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Kansas City is widely known for its swinging jazz and not so much for its polkas and Slavic music. But among accordion enthusiasts, Kansas City native Don Lipovac is a legend. The 75-year-old musician was once recognized as our nation’s best accordion player and his fame reaches across the Atlantic. Reporter Elana Gordon has more from KCUR. Download MP3

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In the courtyard of St.John’s church – where he has taught and performed for years – Lipovac breaks down the influences and differences in the folk music of Slovenia, where his family is from, and Croatia, its neighbor to the South.

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In April of 1958, shortly after winning first place in the American Accordion Association’s National Championship, Lipovac traveled to Hollywood to appear on ABC’s music variety program, the Lawrence Welk show. The above recording is by Lipovac’s teacher, Alfred Vacca. He was in Kansas City at the time, but recorded the show by holding a recorder up to his television set.