One last dance with the King
Canada's Walter Ostanek celebrates his 88th birthday
When it comes to the careers of musicians I love, I don't consider myself naive.
Yes, some Canadian bands I love like The Stampeders, The Irish Rovers and D.O.A have breezed past four decades of recording and touring, and are still on the road today. But I'm very aware that as people age, there's a very strong chance that what's currently in motion could stop abruptly at any moment.
That's life and the harsh reality of aging.
So when one of my all-time favourite musicians, Canada's Polka King Walter Ostanek, was coming to TCU Place on a cold January night for Winterruption, I couldn't miss this show. Why? Because this might just have been my last opportunity to see the King play.
Ostanek turns 88 on April 20, 2023, and although he is as sharp (and as talented) as ever, he can't tour forever.
I don't know when he plans to stop, but I do know what he has done so far. A band leader since 1958, Ostanek released his debut EP in 1962 and would amass a career discography of 107 albums through the decades. He has received an Order of Canada, several Hall of Fame inductions and an astonishing 23 Grammy nominations, winning three of them in 1992, 1993 and 1994.
How our relationship began
I first met Walter Ostanek at Casino Regina. Starting in 2002, he paired up with Saskatchewan's own The Western Senators for Polkarama, an old time dance party style TV show that would run for eight seasons, ending in 2015. My date to all of these recordings was the best dance partner I knew, my grandma.
This particular moment would soon become extra special. Prior to this chance encounter, I had watched a documentary on Bravo called The Cult of Walt. It was an insightful look at the man and his career, and also highlighted how, although Ostanek had received Grammy awards, he had never been recognized by Canada's version of the awards, the Junos.
While the film gave sound rationale behind the oversight (there simply wasn't enough contenders to warranty a polka category), I knew there had to be another way.
Utilizing the power of social media, I created a Facebook page and online campaign to garner support for Ostanek to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Junos. I knew in my heart he deserved it, and it was the one award I felt would make his career complete.
As the page grew, so did awareness of my mission and its goal. Eventually, CBC's national news channel reached out to me to help me share my story.
This was many years before I became a CBC employee. Shocked and excited, I made sure that when they requested photos to include with the story, I provided them the one of the King, my grandma and I.
Making memories for a lifetime
It felt weird in January, knowing it was probably the last time I would enjoy a polka party with Ostanek. Now 88, I don't think he'll be touring extensively across the country like he would have in previous years. Knowing this, I truly made the most of my experience.
When the pandemic struck and we were all trapped inside, I knew that the only way to remain calm was to fall back into and obsess over something I loved that gave me a sense of purpose. I ended up collecting and digitizing Ostanek's entire 107-album discography.
Because I had such a vast knowledge of the catalogue, and in the spirit of making memories for myself at live shows, I got to do something I never thought I would. That evening, as the band played on, I sold merchandise for Canada's King of Polka.
Whether fans came up inquiring about an album with one specific song, or were just looking for general recommendations, I was more than happy to give an Ostanek history lesson with every sale. It was humbling having people of all ages come visit throughout the night.
Wasn't that a party?
Friends for over two decades, Walter Ostanek and The Western Senators are no strangers to sharing the stage together. Surprisingly, their 2007 album Dueling Polkas being nominated for a Grammy wasn't their biggest accomplishment together. Starting in 2002, all of them helped created that popular dance party TV show, Polkarama.
The show ran for eight seasons and 92 episodes, and helped them become known as the ultimate polka party band. Seemingly knowing every song the genre offers, together they have mastered the art of entertaining.
As a friend and fan of them both, I am thankful that I got to see the King and his princes one last time.
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