Polka Time with Ed Targonski

The communities of South Hadley, Easthampton, and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, among others, have apparently enjoyed for years the musical stylings of regional Polka King* Ed Targonski. During a recent road-trip, the band and I were entranced by public access TV airings of these shows, culled together from Targonski's apparently vast archives of polka-party footage from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Ed and his entire family took turns hosting these broadcasts, which mostly cover the Western Massachusetts area, focusing on Pulaski Park, the epicenter of all things Western Mass. Polka (apparently). Ed, who must be in his eighties at this point, thoughtfully replied to Clint's request for materials, which was hastily handwritten on hotel stationery, with a parcel post chockablock full of DVDs and a typewritten letter. I can't wait to read what Ed had to say to his newest bespectacled fan.

Had I the capability, I would write a song about Ed. I can't do it without sounding hokey and ironic.

*I say "regional" because the international title clearly belongs to Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra. Look, Mom! More Grammys than Britney!