Adam’s First Oktoberfest: I meet the Polka King
Posted Oct 10, 2016 07:23:57 AM.
Last Updated Oct 12, 2016 05:19:03 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
I sat down with the three time Grammy winner Walter Ostanek and what an experience it was.
He is so down to earth and such a humble man. At 81, he can still play the accordion better than anyone I’ve ever heard, hence the name Polka King.
Ostanek was given his first button-accordion at the age of nine and his first piano key accordion at 12. He fell in love with polka very young. A local musician would come over to his childhood home in Quebec once a year to play for his family. Ever since those days, he’s mastered the instrument.
This year is his 38th Oktoberfest…it’s my first…..so you can bet I asked for some festing advice.
“Have fun, drink beer, dance, and get home safely…that’s the number one thing…don’t drink and drive and get home safely so you can enjoy it all again the next day.”
Ostanek told me all his dreams came true since smashing those accordion keys.
He hopes to play for everyone as long has his health allows it.
