The end of Lenten season leads into the celebration of Dyngus Day.
The soundtrack to this traditional Polish holiday is polka music, of course.
- The genre of polka music is as diverse as the instruments used to play it
- Not all genres of polka music utilize the accordion
- Eastern, Chicago, honky are among the different styles of Polka
The music of Polonia will be played all around Buffalo by bands from near and far, with eager dancers following the sound.
"You'll find that people will travel from all over the country," said Richard Dombrowsky of Polka Country Musicians.
However, polka music isn’t just one thing; it’s a genre as diverse and varied as the instruments used to play it.
"There's an Eastern style, there's a Chicago style, there's a honky style of polka and I think there's another one,” said Ron Bernys, remarking on polka’s versatility.
Richard Dombrowsky of Connecticut plays with the Polka Country Musicians and confirms the genre can range from traditional to modern. His band has mastered the Chicago style.
"We play what the newer generation can relate to. It’s a little bit slower tempo,” he said. “It has a little bit more drive behind it instead of the real light eastern feel.”
Dombrowsky said the sound also varies throughout the states and the accordion is not always a key instrument.
"From Michigan into Wisconsin you have the German style, Slovenian style, Minnesota style which is mainly Constantine with no accordion," he explained.
However it’s played, the music of Polonia has lasted for generations in America.
"When you're coming out for Dyngus Day, it really doesn't matter what style they play,” added Bernys. "Polish is Polish and you're going to dance no matter what style it is."