All true, but let's not make too much of it. I was just kidding around. And although I don't personally seek out polka's for a music listening session, I can see, hear, and understand the infectious nature of it. It's deeply rooted in so many European cultures, even more so than jazz, blues, and Black gospel in this country. Still, unlike jazz, blues, and gospel, it is embraced by very few OUTSIDE of those (European) cultures. Black, Asian, Mid-eastern cultures, which, incidentally make up the majority of the world's population, have not raced to embrace it as a popular musical form. And yet, nobody 'hates' it (as they do, say, Rap or Hip Hop) and it is universally recognized as a symbol of joy and festivals, and good times, and partying, and .....well, practically any uplifting event.
Sooooo, I apologize if my little joke offended anyone. There was no malice aforethought. But they (polkas) ARE sometimes the butt of (good-natured) jokes, even within the cultures where they are commonplace. There are so many forms of musical expression; there are bound to be some that some people don't like. For me, that would include Bluegrass, Rap/HipHop, Polkas, and practically anything written expressly for pipe organ. For the most part, it comes down to what you're used to (just like religion).
chas
To be honest with you, Chas, I almost joined in your joke and added to your initial response to Scot's post, "You are wrong. The song's title is not Two Chord Polka, but 2.5 Chord Polka!" However, I refrained myself because I do not know Scott personally and also this is a public forum. I didn't want to continue with musical stereo-typing. Ironically, you are the one that helped me one time with my post concerning "unconscious" racial stereo-typing when I quoted my teacher's comment about black musicians. Johnny said that the Italian community he grew up in with Dick Contino was right next to a black community and that black musicians especially black church musicians taught him a lot. So his comment about black musicians was a compliment, but you thought it was still racial stereo-typing. I realized that you were right, and ever since then I am a little more "polished" and do not make direct quotes like that but filter them. I do know that you were kidding around, and I am not a polka evangelist, either. LOL However, I have noticed that there is this musical stereo-typing among musicians. I just wanted us musicians to be aware of the fact that there is musical stereo-typing.
Chris
PS: I've heard accordionists complaining about media's stereo-typing about a certain musical instrument or a certain kind of music as in this TV sitcom
I don't know what to make of the next video clip but the young woman as attractive and lovely she is, she could have demolished accordion stereo-typing and accordion bashing all together had she been a good player playing some wild stuff on the accordion, but she is not even a beginner and thus solidifying the accordion bashing even more against her will. I don't know; maybe it was staged, too.
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#455571 - 08/02/1812:28 AMRe: What's the name of this polka?
[Re: Jerry T]
Scott Langholff
Senior Member
Registered: 06/09/02
Posts: 3165
Loc: Pensacola, Florida, USA
Originally Posted By Jerry T
Laugh if you must, 2 weeks ago, I played a NH and theme was Pennsylvania Day for which they requested a polka party. Very happy music and most of those old-timers were glowing. Loved how animated and responsive the audience became. Haven’t done a polka gig for about 50+ years, forgot how much fun it is.
Years ago in Wisconsin our seven piece band was asked if we could play polkas for a wedding reception. We said sure. In Wisconsin you played polkas, or else It was common to mix a few in.
Well, this party wanted polkas all night! Four hours worth! One after another. Keep in mind our band was doing jazz-rock at the time.
I came up with the idea that we would play the polkas very, very long and get those farmers winded and then do our stuff.
I can still see that old farmer huffing and puffing on the dance floor and when the song ended he was still huffing and puffing as he came up to the band, AND REQUESTED ANOTHER POLKA, RIGHT AWAY.
I thought the guys in the band were going to kill me that night for taking that gig. I remember walking outside of the Best Western where this was held later, and I remember talking out loud to myself that I would never, ever do that again. lol
It actually can be a lot of fun to play polkas though, I'll have to admit. Still don't want to do them for four hours though. lol
#455588 - 08/02/1808:35 AMRe: What's the name of this polka?
[Re: Scott Langholff]
Bill Lewis
Senior Member
Registered: 11/12/08
Posts: 2450
Loc: Bluffton/Hilton Head SC USA
Polka Dancing and Polka Bands are alive and well in some parts of the country. In Clark NJ I belonged to and played at the largest German Club on the East coast. divided betweennewer member wanting newer music and the old timers who still wanted just German waltzs and Polka music. I don't know if any of you can find this on your TV but its on late Sat. nights here and I look in for a rew minutes to see the bands and people dancing. http://www.rfdtv.com/story/23049580/mollie-b-polka-party Good times.
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It was common to mix a few in. 
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