Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Although Fritz Scherz is the leader of a polka band, polka is not the only music he listens to. "I'm stuck in the 1980'," Scherz said. "I like Bon Jovi, Guns n' Roses, Journey. I'm into country as well. Montgomery Gentry-those guys are lively."
Scherz, 34, said he even likes the Dave Matthews Band. But since he was 6 years old, his love for polka has prevailed.
"My dad had a big influence on it," Scherz said. "I grew up listening to him play. I took (accordion) lessons and my dad taught me polka style. As we grew, we evolved into a band."
But, Scherz said, Fritz's Polka Band is not your grandfather's polka music. "We're not the ethnic style band," Scherz said. "There are older people at our shows, but also a lot of younger people."
The band includes his father, Fred, also an accordion player; Rick Szczyt, drums; Gabe Vaccaro, bass; and Tom Campbell and Frank Nelson, guitars. Recently, Fred Scherz Sr. was inducted into the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame in Euclid, Ohio, Scherz said.
A few years ago, Scherz convinces Jagermeister to sponsor the group as part of the Jagermeister Music Program. It is the only polka band among many alternative and album-oriented rock. Now, the band holds regular Jager-themed parties. It even has a fan club, with about 200 members, Scherz said. But the group is most excited about its just released album, "FPB On Tap."
Some impressive names show up as guests on the new recording: Antonique Smith, who played Mimi in the Broadway hit "Rent," and Glen Burtnik, formerly of Styx. "FPB On Tap" is available for purchase at Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Big Apple Music in New Hartford, NY. - Observer Dispatch (Utica, NY)
Discography
2005: "FPB On Tap"
2003: "Jagermeister presents Fritz's Polka Band"
2003: "A Taste of Switzerland"
2001: "The Party Continues"
2000: "The Party's Just Begun"
1999: "Polka With All Your Might!"
1998: "For All Our Friends"
1997: "Can't Get Enough Of Polka Music"
1996: "Give Polka Music A Chance"
1988: "10 Years of Fritz's Polka Band"
1985: 'Frankie's Polka' & 'Happy Birthday Polka' (single)
1982: "Fritz's Polka Band"
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Jagermeister-sponsored, Fritz's Polka Band (FPB) was formed in 1978 by lead accordionist, Fred Scherz Sr., and his eight-year old son, Fritz, for whom the band was named. FPB performs an eclectic mix of musical styles, including modern polka, country, fox-trot, waltz, and more! Fritz's Polka Band is NOT an oompa pa band or the stereotypical "polka" band. In fact, FPB is known for breaking the stereotype regarding "polka" music. FPB is the first polka band to perform at a Woodstock Festival!
FPB has made 12 recordings, which have achieved international airplay. Individuals of the band, and the band itself, have received some prestigious honors. As a group, Fritzs Polka Band has performed on stage with Canadas Polka King, Walter Ostanek (Grammy winner), Americas Polka King, the late Frank Yankovic (Grammy winner), LynnMarie Rink (Grammy nominee), and Glen Burtnik. Individually, Fritz has performed on-stage with Steve Augeri (lead singer of Journey). FPB even appears on The Manchurian Candidate DVD, from Paramount Pictures!
Additionally, Fritzs Polka Band has opened up shows for Walt Ostanek, the late Frank Yankovic, Jimmy Sturr (Grammy winner), and BeauSoleil (Grammy winner). Fritzs Polka Band has played at: Woodstock 99, the New York State Fair, regional and county fairs, ethnic events, colleges, concerts, social occasions, corporate events, weddings, anniversaries, and benefits.
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