One of polka accordionist John Stevens goals is “to put a smile on your face and give you a tune you can hum all week.” But he also wants to help his audiences understand that there is more to Polish culture than pierogies and kielbasa: “We’re trying to keep our Polish heritage out there, whether it means singing in Polish or even just having a catchy Polish phrase in our lyrics.”

Polka originated from lively couple dances in Eastern Europe and became widely popular in the mid-1800s. As Eastern European immigrants brought the music to the U.S. in the late 1800s, various ethnic and regional styles developed. Although named for the country and culture of origin, the musical styles often differed markedly from their old-world traditions. Polish polka split into two major styles: Chicago and East Coast. The John Stevens Polka Band plays Chicago, or “push,” a style that emerged in the 1950s, featuring more of a rock ’n’ roll sound than than the East Coast polka that emerged in the 1940s and was influenced by the popular “big band” sound. Push polka bands typically feature double horns, accordion, concertina, bass, and drums.

Stevens grew up in Pennsylvania hearing his father play clarinet and saxophone in the Polka Punch Band. He first tried out the accordion at five but didn’t bother practicing. At 15, he persuaded his parents that he was finally serious about the instrument, so they gave him an accordion for his birthday. Jam sessions with friends quickly turned into what is now the John Stevens Polka Band, a Chicago-style unit which has played over 15 states and become a staple on polka radio and TV shows over the past 24 years.

The band features fellow accordionist Joe Krzysik, the twin trumpets of Paul Chmil and Jeff Teufel, and Hank Guzevich on drums. Of having two accordions in the band, Stevens says, “I’m the rhythm player, the bellows shaker, and Joe does all the lead running.”