Fritz's Polka Band tapes 'Let's Polka' TV show to capacity crowds

Fritz's Polka Band at WSKG in Vestal, N.Y.

Fritz's Polka Band hit the road Feb. 4, taping four episodes of WSKG's (Vestal) Let's Polka before capacity crowds. This was the first TV show the Jagermeister-sponsored band taped since the passing of the band's founder, Fred Scherz, Sr., in 2009.

“Although this was the first time we had recorded a full TV show since my Dad passed away, we wanted to be sure honor him during the tapings, as we continue to miss him both on and off the stage,” said Fritz Scherz, band leader and son of the founder, in a press release.

“We recorded four complete shows, and we played at least one song written by Dad during each show. For the taping of the last show of the day, I even played my Dad’s first Excelsior accordion."

Fritz's Polka Band has been performing for over 33 years, making history in 1999 when they became the first polka band to perform at a Woodstock Festival in Rome, NY.  The band has made 17 recordings and had a song on The Manchurian Candidate DVD, which was released in July 2004.

The band has won numerous awards, including a 2009 Syracuse Area Music Award (SAMMY) for Best Recording: Other Styles category for their Reflections CD. In 2010, FPB was inducted into the SAMMY Hall of Fame.

Last year, FPB had two songs ("Grandparent’s Polka" and "Here Is Fritz’s Polka Band") included in two different episodes of the hit TV show, Breaking Bad.

The band's next appearance is February 18 when they perform at Utica Maennerchor (5535 Flanagan Road, Marcy) as part of a Fasching Night celebration. The event starts at 6 p.m. Admission is $17 for dinner and dance, $10 for the dance only.