Chardon Polka Band returns with a wild second season!

The World According to Polka

The Chardon Polka Band returns with another season of its Emmy-winning program, delving deeper into the polka genre as showcased through the band’s music and droll wit.

The term “polka” might typically recall thoughts of folks in lederhosen, couples dancing or ethnic food — all of which are featured in THE WORLD ACCORDING TO POLKA — but in these new episodes, the band will expand your mind with surprising segments and polka connections!

Hosted by Chardon Polka Band frontman Jake Kouwe, this season deftly navigates from baking Polish desserts and processing maple syrup to giving history lessons about Slavic nations and California surf culture. This wide array of subject matter is accompanied by an equally varied soundtrack of classic polka hits, ‘90s one-hit wonders, classic rock and beach bum ballads. Guest performers include Die Saurkrauts, an oompah group from California; Christina Eltrevoog, a folk songstress from Illinois; Rocco Heins, a bandoneon player in Germany; and many more!

Season 2 sees the polka-teers take their music to beaches, backyards, bakeries and more. It’s a truly unique and unforgettable experience aimed not only at polka lovers but at anyone open to a half-hour of eclectic fun.

Roller Skates

The Chardon Polka Band explores roller skating with visits to the roller derby and an old-fashioned skating rink! Musical selections include skate-inspired tunes from the 1990s and disco era. Folk singer Christina Eltrevoog performs a classic roller song.

Simply Slavic

The Chardon Band visits the Simply Slavic festival for music, food, libations and a look at folk traditions. Youngstown, Ohio, serves as the setting for the festival and performances. Rodina is a walking table who co-hosts the episode with bandleader Jake Kouwe.

Paczki Party

Bandleader Jake Kouwe learns about making paczki from the artisans at Rudy's Strudel & Bakery. The Chardon Polka Band serves up music to go with this authentic Polish dessert. Accordionists Paul and Kenny stop by to jam.

Surf's Up

The Chardon Polka Band performs beach and surf music with guests from the California coast. Bandleader Jake shows off beach britches and surf sandwiches. A monster from the deep terrorizes beachgoers.

Oldenburg Freudenfest

The Chardon Polka Band visits the Hoosier state to perform at the “biggest little German fest in Indiana.” Music includes authentic German tunes, country and more. Toast the wiener dog competes in a heated race to the finish line.

Maple Syrup

Bandleader Jake Kouwe travels to various maple syrup farms to learn about production techniques. The Chardon Polka Band records lively music at Suma Recording Studio. Bob Buzecan has a "spontaneous" syrup song to play on his accordion.

Halloween Spook-Tacular

Join Jake and the Chardon Polka Band for a festive Halloween gathering with special guests, music, tricks and treats! The band performs spine-chilling tunes to a polka beat. A monkey admires guitarist Michael Weber's hair.

A passion project dedicated to the polka community, this new six-part series follows Ohio’s own zany Chardon Polka Band on an exciting journey across Northeast Ohio and beyond as it explores the rich history and lively culture surrounding polka, a popular style of music and dance originating in 19th-century Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic.

Hosted by Chardon Polka Band lead singer Jake Kouwe, the series embarks on a wide-ranging trip through the history books, from the origins of bowling to the purpose of the Slovenian Kurentovanje festival; hits the cookbooks with stops at The Pierogi Lady’s Akron kitchen, Chardon’s King Kone and more; and polkas through the pages of some of the genre’s most beloved numbers and new hits with several guest performances including Akron guitarist Michael Weber and Cleveland ukelele player Sara Beth Lowe. It’s a look at the world — according to polka. 

“We have really been able to share our passion for local people, places and events. There is so much of this to explore in our area,” Kouwe said. He cited PBS programs THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW, TRAVELS IN EUROPE WITH RICK STEVES and BILL NYE THE SCIENCE GUY as inspiration for the series’ humorous and informative tone.

The series is created by Kouwe and Jeff Grau, and executive produced by Gary Manke. It is a featured program in PBS Western Reserve’s LuminUS collection of stories about our region. Two additional Chardon Polka Band programs — POLKA ACROSS AMERICA and A POLKA CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHARDON POLKA BAND — are available on the PBS Western Reserve website for free viewing on demand. 

Let’s Go Bowling

The band explores a singular Youngstown haunt, the Westside Bowl — a music venue, bowling alley, pizza place and bar hybrid. Diving into the importance of community gathering spots, the band is joined by Akron guitarist Michael Weber and the Grammy Award-winning co-owner of Youngstown’s Peppermint Productions, Gary Rhamy. Performances include “Old Style Beer,” “Red River Valley” and more.

Polkas and Pierogies

The Pierogi Lady kitchen in Akron is taken over by the band for performances of food-themed songs such as “Deli Girl Polka” and “Dinner Time.” Drummer Bob Young performs “The Entertainer” using items from the kitchen including cutlery and mixing bowls. While there, owner Autumn Johnson teaches lead singer Jake Kouwe how to make her famous Polish dumplings.

Small Town Summer

Lead singer Jake Kouwe is joined by his wife Emily for a tour of their hometown, Chardon, Ohio. Stopping by Chip’s Clubhouse, King Kone and the Mayfield Road Drive-in Theater, the couple discuss the merits of providing joy to their community through the power of entertainment. The band performs “Summer Breeze” and more at the Chardon Square Gazebo, with a little help from Bob and Sawyer Buzecan. 

Polkas in Nature

The band performs selections inspired by the great outdoors including “The Happy Wanderer,” “You Are My Sunshine,” “Goodnight Irene” and more throughout the beautiful landscapes of the Geauga Park District. Joined by Chief Naturalist John Kolar, lead singer Jake Kouwe celebrates the excellent opportunity for outdoor recreation here in Northeast Ohio before being interrupted by a woodland creature.

Mt. Angel Oktoberfest

Polka is alive in Mt. Angel, Oregon, where the band travels yearly to perform at one of the premier Oktoberfest events in the country. Learn about the event’s history while the band plays Oktoberfest favorites including “Hofbräuhaus Waltz.” The band catches an alphorn performance by Salzburger Echo and pays a visit to Silver Falls Country Store for the famous “Sasquatch burger.”

Cleveland Kurentovanje

Embrace winter traditions while learning about the history of Cleveland Kurentovanje, a festival held at the Slovenian National Home. The band performs songs including “Polka All Night,” “Silk Umbrella,” “The Midnight Special” and more. Lead singer Jake Kouwe is joined by ukelele songstress Sara Beth Lowe for a snowy outdoor performance.