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A Polka Revival In Cleveland

The Chardon Polka Band rocks out at the 2014 Cleveland Oktoberfest. (chardonpolkaband.com)
The Chardon Polka Band rocks out at the 2014 Cleveland Oktoberfest. (chardonpolkaband.com)

For some people, the accordion has long been associated with smiling musicians in suits on Lawrence Welk Show re-runs, or with men in lederhosen and alpine hats.

More contemporary performers like the Pogues and Golgo Bordello have tried to put a modern spin this traditional sound. Now, a young band from the Cleveland area is building a national following with its version of accordion music.

From the Here & Now Contributors Network, David C. Barnett of WCPN takes us to the dance floor to meet the Chardon Polka Band.

[Youtube]

[Youtube]

Reporter

  • David C. Barnett, senior arts reporter for WCPN/ideastream. He tweets @DCBstream.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

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