Blast off! Tour season is under way

Last night's show at the Abbey Pub in Chicago was a lot of fun (for us, anyway). The Polkaholics opened the night with a rousing set of rockin' polka, in spite of bass player Jolly James Wallace's thrown-out back. "We're usually more animated," he said after the show. How could that be?

Associates in the West Coast Polka Mafia (from Polkacide, the Mad Maggies and Big Lou's Polka Casserole) had warned me about what a great bunch of guys the Polkaholics are, but nothing prepared me for a band with songs like "Beer, Broads and Brats" and "Beer: Breakfast of Champions." Unfortunately, I failed to make it to their merch table, so I guess it's time to order online.

A couple of accordions crapped out at the Abbey, but, hey, it's the start of the tour (and we travel with spares). Tonight it's Waterfest in Oshkosh (b'gosh), opening for David Lee Roth and Starship. Onward and upward!