Hailed as Seattle’s #1 polka band, the Smilin’ Scandinavians play a mix of Midwestern polka, Scandinavian folk, traditional country and western, Dixieland and big band swing. Led by accordionist Toby Hanson, who formed the band while at Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts, the group’s name is an homage to both the “Happy Norwegian” Myron Floren and legendary polka band The Six Fat Dutchmen.
I’ve been listening to their music all morning and I love their bright, bouncy, accordion-driven sound. This is a song from their most recent album, Northwest Polka Country:
Red Raven Polka (MP3 download)
I also found a great video clip from a documentary about the Smilin’ Scandinavians. In it, Toby describes how the band got started and warns of the dangers of playing polkas in 100-degree weather:
1 Comment:
Love to have ya at the show mentioned below…
A REALLY BIG SHOW
A Variety Spectacular a la Ed Sullivan
Sun. Nov. 20, 2:30pm @ Historic Everett Theatre 2911 Colby, Everett
A Benefit for Historic Everett Theatre & Santa Hop for kids of all ages
WE WANT YOU
Sing? Dance? In a Band? Comedian? Magician? Or?? We need your help to make this a Great Show. Most spots 7 – 10 minutes. An Incentive? We Got. In program we can list as;
Bob’s Swing Band……Sponsored by Billy’s Grill & Bar.
If you appear at Billy’s Grill often maybe he can give you a few bucks to get his business
Name in program.. And all performers are invited to stay for whole show.
We have all the “sound†you need, bring your guitar and plug in. We also will have drum kit
Upright piano and electric piano. Making it easy for you.
Questions?? Please ask. Thanks.
Ken Boisse
Produced by Tongue-in-Cheek Productions, (206) 992-7117
tongueincheekprod@yahoo.com
by Ken Boisse on October 1st, 2011