The Band Is Back!

The World According to Polka, Season 3

The Chardon Polka Band returns for a third spin on THE WORLD ACCORDING TO POLKA. With host Jake Kouwe fresh off his second regional Emmy win for his role, the band is back and better than ever. The six-episode season kicks off on Sept. 26, with same-day premieres on our website, YouTube page and the free PBS  App for on-demand viewing. 

The new season takes you to to places near and far with plenty of polka jams along the way. Don’t forget to share your excitement with PBS Western Reserve on social media, and stay tuned for more information about a special Sept. 25 polka event. 

Polka Train

Premieres Friday, Sept. 26, at 8:30 PM

The Chardon Polka Band performs train songs and visits railroads of all sizes. Bob Buzecan plays accordion on a diesel locomotive. Johnny Miller plays historic folk tunes.

Wurstfest Part 1

Premieres Friday, Oct. 3, at 8:30 PM

The Chardon Polka Band performs at Wurstfest, a ten-day salute to sausage in Texas. Jake makes strudel at the state’s oldest bakery. Plus, meet Jameson Brettman of the Happy Players from Fremont, Nebraska.

Wurstfest Part 2

Premieres Friday, Oct. 10, at 8:30 PM

The Chardon Polka Band plays alongside Texan musicians and bands, Cati Jo tries on German dresses and volunteers bring a unique festival to life in New Braunfels, Texas.

Musical Mixtures

Premieres Friday, Oct. 17, at 8:30 PM

The Chardon Polka Band conducts musical experiments with help from Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Demi Remick tap dances to accordion music and Bob Buzecan plays classical piano. 

Backyard Polka Party

Premieres Friday, Oct. 24, at 8:30 PM

Chef Marcus from Akron’s Pierogi Lady grills sausage with Jake, the band performs at a backyard party and the Rainbow Girls play a familiar cover from their back porch.
 

Dyngus Day, the DJ, and the Barber

Premieres Friday, Oct. 31, at 8:30 PM

Jake visits a barbershop, but does not get a haircut. The Chardon Polka Band performs at Dyngus Day and DJ Kishka spins polka records in Cleveland, Ohio.