When most people think of Polka music, it’s usually with the vision of older people dancing in circles to upbeat music, with the accordion player front and center and numerous other instrumentalists behind.
This was not the case when the Haus of Polka duo, consisting of one guitar and one accordion player, recently performed at the Hammond Public Library.
“I first saw this group a few months ago and really enjoyed their (different type of) performance,” said reference librarian Mary Schons, who was instrumental in bringing the group to the library. “The Friends of the Hammond Public Library generously funded this show.”
Dozens of visitors to the Community Room enjoyed a multitude of tunes played by Eve Bottando on the accordion and Jordy Blittz Novak on the guitar, a.k.a. Haus of Polka.
The ladies put a twist on a variety of contemporary music, giving it a Polka beat. Selections ranged from songs of Elvis Presley and Tom Jones to Brittany Spears and Taylor Swift, with much in between.
“I’ve never quite heard the song ‘La Bamba’ played Polka style with an accordion,” laughed audience member Harriet Osmond of Hammond. “I think this show is great. It’s refreshing.”
Janice Polka of Hammond — yes, that’s her last name — comes from a family that made Polka music and dancing a big part of their lives. Her older brother and Dad played the accordion and her parents were avid dancers.
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“I was the driver for my Mom and Dad. I would take them to the Polka dances every weekend,” she said. “I love this music and go wherever it’s being played. It keeps my parents’ spirit alive within me.”
Hammond friends Liz Liesenfelt and Pam Danko visit the library on a regular basis and were excited to attend this one-of-a-kind musical performance.
“My Dad and my brother both played the accordion,” Liesenfelt said. “This great music brings back a lot of memories.”
Also during the presentation, Schons brought out the theater-style popcorn maker and guests enjoyed the treat during the show.
Sharon Hartman and her Hammond neighbor Theresa Thackerson both enjoy a variety of music and attend concerts — both local and out-of-town — on a regular basis.
“We’ve been to every kind of show you can think of — ‘Riverdance’, rock and roll, you name it,” Hartman said. “But never one where they mixed only the guitar and accordion. This is fun.”
Thackerson echoed those thoughts.
“These girls are great on their instruments,” she added. “How creative they are to come up with a show like this.”
The Hammond Public Library schedules many programs for all ages throughout the year.
For more information, call (219) 931-1500.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.