.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And one small town in Wisconsin 41:19.233 --> 41:21.866 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% throws a mighty big one. 41:21.966 --> 41:25.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Church picnics featuring polka music are a summer staple 41:25.533 --> 41:27.033 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% in communities across Wisconsin. 41:27.133 --> 41:30.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% But the one in Bevent has become anevent. 41:30.966 --> 41:32.966 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% [indistinct conversation] 41:33.966 --> 41:35.766 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% - Bevent is a small Polish community 41:35.866 --> 41:38.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% about 20 miles north of Stevens Point. 41:38.733 --> 41:39.833 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% It's here 41:39.933 --> 41:42.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that Saint Ladislaus Catholic Church 41:42.133 --> 41:44.100 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% puts on a very popular picnic. 41:44.200 --> 41:45.300 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% They've named it 41:45.400 --> 41:47.700 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% "Event in Bevent." 41:47.800 --> 41:50.233 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% - The main objective is a fundraiser for the parish. 41:50.333 --> 41:53.633 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% And it's a way of getting people to come together. 41:53.733 --> 41:56.133 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% The work it takes to put something like this on 41:56.233 --> 41:57.566 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% is unbelievable. 41:57.666 --> 42:01.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - The chicken dinner served at Event in Bevent is very popular. 42:01.933 --> 42:04.266 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Bevent native Adeline Domask 42:04.366 --> 42:07.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% oversees preparation of all the food. 42:07.566 --> 42:08.500 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% - Chicken and ham. 42:08.600 --> 42:10.033 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% Sauerkraut and sausage. 42:10.133 --> 42:12.433 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% Chicken soup with the homemade noodles. 42:12.533 --> 42:14.000 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Potatoes, gravy, stuffing, 42:14.100 --> 42:17.066 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and about 300 pies, we make. 42:17.166 --> 42:19.100 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Everything homemade. 42:19.200 --> 42:21.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% You better eat fast. [laughing] 42:21.200 --> 42:23.400 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - The food is served by 42:23.500 --> 42:26.566 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% a small army of bustling volunteers. 42:26.666 --> 42:29.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The most experienced among them is Mattie Wanta. 42:29.733 --> 42:31.366 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% - Cutting the bars. 42:31.466 --> 42:33.866 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% Cakes and bars and all that stuff. 42:33.966 --> 42:36.466 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - Mattie's been a church volunteer for a long time. 42:36.566 --> 42:38.966 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% - Uh, 72 years. 42:39.066 --> 42:42.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - She's lived in Bevent all of her 96 years, 42:42.166 --> 42:44.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and fondly remembers dancing the polka 42:44.233 --> 42:45.933 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% with anyone she could find. 42:46.033 --> 42:48.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - My sister and partners and boys and whoever. 42:48.666 --> 42:51.366 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - You did not dance with boys! 42:51.466 --> 42:52.433 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% - Yes I did. 42:52.533 --> 42:54.033 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - And Mattie's favorite kind of music 42:54.133 --> 42:56.066 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% probably won't surprise you. 42:56.166 --> 42:57.933 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% - Polka! 42:58.033 --> 43:01.100 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 43:04.066 --> 43:07.133 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% - Of course, polka is the big draw at Event in Bevent. 43:07.233 --> 43:10.233 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 43:14.133 --> 43:15.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Bevent's church picnic attracts 43:15.700 --> 43:19.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a large and enthusiastic dance crowd every summer. 43:19.133 --> 43:20.566 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% This year, that includes 43:20.666 --> 43:23.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the extraordinary couple, Ashley and Randy Thull. 43:27.600 --> 43:29.166 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% They're award-winning dancers 43:29.266 --> 43:33.133 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% who teach people across the country how to polka. 43:33.233 --> 43:36.033 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% They start with the basic polka step. 43:36.133 --> 43:37.833 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% - We teach a six-step pattern. 43:37.933 --> 43:39.066 align:left position:42.5% line:5% size:47.5% - Okay. 43:39.166 --> 43:41.200 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - And if you're the lead, 43:41.300 --> 43:42.533 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% you'd start with your left foot. 43:42.633 --> 43:44.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% If you're the follow, you'd start with your right foot. 43:44.700 --> 43:47.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And it's pretty much left-right-left, 43:47.433 --> 43:48.800 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% right-left-right. 43:48.900 --> 43:51.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You just keep doing that six-step pattern over and over. 43:51.666 --> 43:54.133 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And eventually things happen. 43:54.233 --> 43:57.900 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 43:58.000 --> 43:59.766 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% ♪ Yee-whoo 44:06.066 --> 44:08.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% We just like to go out and have fun, 44:08.166 --> 44:10.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% like everybody else is on the dance floor. 44:10.966 --> 44:12.100 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - The primary difference 44:12.200 --> 44:16.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% is we do try to add a little ballroom and swing 44:16.266 --> 44:18.133 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and some other dances. 44:18.233 --> 44:20.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - Whether it's polka or salsa 44:20.466 --> 44:22.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% or any of the other ballroom forms, 44:22.100 --> 44:25.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% a lot of the stuff just kind of intertwines, 44:25.700 --> 44:28.000 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% and it's easy to put into the polka. 44:28.100 --> 44:31.100 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 44:46.266 --> 44:47.566 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% [Ashley laughs] 44:47.666 --> 44:49.500 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - You two are fabulous dancers. 44:49.600 --> 44:51.233 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Do you find that people 44:51.333 --> 44:53.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% are embarrassed to go out and try dancing, 44:53.500 --> 44:56.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% or don't feel it's welcome to go out there if they're a beginner? 44:56.933 --> 44:58.833 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - I don't think polka's like that. 44:58.933 --> 45:00.500 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I just really want to see 45:00.600 --> 45:02.566 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% people go out and have a good time. 45:02.666 --> 45:04.866 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% ♪ It's enough to set my feet a-dancing 45:04.966 --> 45:06.166 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% ♪ Dancing 45:06.266 --> 45:09.600 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% ♪ Dancing all the night away 45:09.700 --> 45:12.066 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - Even if you don't know how to dance a polka, 45:12.166 --> 45:14.933 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% you can get out there and bounce around and have fun. 45:15.033 --> 45:17.766 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% I mean, really, no one's gonna to criticize you. 45:17.866 --> 45:18.933 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% - It's true. 45:19.033 --> 45:20.333 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% If you look around the dance floor, 45:20.433 --> 45:23.266 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% everybody's smiling and having a good time. 45:23.366 --> 45:27.333 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 45:27.433 --> 45:30.100 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - John and Lynn certainly have a good time. 45:30.200 --> 45:32.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% They've both worked tirelessly to promote polka 45:33.033 --> 45:34.500 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% throughout their lives. 45:34.600 --> 45:37.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And what better way to promote it than with dancing? 45:37.866 --> 45:39.566 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% - I met her at a dance hall. 45:39.666 --> 45:41.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% She was there one night. I was there. 45:41.666 --> 45:42.900 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% We danced. 45:43.000 --> 45:44.800 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% I said, "Wow, we do a good job together!" 45:44.900 --> 45:47.466 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% So, here we are. 45:48.500 --> 45:51.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - John and Lynn have won many dance contests, 45:51.733 --> 45:55.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% often placing higher than much younger couples. 45:56.566 --> 45:59.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - A lot of the routines that we do in polka, 46:00.033 --> 46:02.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% we can incorporate in other forms of dancing 46:02.766 --> 46:04.800 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% like swing, South American. 46:04.900 --> 46:06.166 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% We do them all. 46:07.566 --> 46:09.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - I've loved it from little on. 46:09.633 --> 46:13.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I truly think I came out of the womb dancing the polka. 46:13.400 --> 46:16.400 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 46:19.800 --> 46:22.233 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% - She's 80 and I'm older than her. 46:22.333 --> 46:23.600 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% - Much older. 46:23.700 --> 46:26.066 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% Much older. - Eighty and a half. 46:28.333 --> 46:31.100 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - We just, we have a good time. 46:31.200 --> 46:33.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - John and Lynn may not be typical dancers. 46:33.966 --> 46:37.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% But they're in the most common age group that likes to polka. 46:37.866 --> 46:39.833 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% - One, two. Check one, two. 46:39.933 --> 46:41.166 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Testing one, two. 46:41.266 --> 46:43.200 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% Check one, two. 46:43.300 --> 46:44.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - For a regular dance, 46:44.633 --> 46:47.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% it's basically an older crowd. 46:47.633 --> 46:48.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% But some of them are out there, 46:49.000 --> 46:51.033 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% they walk in the door with a cane or whatever sometimes. 46:51.133 --> 46:52.233 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% And as soon as 46:52.333 --> 46:53.866 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% you start playing, the canes are gone 46:53.966 --> 46:54.966 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% and they're out there dancing, 46:55.066 --> 46:56.366 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% and you're thinking "How does this happen?" 46:56.466 --> 46:59.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - [counting out beat in German] Eins, zwei, drei, vier. 46:59.366 --> 47:02.433 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 47:07.833 --> 47:09.866 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% - The doctor said to my wife, 47:09.966 --> 47:11.066 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% "What do you guys do for exercise? 47:11.166 --> 47:13.600 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% You should really do an exercise program." 47:13.700 --> 47:14.766 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% Well, we polka. 47:14.866 --> 47:16.200 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% "Oh, that's it! 47:16.300 --> 47:17.800 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% Don't worry about exercising." 47:17.900 --> 47:20.033 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% So, polka definitely keeps you young. 47:20.133 --> 47:23.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - It keeps us alive [laughs] and moving! 47:23.866 --> 47:26.866 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 47:28.866 --> 47:31.900 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% - I just tuned 82. 47:32.000 --> 47:35.033 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% - I'll be 79 next week. 47:35.133 --> 47:36.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - We really have a good time. 47:36.600 --> 47:37.766 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - It's wonderful, we love it. 47:37.866 --> 47:40.866 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 47:42.400 --> 47:46.166 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - One of the things about a real dancing crowd is 47:46.266 --> 47:50.866 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% that the couples are on the floor almost the whole evening. 47:54.866 --> 47:56.766 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - It's kind of unreal. 47:56.866 --> 47:58.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% If you stick around here, you'd see 47:58.233 --> 48:01.033 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that some of the same people dancing, like, eight hours. 48:01.133 --> 48:02.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I mean it's like they're about on the floor 48:03.066 --> 48:04.933 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% about every time there's music going on! 48:06.266 --> 48:08.366 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% - They just have fun. 48:08.466 --> 48:11.466 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 48:14.166 --> 48:16.033 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - Polka has played matchmaker 48:16.133 --> 48:17.666 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% for a lot of the couples you see 48:17.766 --> 48:19.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% on a typical dance floor. 48:20.666 --> 48:22.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - We met at a polka dance. 48:22.433 --> 48:23.933 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - We'd go to all the local festivals 48:24.033 --> 48:25.533 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and we'd meet up once in a while, 48:25.633 --> 48:26.700 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and just stayed in contact. 48:26.800 --> 48:28.766 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% - I'd send him an email, "When's the next dance? 48:28.866 --> 48:31.200 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% Is your dance card open so I could have a dance?" 48:31.300 --> 48:33.333 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% And he said, "It's pretty full." 48:33.433 --> 48:35.766 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% Because why did you start dancing, dear? 48:35.866 --> 48:38.166 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% - Oh, for the women. 48:39.200 --> 48:43.033 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 48:43.133 --> 48:46.200 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - I do a slide polka and she was nuts about it. 48:46.300 --> 48:48.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - I love to do the slide polka. 48:48.633 --> 48:50.000 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% - And we really go. 48:50.100 --> 48:54.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% We kind of dothat while we're dancing. 48:55.000 --> 48:58.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And go like... Hell? [laughs sheepishly] 48:58.666 --> 49:00.000 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Makes us feel good. 49:00.100 --> 49:01.500 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% We care for each other. 49:01.600 --> 49:04.000 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - We love it! - Yeah, it's great. 49:04.100 --> 49:05.166 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 49:05.266 --> 49:08.333 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% - My wife and I danced every week, 49:08.433 --> 49:10.866 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% for 60 years. 49:10.966 --> 49:13.866 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% Every dance hall around this area 49:13.966 --> 49:16.533 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% that had polka music. 49:16.633 --> 49:20.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - Herman Pfund met his wife, Kathleen, in 1939. 49:20.366 --> 49:24.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% They were married for 65 years before she passed away. 49:24.300 --> 49:27.100 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Herman is now 95 and will never forget 49:27.200 --> 49:28.600 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% finding Kathleen. 49:28.700 --> 49:30.766 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - I met her in New Glarus here 49:30.866 --> 49:34.300 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% at the-- used to be-- the Wilhelm Tell Hotel. 49:34.400 --> 49:38.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Her and her girlfriend were at a dance, 49:38.100 --> 49:39.966 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and I knew her girlfriend. 49:40.066 --> 49:42.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% She introduced me to my wife and after that... 49:42.266 --> 49:43.966 align:left position:45% line:83% size:45% Whoa! That was it. 49:44.066 --> 49:47.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Did you dance the polka the first time you met? 49:47.566 --> 49:49.133 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% - Oh, you bet we did! 49:49.233 --> 49:52.466 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% And ever since after that. 49:56.300 --> 49:57.433 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% - Thank you. - Yeah. 49:57.533 --> 49:58.966 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - You guys know how to polka? 49:59.066 --> 50:00.233 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - I know how to polka. 50:00.333 --> 50:02.300 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% - Perfect! We wanna see you out there. 50:02.400 --> 50:05.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Polka is also a way we celebrate love. 50:05.366 --> 50:07.166 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - Just take that moment in. 50:07.266 --> 50:08.800 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Hold it right there. 50:08.900 --> 50:11.166 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% Beautiful. 50:11.266 --> 50:14.066 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% - We've been going out to Madison, Wisconsin. 50:14.166 --> 50:15.300 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% The Essen Haus. 50:15.400 --> 50:16.966 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% That's actually the first time we've polka-ed. 50:17.066 --> 50:19.166 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% And had never really done it before. 50:19.266 --> 50:21.333 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% But when we went out there, 50:21.433 --> 50:23.233 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% everyone was out there dancing 50:23.333 --> 50:24.833 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% and we just had a great time. 50:24.933 --> 50:26.866 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - Hey, you look beautiful. 50:26.966 --> 50:30.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Both of our families had polka at their wedding, our parents. 50:30.833 --> 50:32.900 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Like, it's super fun. 50:33.000 --> 50:34.333 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% - Well, Melinda and Justin, 50:34.433 --> 50:36.366 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% congratulations to you both. 50:36.466 --> 50:38.300 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% And thank you so much for having us 50:38.400 --> 50:39.733 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% be a part of your special day. 50:39.833 --> 50:41.366 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% We really-- It is an honor for us. 50:41.466 --> 50:44.166 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% And, of course, this is a celebration. 50:44.266 --> 50:45.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And there's no better way to celebrate 50:45.666 --> 50:47.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% than with good old-fashioned 50:47.733 --> 50:49.866 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% polka music. 50:49.966 --> 50:52.966 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% - Whoo! ♪ ♪ 51:04.633 --> 51:06.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - You know, years ago, 51:06.633 --> 51:08.633 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% all you had were polka bands at weddings. 51:08.733 --> 51:10.366 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And things have changed. 51:10.466 --> 51:11.700 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% But every now and then, 51:11.800 --> 51:13.633 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% you'll still get a polka band at a wedding 51:13.733 --> 51:16.633 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% because they know what a wedding needs to really liven things up. 51:16.733 --> 51:19.733 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 51:25.300 --> 51:26.466 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% - Hey, hey! 51:28.433 --> 51:29.466 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% - Hey! Ho! 51:29.566 --> 51:32.566 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - There's a high Polish community and German, 51:32.666 --> 51:34.533 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% so it's great for this area. 51:34.633 --> 51:36.133 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I think polka's perfect. 51:41.133 --> 51:42.633 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% - Polka is Wisconsin. 51:42.733 --> 51:45.800 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% - Hey! Whoo! 51:45.900 --> 51:48.300 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - [cheers and applause] 51:48.400 --> 51:52.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - We're having fun now! - [laughing] 51:52.933 --> 51:57.500 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 51:57.600 --> 52:00.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Polka is a tradition that bonds us together. 52:00.833 --> 52:03.833 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% For many, it evokes our fondest memories. 52:05.200 --> 52:06.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - There's something special about polka 52:06.733 --> 52:08.666 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that makes it easy to share with others. 52:08.766 --> 52:11.033 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% It connects us to our history, to our state, 52:11.133 --> 52:13.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and especially to our families. 52:14.600 --> 52:15.966 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - It was such an important part 52:16.066 --> 52:17.500 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% of my grandparents' life. 52:17.600 --> 52:19.100 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% On Sunday afternoons, 52:19.200 --> 52:20.933 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% it was a big family dinner at their place, 52:21.033 --> 52:22.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and we would dance in the dining room 52:22.733 --> 52:25.133 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and dance in the living room. 52:25.233 --> 52:27.000 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% We have a family Christmas Eve party 52:27.100 --> 52:29.600 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% that's been going on for 70 years. 52:29.700 --> 52:31.166 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% And I had a great uncle, 52:31.266 --> 52:33.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% he played Christmas carols playing accordion. 52:33.600 --> 52:37.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% So that's a huge part of who I am and where we come from. 52:40.066 --> 52:41.633 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - My mom will be 90 this year 52:41.733 --> 52:43.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and we were standing right over here last year. 52:43.766 --> 52:45.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And she hasn't danced in a while. 52:45.633 --> 52:47.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% She's got bad hips and all this and that. 52:48.066 --> 52:51.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% So she agreed to dance with me off of the dance floor. 52:51.833 --> 52:55.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And we spun around a few times and we just had a great time. 52:55.266 --> 52:56.500 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% It was a great memory. 53:00.766 --> 53:01.933 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - On his family's farm, 53:02.033 --> 53:04.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Ralph Thull has always tuned the radio to polka. 53:04.833 --> 53:07.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% His daughter Michelle remembers one reason why. 53:08.400 --> 53:11.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - My dad thinks the cows milk better to polka music. 53:12.300 --> 53:14.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - We always used to play it in the barn all the time. 53:14.900 --> 53:16.733 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - I remember in the parlor, 53:16.833 --> 53:18.800 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% he'd, of course, have the polka music on. 53:18.900 --> 53:21.033 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% And sometimes if there was hired help, 53:21.133 --> 53:22.866 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% they would come and switch the station. 53:22.966 --> 53:24.333 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And I remember my dad saying, 53:24.433 --> 53:26.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% "The cow's milk much better. 53:26.666 --> 53:27.766 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% "They're more well-behaved. 53:27.866 --> 53:29.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% "Everything just works better 53:29.200 --> 53:32.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% if you just keep that dial on polka music." 53:32.233 --> 53:34.100 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% [Ralph laughing] [cows mooing] 53:36.433 --> 53:37.766 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - ♪ We're going to have 53:37.866 --> 53:40.266 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% ♪ A polka celebration 53:40.366 --> 53:41.566 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% - Wherever I play, 53:41.666 --> 53:44.466 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% I see people filled with happiness and joy. 53:44.566 --> 53:47.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Polka really is the music and dance 53:47.566 --> 53:48.733 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% of celebration. 53:48.833 --> 53:52.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - We are all in it for the fun. 53:52.800 --> 53:55.733 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% And most people don't like that much fun. 53:55.833 --> 53:57.700 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% But we're not most people. 53:57.800 --> 53:59.700 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - Everybody's smiling. 53:59.800 --> 54:01.433 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Everybody's having a good time. 54:01.533 --> 54:04.933 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It's just such a joy to be here. 54:05.033 --> 54:07.100 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 54:07.200 --> 54:09.133 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% [whistles invitingly] 54:09.233 --> 54:10.333 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% - It's fun! 54:10.433 --> 54:12.500 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% How can you not have fun with polka music? 54:12.600 --> 54:13.633 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% You hear it 54:13.733 --> 54:14.900 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% and you just want to dance, 54:15.000 --> 54:16.300 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% you want to have a great time. 54:16.400 --> 54:17.566 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% It's a beautiful thing. 54:18.666 --> 54:20.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Lisa was selected to be this year's Polka Queen 54:21.000 --> 54:23.133 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% by the Wisconsin Polka Boosters. 54:23.233 --> 54:27.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They're dedicated to the promotion the polka tradition. 54:27.300 --> 54:29.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - They're looking to bring out folks 54:29.466 --> 54:31.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% who also have an interest and a love for music 54:31.466 --> 54:32.766 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% who haven't been exposed to this. 54:32.866 --> 54:34.033 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% We talk about it. 54:34.133 --> 54:36.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% We share on Facebook and social media 54:36.500 --> 54:37.933 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% events that we're going to. 54:38.033 --> 54:40.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So we get to expose this awesome music to a whole new generation. 54:40.633 --> 54:41.700 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% [Box On singing "North Shore"] 54:41.800 --> 54:43.333 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% ♪ Gdzie mi sie 54:43.433 --> 54:46.900 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% ♪ Podzialy te siwe golebie 54:47.000 --> 54:48.766 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% ♪ Co mi podziubaly 54:48.866 --> 54:51.433 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% ♪ Dziewczynie po gebie 54:51.533 --> 54:54.300 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - This is not exclusively 54:54.400 --> 54:56.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% a music for the retired. 54:56.433 --> 54:58.300 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% It still is thriving today. 54:58.400 --> 55:00.233 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% There are new and creative artists. 55:00.333 --> 55:02.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% There are wild young people, 55:02.666 --> 55:04.666 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% there are older senior polka bands, 55:04.766 --> 55:06.400 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% and everything in between. 55:06.500 --> 55:08.800 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% - We'll all stay in polkas for the rest of our lives. 55:08.900 --> 55:10.466 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% It's who we are, it's in our blood. 55:10.566 --> 55:12.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I can't really see how it could ever die. 55:12.533 --> 55:15.233 align:left position:47.5% line:89% size:42.5% ♪ ♪ 55:15.333 --> 55:16.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - People have been saying that it's going to die 55:17.000 --> 55:18.666 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% since the 50s when it had its heyday, 55:18.766 --> 55:20.400 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% but here we are 55:20.500 --> 55:22.800 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and it's still going. [laughing] 55:24.433 --> 55:26.166 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% - In Wisconsin, 55:26.266 --> 55:29.500 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% we celebrate life through polka. 55:29.600 --> 55:31.600 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% - Whoo hoo! 55:31.700 --> 55:34.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - And what a wonderful life that is. 55:38.433 --> 55:39.700 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - [cheers and applause] 55:39.800 --> 55:41.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - Yay,"Polish Boyfriend." 55:41.433 --> 55:43.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - [cheers and applause continue] 55:48.433 --> 55:50.533 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% To purchase a DVD ofPolka! 55:50.633 --> 55:52.800 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% visit wpt.org 55:52.900 --> 55:53.733 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% or call 55:53.833 --> 55:57.666 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% 800-422-9707 56:31.966 --> 56:34.166 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% -Polka!is funded in part by 56:34.266 --> 56:36.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Stanley J. Cottrill Fund, 56:36.733 --> 56:39.300 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% International Polka Association 56:39.400 --> 56:42.066 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Wisconsin Dells Polka Fest 56:42.166 --> 56:44.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% and Friends of Wisconsin Public Television.