Fred Scherz Sr.---piano accordion, Swiss accordion, vocals;
Fritz Scherz---piano accordion, button-box accordion, vocals;
Gabe Vaccaro---bass guitar, guitar, vocals;
Tom Campbell---guitar, vocals;
Frank Nelson---guitar, bass guitar, vocals;
Rick Szczyt---drums, backing vocals
Influences
Frank Yankovic, Walter Ostanek, Journey, Bon Jovi, Guns n' Roses, Motley Crue, Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard
Jagermeister-sponsored, Fritz's Polka Band (FPB) was formed in 1978 by lead accordionist, Fred Scherz Sr., and his eight-year old son, Fritz, for whom the band was named. FPB performs an eclectic mix of musical styles, including modern polka, country, fox-trot, waltz, and more! Fritz's Polka Band is NOT an oompa pa band or the stereotypical "polka" band. In fact, FPB is known for breaking the stereotype regarding "polka" music. FPB is the first polka band to perform at: a Woodstock Festival (Woodstock ’99); B.B. King’s Club in New York City (2003); The China Club in New York City (2006); and just in September 2007, the first polka band to perform at The Metropolitan Club in New York City!
Fritz’s Polka Band has made 14 recordings, which have achieved international airplay. Individuals of the band, and the band itself, have received some prestigious honors. As a group, FPB has performed on stage with "Canada's Polka King," Walter Ostanek (Grammy winner), "America's Polka King," the late Frank Yankovic (Grammy winner), LynnMarie Rink (Grammy nominee), and Glen Burtnik. Individually, Fritz has performed on-stage with Steve Augeri (former lead singer of Journey). FPB even appears on "The Manchurian Candidate" DVD, from Paramount Pictures!
Additionally, Fritz's Polka Band has opened up shows for Walt Ostanek, the late Frank Yankovic, Jimmy Sturr (Grammy winner), and BeauSoleil (Grammy winner). FPB has played at: Woodstock '99, the New York State Fair, regional and county fairs, ethnic events, colleges, concerts, social occasions, corporate events, weddings, anniversaries, and benefits.
