Pomerene Center excited for return of Chardon Polka Band
The ever-popular Chardon Polka Band will return to the artPARK on Friday, May 30. Tim Cohen will start the street dance party off at 7 p.m. with a free Polka crash dance class. Music starts at 8 p.m.
In 2003, 16-year old Jake Kouwe was told there was no place for an accordion in his local high school’s marching band. In response, Kouwe recruited a group of five mismatched teenagers to form a genuine oom-pah style polka band. This group, known as “The Chardon High School Polka Band,” was a rather motley group of teenage musicians that included in the line-up an accordion, tuba, clarinet, saxophone, electric guitar, and trumpet.
Now, 22 years later, the band continues. What was once a high school project has turned into a career (not a good job… but a full-time one). Though the band’s unique membership has changed a few times over the years, their eclectic style and uniqueness has never wavered.
Despite the band’s sometimes gruff appearance, this delightfully eccentric gang is both friendly and outgoing. They are among the greater Cleveland area’s most recognizable performers at local parks, festivals, parades, parties and fund-raisers, and still perform regularly at local nursing homes. The polka band has a faithful fan base, ranging from senior citizens to small children, teens, and 20-somethings.
There will be plenty of beer on tap. Food and drink other than beer are close at hand thanks to the Coshocton DORA.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
