When I first started taking accordion lessons I had to drive 62 miles to Charlottesville just to find a teacher. If I lived in Cleveland, I probably wouldn’t have had to drive around the block.

I’m not knocking Richmond. It’s a perfectly delightful mid-sized city with, believe it or not, more than one accordion player in the greater metropolitan area–may they continue to multiply. What it doesn’t have is DJ Kishka and his monthly Polka Happy Hour at the Happy Dog bar. Can you imagine?! I’m all a’flutter, just thinking about it. Cleveland’s got DJ Kishka, the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, AND perogies. Man oh man–some cities get all the luck.

Check out this nifty article from the Columbus Dispatch that details the polka scene in Cleveland’s city neighborhoods. Hey, I’m convinced. I’m thoroughly envious and, come springtime, I’m planning a road trip. Don’t worry–I’ll bring my video camera with me. My itinerary? Polka Happy Hour Friday night. Polka dancing at Frank Sterle’s on the East Side on Saturday. And a visit to the Polka Hall of Fame on Sunday.

My oh my, I do believe Drew Carey was right. Cleveland rocks and so does the polka.