Resident wants future generations to love the polka

by Laura Bednar

When Northeast Ohio natives of a certain age hear the word “polka,” the name Frankie Yankovic often comes to mind. But Bath resident Mickey Wojtas is determined to show that polka-style music has evolved to offer something for all generations.

Wojtas is on the board of directors for the United States Polka Association, a nonprofit organization chartered in Connecticut in 1968 and in Ohio in 1993. It is based in Cleveland. The purpose of the group, according to its website, is to promote interest and participation in Polish polka music and Polish traditions.

“I wanted to be on the board to get younger generations involved,” said Wojtas. As a director, his responsibilities include organizing events and fundraisers, promoting the club and increasing USPA membership.

Learning about polka tradition started for Wojtas when his parents brought him along to concerts. As a toddler, his parents sat him in a pumpkin seat on the table at polka events.

His mother, Bonirae, taught him how to dance the polka when he was 5. “She liked getting people involved,” said Wojtas. “She taught a lot of people to dance.”

In his youth, he danced competitively at polka festivals, placing in several of them. “I’m light on my feet,” he said.

He described his dancing style as a mixture of Eastern and Chicago style polka, along with bouncing instead of hopping, and dipping his partner. There are many polka styles, including German, Slovenian and Polish, all of which Wojtas said have different sounds and rhythms. Some bands retain that “oompah-pah” sound, others play covers of pop songs.

Wojtas, who has played trumpet and drums in polka bands, said he enjoys the blending of styles and having different bands come together. One example is the Polka Country Musicians, who play country music with a polka sound.

Local polka clubs and associations such as Cleveland Polka Association and the International Polka Association hold festivals in the United States from March through September. Some of the most recognizable events are the Dyngus Day celebration in Buffalo, New York, which has expanded to other cities, including Cleveland; Pulaski Polka Days in Wisconsin; summer music fest in Frankenmuth, Michigan; and “Holy Toledo Days” in Toledo. Wojtas tries to attend as many festivals as he can. The USPA sponsors several.

He recalled attending the polka festival at Seven Springs Resort in Pennsylvania years ago and having to wake up at 7:30 a.m. to play a softball game at the festival after partying and polka dancing until 2 a.m.

“We’re all like family. Polish people become family,” said Wojtas of his fellow attendees.

May is the big show, the USPA convention over Memorial Day weekend in Cleveland. It’s a four-day event that features 10 to 14 bands, a Polish mass and a presentation by veterans and active military members.

Part of Wojtas’ job as a board member is booking bands for the convention. “We want to include newer and younger bands so when they older bands retire, they can come in,” he said.

Wojtas reiterated that the festivals are open to families, and there is something for all ages. The USPA has held pageants for young girls, and organizations have taught people how to dance the polka. “You don’t have to be a polka person, everyone is invited,” said Wojtas.

In the past, the USPA convention drew 1,000 to 3,000 attendees, according to Wojtas, but last year the number was in the 700s. His goal is to increase younger generation involvement.

“I love the music, I don’t want to see it disappear,” said Wojtas.

He and his wife Mandy and son Mickey bond over polka music and attend festivals together. Mandy said their son often asks to listen to polka music during car trips.

For those who may not want to attend a full-blown festival, the USPA and local groups like the CPA hold dances throughout the year. These are open to the public and traditional Polish food is served. The USPA’s next dance is Oct. 26 in Middleburg Heights. Entry fees for dances go towards covering dance costs and funding the USPA annual convention.

More information on dances, events and USPA membership is available at uspapolka.com. ∞

Photo (main/above): Mickey Wojtas, his wife Mandy and son Mickey attend polka festivals as a family. Photo submitted.

Mickey Wojtas and his mother Bonirae
dance the polka together. Photo submitted.