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The Polak Kings plays mostly Yankovich-style music including polkas sung with Croatian lyrics, and also some waltzes and two-steps, among other dances. Founder Bob Raffaelli, born and raised in the area, has been playing the accordion since he was 14. The Music Hall of Fame recipient still plays the first Yankovich tune he learned, called in English, “When You Are Away.” Raffaelli began the “Polka Kings” in 1956, when the demand for four-piece polka bands decreased. Before that, he had played with his older brother Eddie, Tony Plesche, and Bob Chenoweth in the “Polka Dots”, sometimes as much as six nights a week, after working all day. Besides Raffaelli, the Polka Kings consist of Ted Raffaelli also on accordion, Kim Streiter on bass and drums, Scott St. Peter on drums and special guests Don Gerard and Marilyn Monsivais. |