Independent Lens Season 6 Episode 2 Polka Time

Independent Lens is a documentary series which showcases independent films, stories and voices that sometimes go unheard by mainstream media. Season 6 Episode 2 is titled Polka Time.

Polka Time takes the viewers on a musical journey through the vibrant world of polka, exploring the rituals, traditions and love for the music that has been passed down through generations of Polish Americans. The episode follows a group of musicians from Fairbanks, Alaska, as they prepare to compete in the International Polka Association's annual polka competition in Cleveland, Ohio.

We first meet Ron, the leader of the polka band, who is passionate about keeping the tradition alive and passing it down to future generations. He shares his knowledge and history of polka and how it has evolved over the years. As the band practices, we hear a variety of polka styles and rhythms, including the lively and upbeat "Chicken Dance" that has become a staple at weddings and parties.

Along the way, we are introduced to other polka enthusiasts, including a couple who met and fell in love while polka dancing and a man who inherited his grandfather's accordion and is learning to play polka on it. We see a glimpse of the polka community, a tight-knit group of people who share a common love for the music and the culture that surrounds it.

The episode also addresses the current challenges facing the polka community, including the dwindling number of young people interested in learning to play and the pressures to modernize the music to appeal to a larger audience. However, the musicians we meet remain dedicated to preserving the authenticity of the music they love.

As the band prepares for the competition in Cleveland, we see the excitement and nerves build. The competition is fierce, with polka bands from all over the country competing for the title of best polka band. The band members prepare their costumes and instruments and practice their moves, all while reminding each other to have fun and enjoy the experience.

During the competition, we see the band put their hearts into their performance, but we also see the support and camaraderie among the competitors. Though only one band can win the title, all of the musicians share a deep respect and admiration for each other and the music they play.

Overall, Polka Time celebrates the joy and beauty of polka music and the cultural heritage it represents. Through the stories of the musicians and dancers, we gain insight into the value of tradition, community, and the power of music to bring people together.