I like to think of The Big Joe Polka Show as polka’s answer to American Bandstand. Just replace the TV studio with a large plywood dance floor in an Elk’s Lodge, the awkward teens with polka dancing seniors, and Dick Clark with the charming “Big Joe” Siedlik and his loud, accordion-patterned vests.
For more than 25 years, Big Joe was a polka radio king, spinning a popular mix of Polish, Czech and German polka records for listeners in the Midwest. After retiring from radio, he moved to television and now showcases live polka bands and dancers on his program which airs nationwide on RFD-TV, “Rural America’s Most Important Network.”
Later this month, Big Joe will film a series of shows at the RFD-TV Theater in Branson, Missouri. It’s a big deal for the bands chosen to perform and they’re coming from all over the country — the Polka Chips from Alaska, Smilin’ Scandinavians from Washington, Phocus from Buffalo, and many more.
One of polka’s biggest promoters, Big Joe likes to say that “polka tots make polka teens, and polka teens make adult human beings.” This clip is proof of that, as Big Joe welcomes (and teases) the younger members of Colorado’s Polka Nuts:
118 Comments:
THIS IS A VERY GOOD BAND, HOPE WE GET TO SEE THEM IN PERSON VERY SOON. WE LOVE THE BIG JOE SHOW. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
by Ella corris on May 9th, 2007
WE LOVE THE POLKA NUTS HOPE WE CAN GET TO
SEE THEM IN PERSON SOMEDAY. WE LOVE THE BIG JOE SHOW VERY MUCH.
TAKE CARE ,
ELLA
by Ella corris on May 9th, 2007
This is classic – thanks!
by Knuckles on May 13th, 2007
I love the Big Joe Polka Show watch it as often as possible. My birthday is June 2, l927. I have reserved tickets to attend the show on June 2nd which is about two weeks off. I’m very excited about coming to Branson for the show.
May 17 Pearl McArthur
by Pearl McArthur on May 17th, 2007
That’s fantastic, Pearl! Have fun at the show!
by Chris on May 17th, 2007
Hi from NY. I just love Big Joe’s Polka show, play an accordian too !!
I think the accordian player from Rhythm Playboy’s is awesome, energetic, and GORGEOUS !!!
I’d love to meet him someday !
Keep up the good work !
by Kathy M. on May 28th, 2007
Thanks Kathy! I’ve never seen the Rhythm Playboys, but I’ll have to keep an eye out for their “gorgeous” accordion player.
by Chris on May 28th, 2007
Love Big Joe Polka show,but after a year Dish Network took it off of our sattelite,which is what most of rural Alaska watches.I,m an old accordian player in Alaska,started playing in the bars here when I was 16.So glad it is still popular today.
Dean
by Wm D Kvasnikoff on June 4th, 2007
My wife and I watch Big Joe’s Polka Show for laughs. Probably some of the worst musicians and bands are on this show. I have been a polka musician for 60 years, still playing, and I would be ashamed to work with most of the “bands” Keep up the good work, I need a laugh.
by Lou Howard on June 11th, 2007
Big Joe’s polka show set polka music back 40 years.No wonder many people,especially the younger, generation, those under about 40, laugh at polka music.
by Marianne Hoff on June 11th, 2007
Please bring back the Polka Nuts. I miss not hearing from them in a long time. The Big Polka Show is great!
Keep up the good work!
by Pauline Baum on June 24th, 2007
jeannie is great at interviewing, she is startiing to learn how to hold the mic right,,,I like joes hair in this clip..one of the dancers on the shows looks just like captain kangaroo! JOE ROCKS and I am a urban resident!
by Ellie Robs on July 8th, 2007
I love the Dutch Hop music very much and this is a good band to listen to for that kind of music. I have watched this band perform in northern Colorado several times, and they gave a good performance each time I watched.
by Budi T. on July 26th, 2007
where are god bless america usa
america beautiful
by Chris kurek on September 17th, 2007
What about Polka Paul?
by Earl H. on November 1st, 2007
Are you talking about Paul Belanger from Rhode Island? I’ve heard of his radio show — does he have a TV show, too?
by Chris on November 1st, 2007
The Polka Nuts are always a welcome ans enjoyable part of the Big Joe polks Show
by JOE BARINAS on November 12th, 2007
hi the polkanuts are a great band we lover them we watch BIG JOES POLKA whenever its on its wonderful
by Leon Bradley&Theresa on November 21st, 2007
I know Polka Paul from Nebraska, and he says Big Joe does more for Polka music than anyone….Polka Paul looks like Captain Kangaroo. Jeannie rocks….she is the future of the industry….Thanks big joe,,you and the nuts rock…
by Stuart on November 21st, 2007
Kevin is such a cutie, he reminds me of my grandson, Milawsz, I even cut his hair in haircut like that. I am Big Joe Show fan. We are watch Polka nuts many time. I am go to Big Joe Show one day. I am 74 years old and I like the beginning of big joe show where Polka Paul says ‘Big Joe does more for Polka than anyone else’. I am thank you.
by Ludy Lou Kozlowski on November 25th, 2007
Below is an email I just sent off to the Polka Nuts and a cc to the president of RFD:
Dear Polka Nuts,
Thanks to RFD and Big Joe, I recently “discovered” your band and I just ordered your two DVDs. I wanted to let you know that your music is wonderful!! The sound is so rich and the dulcimer has a wonderful sound–a marvelous addition in Polka music.
Listening to your music and watching the dancers on Polka Joe’s show remind me so much of when I was a kid growing up in Roseland on the South Side of Chicago back in the 1950’s and my church would hold a big social. The Polka music would be playing, the adults would be dancing, and I could run around the church basement without getting yelled at–those were good times.
Keep up the good work and let me know when your next DVD is released.
Many thanks,
Pete Bausys (RoselandPete)
by Peter Bausys on November 28th, 2007
Please patron them directly. Big Mike will share the 411 on what he can.
Not everything seems as it appears!
The Truth Seeker
by The Truth Seeker on November 29th, 2007
Of all the polka bands on Big Joe, yours is our favorite. I would like to purchase one of your DVDs. Where can I order it? Norm & Sadie Bicknell
by Sadie Bicknell on December 4th, 2007
my parents watch your progam wed. and sat.
nights. yes, we often dance in the kitchen.
they love all of your bands but their favorite is
the Polka Nuts. It’s their 60th wedding anniv.
this coming April- it would be great to see you at a
Polka show.
thank you for giving us so much happiness.
by dottie renier on December 5th, 2007
Sadie: you can find the Polka Nuts (and other Big Joe Polka Show) DVDs at polkacatalog.com.
by Chris on December 7th, 2007
My husband and I love Big Joe’s Polka Show on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. When Lawrence was in the hospital this last weeks, I bragged that I got to see Big Joe. Being originally from Wisconsin, its a pleasure to watch, because the South has no idea what Polka Music is all about. Sure would like to see Brian Brueggen on his show, and Larry Olsen.
Thank you
Janet Holmes
839 Lake June Road
Lake Placid, Florida 33852-8925
by Janet Holmes on December 16th, 2007
I would rather see two real “professional” bands on the show than five or six fair to lousy. There’s more to polka than Czech, German and Polish. I have been in and around it since I was old enough to walk.
by Dan Larson on December 24th, 2007
Get on board the big joe polka train! big joe IS polka! And he has alot of fans as you can see in the intros to the show. Like Polka Guy from Nebraska says in the intro “Big Joe Siedlik does more for Polka music than anyone”. He is right! Who else in this wonderful country has such love for the music and has it on such a great channel like RFD. Keep it up Big Joe—YOU ARE A POLKA LEGEND! See you at your next Minnesota gig!
by Clyde Holz on December 30th, 2007
We really enjoy all the polka music on Big Joe’s
shows. Is there a schedule as where the dances
are held and when?
by Jean Pratte on January 2nd, 2008
Jean, check Big Joe’s website; it looks like there’s a taping coming up in Texas next month.
by Chris on January 2nd, 2008
Joe
Let me know what I have to do to get on one of your RFD filming shows.
by Tony Sydzyik on January 8th, 2008
If you like polka music watch the Jimmy Sturr show on RFD-TV every Friday at 5:00PM. The show repeated on the following Sunday morning.
by Darwin Mainwaring on January 19th, 2008
I lived in brighton, Colo for a long time and could throw a stone at the county court house. I lived there untill 1992 and moved to MO. I love the Polka nuts. they are fantistic. Lin
by Linda winfrey on January 22nd, 2008
We would like to hear more tapes of the Polka Nuts
by virgil thomson on February 3rd, 2008
Would like to see the Polka Nuts on your TV show again. Is the band still together? I’d like to see new shows of them.
by Gary Streck on February 4th, 2008
I love the Polkas that you play on the t.v, I move the table and dance up a storm. Just like Big Joe says, I ‘kick up a rug’. I will be on your show one day, because I am learning to dance even better. Does Janie have a boyfriend?…Thank you, Eugene
by Eugene K. Merrill on February 6th, 2008
We love Big Joe Polka. We wish it came on earlier in the evening during the week. It used to be on at noon and that was a good time. I think that for the older people 4AM is kind of a bad time. We know a lot of people like the horse shows but we feel it is over done. You should cater to more people than just the horse people. What dates are you taping Big Joe in July of 2008 and where.
Thanks,
Virginia Lumbrezer
P.S.: Our 3 year old granddaughter Madison loves Big Joe Polka. We would like to bring her to one of the tapings this summer.
by Virginia Lumbrezer on February 11th, 2008
Joe: Where are other tapeings going to be this year, other than Texas? We were planning to go to Minn. or Branson, but can’t find any information on dates at those locations.
by Sammy Mayes on February 13th, 2008
Sammy, there will be another taping July 24-27 at the Medina Ballroom in Medina, MN. Keep checking Joe’s site (polkacatalog.com) for updated info.
by Chris on February 15th, 2008
Just a question. Of all the shows I have watched I have yet to see audience or band member play a STUMPF FIDDLE. My uncle who has not pasted had several. Would love to see one played again, as the whereabouts of those STUMPF FIDDLES are a mystery.
by garry walton on February 16th, 2008
Just to pass on some sad news,
Ralph E. Herman, long-time frontman for the Rhythm Playboys, passed away unexpectedly at his home in rural Osseo on Monday, Feb. 25, 2008. His charismatic stage presence and unique style delighted audiences throughout the country for over 50 years. Ralph was the accordian player and vocalist. Copy and paste the following link for more info:
http://www.leadertelegram.com/obituary.asp?id=BFT9J6J4ATT
by Gordie Twerberg on February 27th, 2008
I would like a dvd of some of the shows that are on The Big Joe Polka Show. Do you offer them. My father loves polkas and he doesn’t have cable or dish to get your show. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Doug
by Doug Francetic on March 18th, 2008
Is RFD TV still carrying BIG JOE??
If not what happened???? Big Joe is great. Does anyone know why RFD is not broadcasting Big Joe? I hope his health is OK. If anyone knpws anything please let me know.
thanks
by Ray J on March 22nd, 2008
What happened to Big Joe? We watch him on Wed and Sat and has missed his show. been replaced by some old polka shows, when will he be back? Polka Vic from Monmouth Oregon 97361 Phone 503-838-1009
by Vic Satterlund on March 22nd, 2008
I heard there’s a contract dispute between Big Joe and RFD-TV, which is why he isn’t currently on the air. Hopefully it’ll be settled soon — check Big Joe’s site for updates.
by Chris on March 25th, 2008
Doug: You can order Big Joe Polka Show DVDs through Big Joe’s website at polkacatalog.com.
by Chris on March 25th, 2008
Hey Big Joe I just wanted to say that watching your show is the highlight of my week. I only wish that I could be there live swinging and kicking my heels while listening to that sweet Polka beat.
by Vicki Prichard on March 26th, 2008
Big Joe, I can’t remember a program I’ve enjoyed more than Big Joe Polka. When the clock strikes ten in my home in Louisa, Kentucky, everyone knows to step out of my way and make sure my recliner is empty because that’s where I settle in for an evening of quality entertainment! I’ve been known to spring to my feet and dance a jig across the floor myself, just wishing I were live on Big Joe’s! Someday!
by Vince Doty on April 6th, 2008
I love your show, but I have a question, I have a very old vinage Wurlitzer Accordion, would love to sell it but I can not find anyone here in Vegas that is interested. If you know some one that would love a beautiful piece please contact me.
Thank Very much,
A true fan
Robert Sacco
702-882-2087
by Robert Sacco on April 19th, 2008
I would like the schedule for Big Joe’s polka party at Medina, Minn in July
by Eugene Rohrbach on April 29th, 2008
Eugene, check our calendar listing.
by Chris on April 30th, 2008
Wil Big Joe ever come to Chicago? There is a Huge Polka loving contingent here and Polka Joe could pull all of em’ out of the woodwork. Let me start the chat…’We want joe’, ‘we want joe’, ‘we want joe’!!!!! Any Chance?…..ps: there are alot of hotels here for the fans to stay at.
by Raymond Zags on June 2nd, 2008
Hey Joe! When can we get to see the Polka nuts on your show again?? What a great group of performers! Kevin is FANTASTIC on the dulcimer. Would sure like to see them play more than one song when & if they ever get on again. Love your show especially the Slovenian stle like Virgil Baker.&&&& the Alaska Polka Chips.Marge & her group hold a big place in my heart. Keep up the good work!!
by Barb Gajeski on June 7th, 2008
I was trying to see if there was a change in band schedule for Medina Fest. but can’t find anything out. Do try and get the Polka nuts back for some taping. They were great back then. Do they still play or not. Just wondering.
by Phyllis Gerhartz on June 18th, 2008
Phyllis, check Big Joe’s site for the latest information.
by Chris on June 22nd, 2008
On Aug 23 from 10 t0 11, I watched your show. You had a band called Buttons and banjo from Madison Wis. I would like a cd from them. Is there any way you can put me in touch with them. Either by e-mail or phone. Thank you, Jakob Unger Sr.
1416 Laconia St.
Sebastian, Fl. 32958
772-589-6152
by Jakob Unger Sr. on August 24th, 2008
I’m a Polka Dee-Jay at Vassar College, WVKR, 91.3 FM (on the web @ http://www.wvkr.org) for the past 20 years. I enjoyed your music and would like to obtain a CD from you so that I can feature it on my show on Saturdays, 9-11 am. Could you get back to me so any information.
Mike Skok
by Mike Skok on September 1st, 2008
love to see the band play. Bring the “nuts” to Wisconsin.
by Fan in WIsconsin on September 1st, 2008
I know the Country Polkateers from Pierz – when are they going to be on again. I just saw them up in Silver Bay, MN at a 60th anniversary party. They are a great band!
by Donna Lee Beaupre on October 18th, 2008
GREAT SHOW – LOVE TO SEE POLKA NUTS NOW THANKS RAYMOND
by raymond thibaut on October 29th, 2008
We learned about Big Polka Joe’s show when we started tuning in to RFD TV through our Dish satellite subscription. We love the show and told other family members about the show. In fact, the show broadcast Saturday night on 12-20-08 became the highlight of entertainment when our family got together for both Christmas and a college graduation party for our daughter.
Simon & Cindy Castillo
San Antonio, Texas
by Simon Castillo Jr on January 6th, 2009
I love your show and tell Everyone that will listen to me about it. Would like to see the Polka Nuts back again. Nice to See Chad from Pulaski on your show.
Jane Sperberg
by Jane Sperberg on February 4th, 2009
are dvd’s available of when you were in medina,mn.
by betty on February 7th, 2009
I was wondering what happened to the Texas Polka and Waltz music from Round Top. We havent yet heard the last ones. Mark Halata, Jimmy Broach, The Czechaholics, and Leroy and the Swingmasters., and many more. What happened to them We sure sould like to hear them play also. I do like who you have but the others were great also. Thanks Pauline Sturm Victoria, Texas
by Herman Sturm on February 11th, 2009
Without a doubt the biggest collection of the worst music ever put on television !
At least Jimmy Sturr’s band can tell one note from another, but not so with Big Joe, oh no.
Happy music for tone-deaf people.
by Myron on February 18th, 2009
I enjoy the interview segments with Joes daughter Jane. I would like to buy the dvds for my granddaughter who wants to get in the tv business, but the commercials go by too fast when i try to write down the number to call. Also, what is the schdule for Big Joes live shows this year. I want to plan a vacation around one or two of them and would like advanced notice for I can bring a friend or two. My friends Ellen and Clyde love the show too.
Thank You kindly,
Stewart S.
Crystal Falls, Mich
by Stewart Szilowski on March 8th, 2009
I live in Shawnee, ok. and my sister-in -law lives in omaha, neb. and says she don’t get rfd channel and has cable. I don’t underdtand????? I didn’t know what polka music was till i met my wife 58 years ago in Prague, okla. and i can;’t do with out the BIG JOE POLKA SHOW . While it is showing i just can’t keep my feet still so please keep up the good work. Thanks for the good and wonderful show. Jim Wright and Margaret Dostal Wright—The Dostal clan were orignally were from nebraska.
by jim wright on March 28th, 2009
To Whom It May Concern’
Re: Big Joe Polka on RFD-TV
Are you watching the polka shows yourself what you are giving us to watch?
We have been avid listeners to Big Joe Polka Show for several years and look forward to Saturday Night and the Big Joe Polka Show. Of course there are better shows and others; however, we accept what was given to us, knowing that it’s temporary. We have recommended this show to many friends and always emphasize to keep watching because there are good band and singers and there then are the best bands and singers.
The last few weeks, the televised shows are OLD, poor quality of recording, and the singing and music is also outdated. The wearing attire, including the eye glasses that the people wear signifies how old the show really is. If we have to listen to repeats, why not have the repeats of current years. It’s disappointing with today’s technology and know that the Polka Show has many, many excellent current shows and yet we are given this quality and old shows to watch.
We love the Polka Show, however, not these old, old ones. Recently, we are really disappointed. Thank you for your consideration.
by Vic and Karen on March 28th, 2009
Love you Big Joe
by Sheri Whalen on April 1st, 2009
I heard a man playing a guitar and singing the “Alaska Waltz” with his band about a year ago.I think his name was Sam Welling or something like that. Could you get him back on again. I really enjoyed it. I enjoy your show Big Joe
Thanks –Homer Hess
E-Mail hm14884@yahoo.com
by Homer Hess on April 9th, 2009
WE WATCH BIG JOE ON SAT NITE, ARE THESE SHOWS THAT HAVE AIRED IN MARCH AND APRIL REALLY OLD? IF SO GO BACK TO THE OTHER ONES, WE DON’T LIKE THEM, WE LIKE THE ONES WHERE THEY DANCE DIFFERENT PLACES, SOME OF THE SAME DANCERS ARE ON, THE ONES YOUR SHOWING ARE AWFUL, DID SOMETHING HAPPEN TO BIG JOE?
by LIN on April 11th, 2009
DID SOMETHING HAPPEN TO BIG JOE? THESE LAST FEW SHOWS ARE AWFUL, THE FLOORS ARE TERRIBLE, AND IT’S JUST NOT THE SAME, WE LIKE TO WATCH SOME OF THE SAME DANCERS, AND THE BRANSON SHOWS, WHAT IN THE WORLD HAPPENED?????
by LIN MUSSER on April 11th, 2009
When are you going to have some more Polka Shows that you can go and see? I know Virgil Baker is in Rockford, MI. Is there any way to get a hold of this group and find out where we can see them? We are from Michigan and would like to see them in person.
Thank you.
Judy Sayler
by Judy Sayler on May 20th, 2009
We are confused. We watch Big Joe every Saturday night on DISH and see segments of the show that are very old. How much of each show is “today” and how much is 20 years old? We love the show and love the music, but feel we are in some sort of a time warp.
by Eva and Robert on May 23rd, 2009
I would like to see more of the dancers instead of the band and not a close up of a instrument thank you
by virgil woster on June 28th, 2009
GOING TO A CONVENTION IN THE BUFFALO
NEW YORK AREA THE WEEK OF 23 SEPT 2009
AND WONDERING IF THERE IS A NIGHT OF
POLKA MUSIC IN THE AREA THAT WEEK….THE POLKA FESTIVAL IN THAT AREA IS TWO WEEKS LATER AND I REGRET THAT I WON’T BE ABLE BE THERE.
by JIM KORYNTA on July 22nd, 2009
Jim, take a look at our accordion events calendar. You can do a search for events around Buffalo, NY — click here to see more.
by Chris on July 25th, 2009
We Love to watch the dancers. S0 PLEASE keep the camera on the dancers more than the Band. Keep up the good show. Del.
by Del. Dalane on September 23rd, 2009
My eighteen year old handicapped son Micheal loves Big Joe’s voice and the polka music. Grandpa got us watching the show and Micheal loves it. We watch Wed. and Sat. and ordered the cd and dvd’s.
Kim and Micheal Gustin, Minnesota
by kim gustin on October 3rd, 2009
Brought my mom to the Buffalo convention which we enjoyed. Does anyone know when those will be on tv?
by Carol Rauch on October 11th, 2009
Earlier today I heard some disturbing news with regards to the Big Joe Polka Show.
The info is on a Google.com Blog at:
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.music.polkas/browse_thread/thread/951551263a41b014#
To Summarize: Contract negotiations between Big Joe and RFD-TV have hit a roadblock, and in order to pressure Joe to sign an unfavorable contract, they have pulled all of the “Polka Nuts” and “Polka Catalog” advertising which generated the revenue for new show creation, editing and distribution. The Big Joe Polka Show will be going off of the air at December’s end, unless some positive development occurs between now and then.
by Joe Stringer on November 9th, 2009
bring on the polka nuts they are the best
thank you
bud guse
by bud guse on November 15th, 2009
i want to thank big joe for having my band play for the video taping of his show in buffalo ny. on sunday oct.4,2009. thank you joe, bob uleck polka relations polka band. we’ll be watching.
by bob uleck on November 17th, 2009
I live among the “Polka Proud”" in western Pennsylvania, where we all watch the Big Joe Show, and was dismayed to hear (from a credible source at our local cable provider) that negotiations have hit a snag with RFD-TV, and that the Big Joe Polka Show will no longer be on RFD-TV as of New Years Day, 2010. I’ve noticed that only older shows are being shown (maybe old stock that RFD-TV had on file?). My cable provider told me that since RFD is on his higher priced digital tier, that he has been threatened by customers that they’ll pull their digital package if Big Joe goes off of the air. Let’s all pray this doesn’t happen, as TV is bad enough without losing a treasure like the Big Joe Show!
by Don Farmer, R.ph. on November 20th, 2009
I would like to know when are you going to brocast the more recent programs ? We are tired of seeing the same ones over and over.
You need to show the more recent programs.
Your viewers are losing interest.
by Yvonne Jakel on November 25th, 2009
To: Yvonne Jakel
The Big Joe Show is apparently in the process of contract negotiations by RFD-TV, and probable discontinuation. For more accurate info, and a denial on the part of RFD-TV, please visit this thread at alt.music.polkas on Google:
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.music.polkas/browse_thread/thread/e6beec3f33bc794f
by Don Farmer on November 27th, 2009
Big Joe, You used to have a real good TV show when it was in Medina — good midwestern bands in a homey atmosphere, even with Abe Lincoln dancing, and Janie featuring fun to watch couples kicking up their heels. Then you went to Texas, and the 6 guitars and a washtub bass just gave polka music a bad reputation. Some country and western clutzs singing Beer Barrel Polka just doesn’t get it. Then it was Aksarben? with time warp reruns — shaky accordions and rhinestone blazers (send them back to Jersey). I would watch your show again if you went back to “Medina” (a spanish surname pronounced MEH-DEENA) and the programming you had there. In the meantime, I’ll get my polka music from CD’s. Yea for Rod’s Music.
by FRANCIS on December 5th, 2009
Please!! let the camera men pay more attention to the dancers. Do you realize that 90per-cent of the video is on the band. And when on the dancers, it’s only for two or three seconds. Try zooming in on some of the really good dancers and stay on them for at least 10 seconds or more, and show their feet, it’s no fun watching the top of their heads.
by al roberts on December 12th, 2009
One more thing, I watch Big Joe’s Polka show almost every week, and I keep asking myself why. But then I answer myself, because just watching some of the really good dancers, even for just those few seconds, makes it worthwhile. A year of so ago, the camera men did stay with the dancers more than they do lately. Why is that? Camera man is a technical job. Do they really suck at it or is some director calling the shots?
by al roberts on December 12th, 2009
the sat. nite polka show is so outdated that it should be replaced with recordings from the last 5 years at Medina Minn. with more emphasis on the dancers ,not as much on the bands.Who cares to see the opening of a horn ? I would like to see more of the Rhythm Play Boys from Osseo wis. also Leon Olson from New Ulm Minn. on the Big Joe Show. Sincerly James Goplin Osseo Wis.
by James Goplin on December 16th, 2009
Please show more of the dancers . Sure love to watch the dancers.
by Del. Dalane on December 20th, 2009
I really loved your show when it was from mehdina mn but since that all changed I really am very disapp ointed in the show. who needs to watch what you did 20 yrs. ago. please bring back janie and some of the shows within the last , maybe 5 yrs.? thanks joe or are,nt you in control any more since RFD TV is getting so huge.
by gene axvig on December 22nd, 2009
When will the Mike Chelewski Band be on Big Joe’s Polka? Is there some place to find a schedule of who is on?
by Mike Kuszak on December 26th, 2009
Still watching, though I don’t know why. I get tired of looking at the bands. I realize they need the exposure, but why give them 90% of camera time? Lets see more of those dancing feet.
by al roberts on January 4th, 2010
Ok, what ever happend to Kevin the dulcimer player from the early Polka Nuts videos? He appears to be have been quietly replaced by a nephew sometime in the mid 90s. Was Kevin a relation to Mike and the girls? What happend? Where is he now? Was there some sort of bizarre dulcimer accident where he was injured? There seems to be no record of his existence after the Big Joe Show appearance.
by Dan Minnie on January 8th, 2010
I am of croatian blood and enjoy a good polka. It would be nice to see more of this type of music,i.e.,Don Lipovac, etc. I am also interested in whatever happened to Mark/Deana Vyhlidal records, of past. I hope someone can answer these questions.
by marie on January 8th, 2010
Since some of their shows are twenty, or so, years old, I am hoping to buy some older records if they are available. I am of croation descent, as stated earlier, and would love to find some old records, or tapes with this type of music.
by marie on January 8th, 2010
We personally enjoy the older 1980’s Big Joe Polka Shows. We look for the regular dancers. Does anyone know who these dancers are? Big-haired Lady, Headband Dude (Bob), King and Queen, the Count, Captain Kangaroo (Polka Paul). We have about a dozen regulars we look for. I know, we need a life.
by Richard D. Lucero on January 13th, 2010
Love those polka nuts. I was raised with the dutch hop music. I am of volga german descent and enjoy all their music. I believe that this band and myself are related to someone in Brighton, Colorado. Please polka nuts come to the Omaha or Lincoln region and perform your music and I’ll be there to enjoy.
by sue lloyd on January 17th, 2010
I too am of vulgar german descent and love das polka nuts. I still am waiting for the nuts to play the tuckahoe area. I believe we are all related to one polka nut or another. we in the community still we remain concerned over young kevin the dulcimer wiz.
by Dan Minnie on January 19th, 2010
Had a wonderful time in Buffalo with a friend of mine that came all the way from Culver City, CA. I’m from Dutchess County, NY. We drove up together and had one of the best times of our lives . Please keep on the shows for us to enjoy our memories.
by Dorothy Babian on January 22nd, 2010
Watching the Big Joe Polka show is the high point of my 93 year old mother’s life. We get it on Dish in Watertown Wisconsin. However, the shows that show the bands all the time instead of the dancers are BORING. Why is your cameraman doing this? This Saturday night was particularly disappointing.
by Nancy Blaski on January 25th, 2010
My husband and I have been watching the Big Joe Polka Show on Wednesday night and on Saturday night since we went up to Medina in 2005. However, we too are anxious to see the new polka shows from New York and Wahoo, Nebraska, that was in 2009.
Joyce Riedel
by Joyce Riedel on January 28th, 2010
Absolutely the worst job of camera work I’ve ever seen. Hey Big Joe, why don’t you send your camera men to cameraman school?
Don’t you read these blogs? If you do, you must know that your viewers all feel the same as I. We want to see more of the dancers, their feet, not the top of their heads
I am watching the show right now as I type 1/30/10 and it looks like there is more play on the dancers, but still the camera work leaves a lot to be desired. Pick out a couple that are really good dancers and keep the camera on them for at least 10 seconds. Is that too much to ask?
by al roberts on January 30th, 2010
When were the shows that are airing now on RFD-TV taped?
by Ellen Beason on January 30th, 2010
What a nice relief from the usual crap on TV
.Real people enjoying themselves !!!
by John Walter on January 30th, 2010
Nice show !!!
by Fred Mann on January 30th, 2010
WHAT IN THE WORLD HAPPENED TO THE SHOW? ALL THE SHOWS WE GET ARE ALL OUTDATED.SOME-ONE AT RFD-TV NEEDS TO GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER IF THE ARE THE PROBLEM .KNOCK OFF ON SOME OF THE HORSE SHOWS. YOU CAN ONLY LOOK A SO MANY HORSES BEHINDS AND SOON THE ALL START TO LOOK THE SAME. MAYBE THE GUYS AT RFD-TV ARE STARTING TO LOOK LIKE HORSE REARS ALSO.
by WALTER WIZOREK on January 31st, 2010
No one, and I mean no one, not man women or child, nor man nor beast, anyone, nobody, has ever, never, not in a million years, for enternity, never ever, ever, ever, never, done more, not less, but more, much more, oh, so much more, lots more, tons more, just plain more, for polka music, than the man himself, thats right, I am talking about the big pappa with the big moppa, yes, Big Joe himself ladies and gents.
Perhaps he could help us find Kevin from the Polka Nuts.
by Holgar Rechman on February 4th, 2010
Does COX Cable carry RFD in Scottsdale, AZ?
I am from Wisconsin and watch Big Joe every
Wed & Saturday and really enjoy it. I have
Cox cable in AZ.
by Ron Wiskerchen on February 5th, 2010
Now that’s more like it Big Joe. At last we get to see more of the bands in action. We like to see the cameraman zoom in on the sliding trombone. We like to see the view over the shoulder of the drummer and see how he hits those symbols. Yes we’re glad you don’t show the folks dancing and having fun. Oh,and, I almost forgot, lets see more shots of the flowers around the bandstand.
by al roberts on February 6th, 2010
We were in Buffalo,New York on Oct. 2,2009
We had a wonderfull time, the music was just wonderfull and had a great time. The Bands were also great.
When will the Buffalo taping be shown on TV.
Thanks so much for all the wonderful music.
by Harlene Doud on February 10th, 2010
HI BIG JOE AND CO., We enjoy your shows very much, and we were wondering if you can do a taping in Michigan (preferably) in Detroit area. There is such a huge Polish population in the area,and it would bring some excitement here.Keep up the good work!
by J Rotko on February 11th, 2010
why are we getting so many reruns of very old shows?kinda hoping to see some updated players.
by marie on February 11th, 2010
TO POLKA NUTS FANS, After seeing all the enquiries regarding Kevin from the Polka Nuts, I wrote to them to find out any news, and here is what I found out………..Kevin is alive and well. The taping on Big Joe was made in 1989, and Kevin was replaced in 1991(did not give reason why), and they never plan on returning to Big Joe Show.
by janet on February 23rd, 2010
Watch your shows on RFDTV
form here in Dedham Ma.
Enjoy them– Enjoy the variety of Bands
by Louise Kenney on February 25th, 2010
Watch your shows on RFDTV
from here in Dedham Ma.
Enjoy them– like the variety of Bands
by Louise Kenney on February 25th, 2010
We love to wastch the Big Joe Polka Show. But how many nights is it on ans what are the times. We watch on Wed night and Sat night. Do you know about the Danny Jerabek Band from Oshkosh W? He is great.
by Bertha Jerabek on February 28th, 2010