Contact: Madeline Myers, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
330-474-5032
Press release images available at pbswesternreserve.org/press/photos
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“The World According to Polka” Returns to PBS Western Reserve for Third Season
Six-part series premieres Friday, Sept. 26, at 8:30 p.m.
Kent, Ohio — Sept. 15, 2024 — “The World According to Polka” returns to PBS Western Reserve for a third season this fall, bringing more of the music and merriment audiences have come to expect from two-time Emmy Award-winning host Jake Kouwe and his polkateers. The new season will air exclusively on PBS Western Reserve on Fridays at 8:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 26.
Season 3 of “The World According to Polka” will continue to showcase just how interwoven polka is in today’s cultural landscape. Whether it’s a trip to Wurstfest in Texas or a visit to a local barbershop, railway or backyard, Jake and the Chardon Polka Band continue to carve their niche as they take their music beyond stages and onto the small screen. Guest performers include DJ Kishka, Postmodern Jukebox, Gunhild Carling, Patty Candela, Happy Players, and the Lederhosen Junkies.
“We’re not highlighting movie stars who get paid millions of dollars to be on screen,” says host Jake Kouwe. “We’re shining a spotlight on folks making strudel at 5 a.m. with a family recipe and a guy who wears a fake beard and spins polka records at the bar down the street. These are delightfully eclectic stories about real people.”
“The World According to Polka”— created by Jake Kouwe and Jeff Grau, and executive produced by PBS Western Reserve Senior Producer/Director Gary Manke — is the recipient of a Public Media Award and two regional Emmys for Talent: Performer, Host, Narrator.
An exclusive preview of the new season will be held at PBS Western Reserve on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
All PBS Western Reserve productions, including “The World According to Polka,” are made possible by the generous support of PBS Western Reserve members, donors and underwriters. Following the recent rescission of federal funding and the reduction in state funding, PBS Western Reserve needs to raise an additional $600,000 to close budget gaps, sustain daily operations and ensure celebrated local programming like “The World According to Polka” is protected.
Following their broadcast premiere, each episode will be available on demand via the PBS Western Reserve website, PBS App and YouTube. To support PBS Western Reserve during this critical time, visit PBSWesternReserve.org/fundingcampaign.
About PBS Western Reserve
PBS Western Reserve is a community organization that empowers Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania through the impact of accessible public media and educational services to foster connection and lifelong learning. We present to our region cultural, scientific and artistic programming for awareness and enjoyment; local storytelling and access to trusted regional, state and national public affairs; experiential opportunities and community outreach for people of all ages; and educational initiatives that support the healthy development of our youth.
PBS Western Reserve operates two separately licensed public television stations (WNEO and WEAO) and an Educational Services division operating under one 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Northeastern Educational Television of Ohio Inc. (NETO). WNEO was established in 1971, is licensed to the city of Alliance and serves the Youngstown designated television market. WEAO went on the air in 1975, is licensed to the city of Akron and serves the Cleveland-Akron-Canton designated television market. All programming is simulcast on the two stations.
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