Fritz’s Polka Band’s 2008 recording, "Reflections," which featured all original FPB songs, has won a Syracuse-Area Music Award. The "SAMMY" win was in the "Best Recording Other Styles" category.

The SAMMY Award was presented to Fritz Scherz, band leader of Fritz’s Polka Band, and Mike Faraino, who has been drumming quite a bit for the band lately, June 5 on the "Taste of Syracuse" main stage in downtown Syracuse.

"I just want to thank all our great fans for making this possible," exclaimed Fritz Scherz during hisacceptance speech on the main stage. "I might get a little long-winded here, but this really means so much to me! I want to take time to recognize the guys in my band, Rick, Frank, Tom, Gabe, my Dad, Mike, who’s right here next to me, and George. Speaking of my Dad, I want to give a special shout out to him, as he’s home recovering fromneck surgery. But, he’ll be back stronger than ever."

He added, "I’d much rather have a SAMMY than a Grammy, since theydropped their polka category yesterday."

Fritz’s Polka Band has been performing for over 30 years.

In November, FPB won an Upper State Independent Award in Syracuse, in the International Category.

The Verona-based Fritz’s Polka Band performs at 8 p.m. Friday at the state Saengerbund at Utica Maennerchor, Marcy, and returns to the Syracuse Polish Festival in Clinton Square, Syracuse, Friday, June 19 scheduled at 4, 6, and 9 p.m. You can see the rest of this year’s schedule at: http://www.fritzspolkaband.com/2009_schedule

On the net: SAMMYs: www.syracuseareamusic.com.

FPB: www.fritzspolkaband.com

www.jagermusic.com/fritzspolkaband.