So Grand Polka Band

So Grand Polka Band is a polka band from St. Louis, Missouri. The band formed in 2019 as a side project, but soon all it's members fell in love with polka! The band began appearing around town at breweries and Oktoberfests, and they have been gleefully received by both young and old audiences. 

​

The band is led by accordionist Jess Adkins. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jess began taking accordion lessons at 15 years old. Jess found herself in St. Louis in 2014 to complete a PhD in philosophy. She brought her accordion with and was quickly welcomed into the St. Louis music scene. 

​

Once the covid pandemic began, Jess began writing original polkas and waltzes. This led to her being awarded a 2021-2022 Kranzberg Artist Residency. The band released their first full length album of original polkas and waltz in the Spring of 2023. The album is available on streaming website, on CD, and is currently being pressed on vinyl (available fall 2023!)