06-27-2007, 01:11 PM
[quote cbelt3]mttk- There is still a strong subculture that enjoys polka music. Look to my area, with the Polka Hall of Fame, and tons and tons of little old Eastern European / North European ethnic enclaves.
However......
I look to my Aunt's experience, where her Berkely CA based business started by local artisans was completely destroyed by illegal Chinese knock-offs of their art pottery pieces. They went out of business three years ago, despite 'protection' from the US copyright laws.
I live in Western Mass where there is a big Polish American community. Polka was a big thing still up until the '90's in this area. But as the older generation is dieing off, the youngest are not taking it up in numbers to replace them. Barring a revival of interest in polka music, I don't see it surviving in this area as any economic passtime beyond the hobby level in another decade.
However......
I look to my Aunt's experience, where her Berkely CA based business started by local artisans was completely destroyed by illegal Chinese knock-offs of their art pottery pieces. They went out of business three years ago, despite 'protection' from the US copyright laws.
I live in Western Mass where there is a big Polish American community. Polka was a big thing still up until the '90's in this area. But as the older generation is dieing off, the youngest are not taking it up in numbers to replace them. Barring a revival of interest in polka music, I don't see it surviving in this area as any economic passtime beyond the hobby level in another decade.