In 2019, members of the local Czech demographic converged on the Point Artist-Run Centre (PARC) for a night of revelry dubbed "Polka and Pilsner." That same event returns Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. for another go-around thanks to PARC leadership and the Whistler Multicultural Society (WMS).
An official press release reads: "More than just a night out, Polka and Pilsner is a celebration of community, culture, and connection. Whether you’re reconnecting with your heritage or simply exploring something new, this event offers a chance to experience the richness of Czech traditions in a fun, festive, and welcoming atmosphere. So bring your appetite and dancing shoes and join us for a night to remember!"
Chef Petr Cagásek is on hand to prepare an authentic Czech dinner. As guests appreciate these time-honoured flavours, they'll be serenaded by Veronika Mauricová and her elegant piano melodies.
Polka is a staple of any proper Czech social gathering, and those who feel like they've got two left feet need not worry. Andrea Valčeková will guide you through an accessible crash course in this traditional form of dance.
"I think it's a fairly straightforward, fairly simple dance, so you don't need to be any kind of expert," opines PARC artistic director Stephen Vogler. "Speaking personally, last time I ended up feeling like I could totally polka after learning a few simple steps."
Patrons will be equipped to hit the dance floor from there, as violinist Radim Koppitz and accordion player Thomas Studer keep the energy high all night long.
"I've always really liked when food, art and music cross over," Vogler says. "They're in any culture. They're really entwined, you know? We eat, we celebrate …and I think when it's knit together like that, you get a very full experience."
'A really strong cohort'
Were it not for COVID-19, the PARC might have hosted quite a few Polka and Pilsner evenings by now.
Cagásek reached out to Vogler, expressing his desire to bring back the successful event. Numerous others in Whistler's Czech community echoed that sentiment, and Vogler was happy to oblige. The PARC is a good venue for the task, with its fully-equipped kitchen and spacious wooden dance floor.
"I was kind of blown away by how many people of Czech and Slovak origin live in Whistler and how many are young," Vogler says. "It's a really strong cohort and that's one of the things I love about Whistler. You discover these things about people moving here from all over the world and it really adds so much to the fabric of the community."
Vogler also believes this year's performing lineup is more than equal to the task of making a great night for all.
"I've played music with [Radim] and he's one of the finest musicians in town," Vogler says. "He's really an accomplished violinist, plays other instruments, and is steeped in Czech culture. Veronika is an excellent piano player who doesn't like gigs so much, but when I heard her play last time, I was like, 'wow. These people have grown up with a good musical background.'
"It's great having Thomas in town as well. He's always playing with different people around town. I've hired him many times to play at the Point for different things, and he asked me to connect him with Radim so he can learn the appropriate songs for this polka event."
Dinner tickets have already sold out as of this writing, but you can still check out the music and dancing portion of the night for $15 apiece. Learn more about Polka and Pilsner at thepointartists.com.
