Polka Floyd ‘takes it back’

Rock with a polka flair, Polka Floyd was one of the highlights of the German-American Festival. Playing in front of a picture of the German Alps, the band rocked a sizable crowd in one of the smaller tents, Hofbräuhalle stage, of the venue at Oak Shade Grove in Oregon, Ohio.

Established in 2006, Polka Floyd is a proverbial hodgepodge of previous bands from the Toledo and Detroit areas. It began as a side project for its members and quickly consumed their musical focus.

This Pink Floyd tribute band adds a polka twist to their classic rock inspiration, Pink Floyd. Both comical and fun, the style of Polka Floyd is something nearly everyone can love. More rock than anything, the addition of an accordion is what makes this band stand out from other tribute bands.

Participants in the festival were moved to dance in traditional German fashion as the band played their set. Decked in lederhosen and milk-maid garb, festival-goers swung each other around the dance floor to the band's unique sound.

The unique twist brought to Floyd is the brainchild of Ken Haas, lead singer, and was started by accident when he was playing with a previous band. "I was playing ‘Comfortably Numb' during a session one day and the guys joined right in. It was sort of funny. After that I started writing Pink Floyd songs to polka music," Haas said.

Even anti-polka persons, including myself, will enjoy this new take on Floyd.

According to their site, "Through numerous local gigs, festivals, and touring throughout the east and Midwest, we continue to provide the accordion to rock-n-roll audiences everywhere."

In addition, the band says they "deeply admire and respect" their inspiration, Pink Floyd, specifically Syd Barrett.

Aside from Floyd, the band also clams they have been inspired by Weird Al, which is evident from their comical take on the rock legend.

Polka Floyd is comprised of Ken Haas, vocals and guitar, Eric Hite, accordion and vocals, Chris Zielinski, bass guitar and vocals, Penny Haas, electric piano, and Frankie Dramczyk, drums. For more information on the band, visit PolkaFloyd.com.

The band will be performing in Monroe, Mich. on Saturday at the Labor Day Barbeque Festival and in Hamtranck, Mich. at the Hamtramck Festival.

The latest CD from the group is available for purchase on Amazon.com and merchandise can be found for sale on the band's Web site.

For additional exclusive pictures and a video of their performance at the festival please visit our Web site at www.independentcollegian.com/arts-life.