The Polka Quads will bring their energetic Cleveland-style polka music and their sense of fun to Ephrata when they perform Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Eicher Arts Center, 407 Cocalico St. in Ephrata Borough's Grater Park.

         Admission is free. Refreshments will be provided. Donations to the non-profit Eicher Arts Center, Inc. will be accepted.

         Leading the Polka Quads and playing accordion will be John Salov, of Steelton in Dauphin County. Salov said the style of polka developed in Cleveland was based on the tradition of immigrants from Croatia and Slovenia, and featured the accordion prominently.

          Salov says he was inspired to play the accordion and lead a polka band by the music of Cleveland's Frankie Yancovic. Yancovic won the title of "America's Polka King" at a bands competition in 1948; had a big hit with his recording of "Blue Skirt Waltz," based on a Skovenian song, in 1949 and won the first-ever Grammy award for best polka recording in 1986.

       The "Blue Skirt Waltz" will be one of the songs the Polka Quads will play at the Ephrata concert.

        Performing with Salov will be Jeff Dermes, accordion; Mark Dubravec, drums and Vinny Hurochic, bass guitar.

       The Polka Quads have played a few times at the Eicher, and Salov said they appreciate the venue. The polka musicians like being close to the audience, listening to their song requests and joking with them.

        "We always have fun there," Salov said.

        The Oct. 13 performance is part of the 2019 series of admission-free, Sunday afternoon cultural and entertainment events at the historic Eicher House.