Ruth Adams and the World's Most Dangerous Polka Band

Ruth Adams and the World's Most Dangerous Polka Band are a senior citizen polka duet who use a rotation of four different drummers. Adams founded the group in 1974, with Joe Hayden joining in 1996. They received national attention when they appeared on the short-lived Comedy Central series Let's Bowl.[1]

The band in 2015, featuring Joe Hayden

The group consists of Adams on accordion, accompanied by Hayden on trumpet and lead vocals, with the rotation of drummers using a simple snare drum and high-hat percussion setup. Al Ophus was the full-time percussionist until his death in 2003 at the age of 88.[2] His drums are now on display at the Minnesota Historical Society.[3]

According to the band's website, they play "a mix of Polkas, Waltz's [sic], Foxtrots [sic], Country, Latin, and a little Dixieland." During their Let's Bowl appearances, Adams and company played suggestive polka tunes like "She Smoked My Cigar" and "I Told Her No".

They got their start,[4] and still play every Friday and Saturday, at Nye's Polonaise (better known as Nye's Polka Lounge) in northeast Minneapolis.[5]

Ruth Adams died March 18, 2011 at Hennepin County Medical Center after her battle with cancer. [6]

References

  1. ↑ Acosta, Belinda (2002-03-29). "TV Eye". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  2. ↑ Zavoral, Nolan (2003-04-07). "Al Ophus, 88, dies; he was longtime drummer at Nye's (Obituary)" (reprint). Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  3. ↑ "News". World's Most Dangerous Polka Band. 2003-08-12. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  4. ↑ Jones, Chris (2006-10-01). "The Best Bar in America". Esquire. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  5. ↑ Esswein, Patricia Mertz (June 2006). "#2 Minneapolis-St. Paul". Kiplinger Letter. Retrieved 2008-01-17.
  6. ↑ Campbell, Tim (2011-03-18). "Minneapolis polka queen Ruth Adams dies" (reprint). Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Retrieved 2011-03-19.

External links

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