Polka Posts

The Duet of a Lifetime: Viola Turpeinen and William Syrjälä

This 1994 WDSE-TV documentary, from the series Album, explores the enduring musical legacy of Viola Turpeinen and her husband, William Syrjälä, who frequently performed in northeast Minnesota.

R. I. P. Florian Chmielewski

Florian Chmielewski, leader of the Chmielewski Funtime Band and a Minnesota state senator from 1971 to 1976, died last week at his home in Sturgeon Lake at the age of 97.

A polka break … because we all need it

Put your troubles on hold and enjoy the 1983 album Polka with the Duluth Accordionaires. Side A above, side B below.

Video Archive: Benaszeski Brothers Polka Band in 1983

Time for yet another classic from the collection of the late Emil Praslowicz, digitized by his grandson, Kip Praslowicz. In this edition a dance frenzy ensues at Chet & Emil’s in Birnamwood, Wis. as the Benaszeski Brothers bring the rock-infused polka action.

Video Archive: Polka Bus Interviews

In this video from the early or mid-1980s, Ray Lemke interviews the passengers on a bus from Chet & Emil’s in Birnamwood, Wis., heading to a polka event at the Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay.

The video is from the collection of the late Emil Praslowicz, digitized by his grandson, Kip Praslowicz.