Polka Happiness (Visual Studies)
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.48 (594 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 1566394627 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 221 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 0000-00-00 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Interviews, memorabilia and photographs spotlight the stars of the polka world Li'l Wally, Walt Solek, Eddie Blazonczyk, Frankie Yankovic, the Dyna-Tones as well as the many regional favorites in Buffalo, Milwaukee and Chicago that have delighted millions of fans. With rich descriptive material and 150 historical and contemporary illustrations, the book focuses on the musicians, the fans and the cultural institutions that keep the polka party going. The book also traces the role of the International Polka Association in establishing networks, promoting events and providing an environment in which Polish Americans can celebrate and nourish their cultural heritage. The testimony of musicians and fans, old timers and young enthusiasts, tells how polka culture has resisted the melting pot for more than a century. Dick Blau is Professor of Film at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.. For twenty years, the authors have been part of the social world of polka music and dancing in the bars, church halls and ballrooms of Rust Belt America; their exuberant descriptions reflect the enthusiasm of wholehearted participants. Author note: Charles Keil is Professor of American Studies at State University of New York, Buffalo, and the author of "Tiv Song" and "Urban
Polka Happiness is a Polish American "essential" Tom There once were polka dances every weekend in every Polish Town scattered throughout the Rust Belt. Those days are almost at an end but, ah, the memories linger. Polka was an intergral part of Polish Americana.Polka Happiness is an absolutely fabulous survey of the polka scene right before the sun set on Polish Town and everyone scattered for the suburbs. This book was published in 1992 but much of the material comes from the 70's and 80's. Although it's not completely focused on Polish American polka, it comes clo. "Overdue scholarly book on polka music is great" according to Kathleen L. Jozwiak. Excellent scholarly book on polka music, concentrating predominantly on the Polish style, although one chapter is devoted to the Slovenian-American-style. This book along with Victor Green's "A Passion for Polka" mark two MUST READS for any serious polka aficianado/scholar.
"An inspiring account, with strikingly eloquent photographs based on material collected over twenty years This is research con amore." --Popular Music "The collection of 150 color and b&w photos of Poles having the time of their lives at weddings, nightclubs, festivals and parties needs only the accompaniment of the accordion to make the experience complete for readers." --Publishers Weekly "A definitive look at the music and the colorful, high-octane cast of polka musicians and accordion-happy fans." --Milwaukee Sentinel "The sensitive insights of the Keils in a very readable text and the lively photographs by Blau capture the dynamic spirit of Polish Americans who would rather dance than disappear." --Polish-American Journal