Polka Heartland: Why the Midwest Loves to Polka

by Rick March, Dick Blau

"Polka Heartland" captures the beat that pulses in the heart of Midwestern culture--the polka--and offers up the fascinating history of how "oompah-pah" came to be the sound of middle America. From the crowded dance tent at Pulaski Polka Days to an off-the-grid Mexican polka dance in small-town Wisconsin, "Polka Heartland" explores the people, places, and history behind the Midwest's favorite music.

From polka's surprising origin story as a cutting-edge European fad to an exploration of the modern-day polka scene, author Rick March and photographer Dick Blau take readers on a joyful romp through this beloved, unique, and richly storied genre. "Polka Heartland" describes the artists, venues, instruments, and music-makers who have been pivotal to polka's popularity across the Midwest and offers six full-color photo galleries to immerse readers in today's vibrant polka scene.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 20, 2015

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful, passionate introduction to the history and cultural impact of polka in the midwest. As a transplant from Louisiana to Milwaukee, I was interested in learning about this music that seems like the more “unhip” cousin of Cajun and zydeco music (an unfair image -- as we learn in this book, polka is fun and liberating). I found myself drawn to March’s eloquent descriptions of local festivals and his broad knowledge base, which led me to discover some of the legends of American polka in the various different styles and traditions. His highlights of local (i.e. Wisconsin) music venues, musicians, music festivals, and even accordion markers helped guide me to some potential weekend excursions. Dick Blau’s photography showcases beautiful, intimate, loving portraits of a musical culture that is American to the core: an amalgamation of ethnically diverse people who are unified locally and regionally in their shared love of (and pride in) their music and roots. It’s a wonderful read. I may try to track down Polka Happiness, which was mentioned in the acknowledgements section, as I continue my journey into polka.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts:

This is amazing tribute to Polka music.

It seems like my entire childhood was lived with Polka music playing in the backround. My mother's family is Polish on both her maternal and paternal sides. We listened to polka EVERYWERE. In the car, at family get togethers, on holidays, and Saurdays and Sundays. When we went out for fun we would always end up at some place playing Polka. I remember getting picked up from every Tuesday and Thursday by my grandmother who would have Polka blasting from her car speakers. I, being a teenager, was of course embarassed by this, but my friends thought it was just the neatest thing ever. I fund now that my family has all passed on that I miss that Polka backround music. For me, this was a fun reminder of so many memories.

This is an in depth look at the culture and history of Polka music. It is filled with bright photos and neat facts that I didn't know. I always thought that Polka was just a Polish thing, but it's not. The way the author wrote this makes it fun and interesting. This inspired me to dust off Granny's record player and teach my children, and all the neighborhood children, some of the things that I loved about my childhood. We all ended up in my backyard twirling and hopping around.

Now, I want to point out the cover of this book. Bravo to the cover artist. This book screams "Pick me up!"

Things of Interest:

-Queen Victoria prohibited polka dancing n her presence. No doubt that helped spark the polka craze!

-In 1829, Cyrillic Demian developed the Akkordeon.

-Polka and religion? A Polka Mass is a worship service that is the same basic worship service as the Roman Catholic tradition, but utilizing a unique mode of music-- polka! The first Polka Mass was held on May 5, 1973.

Recommendation:

People who want to learn more about the history of Polka, and especially people who have a love for it.

[Daniel Kleven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been into polka, really, it's probably just because I've never tried. But my grandpa was the band leader of a polka band, the Frankie Switzer Band, and I've been trying to learn more about this world. This was a fantastic introduction to midwest polka, a great historical overview, the roots in ethnic European music, the various styles and instruments, and lots of beautiful photography. I never knew that there was a Grammy award for "Best Polka Album" starting in the 1980s and going for a couple decades.

Anyway, highly recommend if you'd like to learn more about this genre of music, and aspect of midwest culture.

[Aimee Grabski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had some interesting history, but way too much focus on individual musicians and not enough about the title of the book ("why the Midwest loves to polka"). I feel like he didn't even travel to Cleveland (how do you write a book about polkas and not visit Cleveland?) Should be called "A History of Midwest polka bands".

[Michelle Arredondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I want to thank the peeps over at LibraryThing for my win, to Wisconsin Society Historical Press(that also sent me a catalog of other amazing books by them should I choose to order) and to Rick March and Dick Blau for putting together such a wonderful book.

From the moment I received this book in the mail to now I can't stop going over it. I absolutely love it. Next to books I have an obsession for music....all kinds of music so it was especially nice to embrace the world of Polka. I am not very familiar with Polka music but this book gives it all to me...and I have become quite fascinated. It is beautifully put together...every page containing some interesting tidbit, a piece of history, gorgeous photos with such rich colors. From the Slovenian Americans, the Croatians, Frankie Yankovic, Pulaski Polka, Jolly Bashell, the entire past Polka history all the way to Polka's present with Tom Brusky, Mike Schneider, Molly Busta's Polka Party on cable t.v, it is a rich and beautifully cultured world. I was most fond of the section on Mexican Polka. Obviously being Mexican myself, anything within that culture being near and dear to my heart...the mention of Flaco Jimenez, someone I heard growing up with my grandparents..took me back to my childhood. Mexican music is filled with the signature Polka sound. And as mentioned, the photos...I can not say enough about the beautiful pictures within these pages. Rich in color..majestic...stunning...captures the heart of Polka music through the people that love it. There is even mention of Charles Dickins and how fond of Polka music he was. So fascinating. This is one of those books that you want to keep on a coffee table for display..you want to encourage guests to pick it up and take a look at it. You want to share all that you have learned about the Polka culture. This book has made me wish my grandparents were still around so that I could share this with them.

This truly is a beautiful book to have...a wonderful gift idea for anyone who loves all types of music history, either lived it and/or enjoy to this day. I am pleasantly pleased to have this wonderful book in my possession and will cherish it for many years to come.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dance and anything I can read about the history of dance and the origins and different influences that exist is right up my alley. That being said, I still have a lot to learn as this book has shown me. I grew up in Texas dancing polkas. But they were Mexican-American/ Tejano polkas, with Texas-Germanic influences lol! I had no idea that another polka type existed in the Midwest, influenced mostly by Polish roots.This book is about that history and has beautiful photos as examples. It also gives very good discernments between the music for different types of polka styles. I think anyone looking for info on polkas in general will like this book as a source.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well organized. A beautiful hardcovered book with dust jacket and glossy, heavy weight paper. The author did a fine job with the history of the polka and he explained the dfferent types od polkas and the countries they came from. The Wisconsin polka seems to be alive and well, though the author thought it was slowing down as the older dancers and enthusiasts are also slowing down. I think this book will help remind people of the importance of ethnic community, social gatherings, the fun of dancing to the grwat beats of the polkas and the tradition will live on in ro ust health.

[Ms. Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review...

This is a delightful, entertaining, informative read for anyone who loves Polka, or is simply curious to learn more. I enjoyed the photography that this book contained. It was well done, colorful, bright, and very enjoyable. This is a great book to add to anyone's collection.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perceptive and informative guide to upper-midwest old-time music. I have never read better explanations of the differences between concertinas and accordions, or between Bohemian and Dutchman-style bands. March is especially strong on the subtle musical details that characterize different traditions and players, maybe because he is a musician himself as well as a scholar.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book with great historical depth. This book includes the history of the polka mass. Very interesting how inflammatory this was within the Catholic church when first introduced.