2008 Woodie Awards
Musician has passion for playing polka
Dan Schunk
Issue date: 7/4/07 Section: Arts & Lifestyle
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Steve Meisner of Whitewater lives by this statement.
Many residents of Whitewater may know Meisner, as he has been performing polka music with his band for 29 years in Whitewater and all across the world.
Meisner lives with his family in Whitewater near Whitewater Lake. His dad has been playing the accordion for most of his life, and Steve decided long ago to follow in his footsteps.
"It's a family disease," Meisner joked. "When I was five years old, I went to my grandma's house and went into the basement and found an accordion. I dragged it down all the steps, and when my dad picked me up, I asked him to teach me how to play. And he told me only if you never stop. It's a passion."
With a lot of practice, Meisner has become a much-loved musician in many parts of the world.
Meisner was voted the No. 1 polka artist in Wisconsin for four years and inducted into the "Honor Roll" in 2005 on the Polka Hall of Fame show.
Meisner and his band were also recipients of the "1998 Band of the Year" award and the "2001 WAMI award" by the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame.
Steve's family, including his daughter, Lindsey, a sophomore at UW-Whitewater, understands that polka has always been Steve's passion.
"When we were little we used to go to his gigs and listen and dance, but now it's more fun because we actually know how to polka dance," Lindsey said. "My dad took care of us during the day, and on the weekends we danced and watched his shows. He loves what he does."
Steve describes polka as high-energy music that allows people to have fun.
"In my whole career I have never seen any bar fights to polka songs," Steve said. "It's all about getting together and having a good time."
Steve thinks this is why when he plays at festivals, younger kids are attracted to the music.
"Polka was designed to make people happy," Steve said. "When you dance to it, sing to it or drink a beer to it, the atmosphere is happy."
Although Steve's music is played at more than 300 radio stations, a label has yet to back him and his band. His band is very popular in Holland.
Anyone interested in rolling out the barrel this summer won't have to look too far to find Steve and his band.
Steve recently played in downtown Milwaukee at Polish Fest. He will be playing at the American Legion in Whitewater from 7-10 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday at the Cravath Lakefront.
Steve will continue to play this summer all over the nation. He will be releasing a CD/DVD combo in early July that includes past performances of both him and his father along with his band.
Polka fans can also find recordings and information about Steve and his band, along with a schedule of performances at www.stevemeisner.com.
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