Leavenworth WA Press Release; Polka Dancing Comes to Leavenworth Washington

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Press Release: Polka Dancing Comes to Leavenworth, WA
- June 21, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Polka-Rama Media Contact:

Mr. Frank Calapristi

"THE POLKA COMES TO LEAVENWORTH"

LEAVENWORTH, Washington (June 21, 2005) - In response to a number of local and visitor requests, Polka dancing is coming to Leavenworth, WA. Before we discuss Leavenworth’s Polka-Rama, it is interesting to note that the polka was originally a Czech peasant dance, developed in Eastern Bohemia (now a part of Czechoslovakia). . The name of the dance (pulka) is Czech for “half-step”, referring to the rapid shift from one foot to the other. The dance was first introduced into the ballrooms of Prague in 1835. In 1840, Raab, a dance teacher of Prague, danced the polka at the Odeon Theatre in Paris where it was a tremendous success. From this point on, the popularity of the polka spread thought out Europe and eventually to the United States in about 1849, where its popularity continued. However, the popularity of the polka gradually declined to its lowest point in the early 20^th century with the introduction of ragtime, jazz, and other newer dances. After World War II, polish immigrants to the United States adopted the polka as their “National Dance”. It was also extremely popular with many other Americans who succumbed to the new polka craze popularized by Lawrence Welk and other post-war bands.

Leavenworth will have its 1^st Annual Polka-Rama on Friday and Saturday, July 8^th and 9^th at the new air conditioned Leavenworth Festhalle on Front Street. The doors will open at 11:00 am; the music will start at 12:00 noon and continue till 11:00 pm each day. Wonderful music will be provided by three Polka bands.

“The Pickled Herring Band” led by Lori Hastings, plays a toe taping variety of accordion music reminiscent of dance pavilions and grange halls of yesteryear. From schottisches, polkas, waltzes, foxtrots, swing and more, the familiar melodies are bound to spark old memories with one generation and create new memories for another. Band members include Lori Hastings, accordion; Randy Bradley, accordion/banjo/fiddle; Bruce Anderson, bass guitar; and Mike Friel, drums. Their CD “Pickled Favorites” has been featured on the Scandinavian Hour radio program in Seattle; and their music video recorded at Normanna Hall in Everett was shown on the Polka Joe TV show. The Pickled Herring Band style of music is influenced by Lori’s Scandinavian heritage, while Randy, Bruce and Mike add their talent and humor to round out what is truly a fun musical experience.

“The Dynamic Trio” is led by Marliss Olson on the accordion who is a second-generation German from North Dakota, raised on strong German/Bohemian Ethnic music and a polka lover from childhood. Marliss is called “The Polka Queen of Granite Falls” and is listed in the “International Polka Directory”. Other members of the band include Jim Reynolds on the guitar who is a great musician who began playing at the age of eight and appeared on TV when he was 11 years old. His expertise as a strong rhythm guitar player is unsurpassed. Jim also doubles as a singer and trombone player. On the drums will be Jamie Reynolds, an accomplished drummer; who also performs in clubs, private parties, various shows and polka dances.

“Bob Otto’s Polka Pals” is a Leavenworth band formed by Bob Otto on accordion and Chuck Randall on Trumpet/guitar/vocal. Other band members include Sherry Krebs on drums, Glenn Kelly on trumpet/vocal/ baritone horn and Chris Shimer on tuba. The Polka Pals are regular performers at a local restaurant and play at numerous events throughout Leavenworth.

Join us and dance to the Polka, Waltz and Schottische on our wooden dance floor. -- Don’t know how to dance the Polka? No Problem, the “Edelweiss Dance Gruppe” will give free dance lessons one hour each day. A variety of food and beverages will be available; especially for those who enjoy a good sausage and German beer. Daily admission is $5:00 per person and discounts are offered for families and/or two day admissions.

This event is being sponsored by the Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival Association.

You may see the Polka-Rama poster here.

About the Icicle Inn Resort
The Icicle Inn Resort is located in Bavarian Leavenworth, Washington State, and offers the Best Western Icicle Inn, the Icicle Junction Family Fun Park, Junction Cinema, J. J. Hills Restaurant and Catering, Junction Java Coffee Shop, Simple Kneads Massage Therapy and Spa Services. Twelve new 2 bedroom / 2 bath / kitchen / fireplace suites will open in summer of 2005.

Icicle Inn Resort Media Contact:
Mr. Kevin Unruh
Director of Sales and Marketing
Best Western Icicle Inn
1-888-353-0595
Kevin@icicleinn.com