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The Polka Dots

The Polka Dots at Oatlands - Olivia, Nora, Aislin Singers and musicians from a young age, sisters Aislin and Nora Kavaldjian became the Polka Dots at ages 15 and 13. After a year learning mandolin and fiddle from Fiddlin' Dave Van Deventer, he suggested the girls perform at Watermelon Park Fest as their recital. Since then the group has grown, adding good friend Olivia Zook on the bass, and many, many more songs — traditional, antique, and original. The Polka Dots as Sirens - Aislin, Nora, Olivia They have played at venues large and small from folk festivals to farmers' markets.

Their first album, Knee-Deep, traverses a broad spectrum of forms, from traditional string band tunes (Old Joe Clark), to gypsy swing (Limehouse Blues), dance numbers from the 1920s (Sister Kate), gospel standards (Gospel Plow), and the blues. The girls' original music is a fresh blend of these many influences. The Polka Dots by the Shenandoah River - Olivia, Nora, Aislin The Dots have particular affection for the story-song, evident on The Finned Witch; Daisy is a plaintive and tuneful lament for a lost love; while Valentines Blues is a wry commentary on dating; and Old Fat Cat is a unique (and funny) allegory about cats (and people). All the selections on the album transmit the Dots' infectious love for music of all types, and their palpable musical energy.

These young musicians love to play and reinterpret old music for modern ears. From old-time tunes, gypsy swing numbers, blues and gospel standards, to their own original songs, the Dots make music that is fresh and always fun.

Contact Us

The Polka Dots
38615 Morrisonville Road
Lovettsville, Virginia 20180-3107

info@thepolkadots.org

703-297-8042

Enjoy a few tracks from the album!

Mama Don't 'LowDaisyOld Fat CatGospel PlowFiddlin' ShifflettValentines Blues

The other tracks on the album are:

Knee-DeepLimehouse BluesTangerine TeaFinned WitchOld Joe ClarkCumberland GapSister KateDream a Little Dream

News & Reviews

"Knee Deep" in Album Release

The Viking — Kamna Talwar

September 20, 2010

"After two years of being together as a band, The Polka Dots released their first album..."


Interview on Musician's Corner with Chef Eric

Musician's Corner on Mace TV

September 13, 2010

The Polka Dots were the featured artists for this hour-long webcast, full of music and conversation... and even a smoking hot off-the-cuff performance with their host, Eric Fredenburgh.

Part 1 SmallPart 1 Large
Part 2 SmallPart 2 Large
Behind the Scenes


Spotlight: The Polka Dots

South Mountain Media — Mike Ward

September 10, 2010

"Over the past two years, I've watched The Polka Dots concoct their cheeky blend of old-time and jazz..."


Farming Young

The Washington Post — Elaine McMillion

August 24, 2009

The Polka Dots play as this great documentary video wraps up.

The Polka Dots: Tinier Desk Concert

NPRSarah Ventre, Jennifer Noll, et al

November 30, 2010

"[These] ambitious, talented, sassy young women... aren't shy about delving into the canon of roots music straight out of Appalachia and the heartland.... While they are adorable, don't simply dismiss them as cute."


Fresh Young Girl Band Captivates Seniors

Purcellville Gazette — Carver Center Corner

July 9, 2010

"The Dots played to a stunned audience. Their fresh young voices and charming stage presence riveted those attending. The hour of music flew by."

Full Issue - Volume 7, Number 28
(article on page 15)


These Teens Hit the Spot as The Polka Dots

The Frederick News-Post — Lauren LaRocca

November 28, 2009

"Sixteen-year-old Aislin Kavaldjian, 'Head Dot' of The Polka Dots, said her band is the youngest in the crowd at area bluegrass jams. But they keep up...."

The Polka Dots Online Store

You can hear our CD and pick up a copy at Beans in the Belfry (Brunswick, Maryland), the Floyd Country Store (Floyd, Virginia), Shamrock Music Shoppe (Purcellville, Virginia), or The Soundry (Vienna, Virginia)... or download from Amazon, CD Baby, DigStation, iTunes, Zune, or your favorite site.

Knee-Deep CD
$12
Knee-Deep CD Cover Art

CD Track List:
Knee-Deep • Mama Don't 'Low • Daisy • Fiddlin' Shifflett • Old Fat Cat • Limehouse Blues • Tangerine Tea • Finned Witch • Gospel Plow • Old Joe Clark • Valentines Blues • Cumberland Gap • Sister Kate • Dream a Little Dream

Knee-Deep CD + T-Shirt Combo
$20
Knee-Deep CD Cover Art Big Pink Dot T-Shirt Art

The combo saves you $4 plus $1.50 off shipping!

CD Track List:
Knee-Deep • Mama Don't 'Low • Daisy • Fiddlin' Shifflett • Old Fat Cat • Limehouse Blues • Tangerine Tea • Finned Witch • Gospel Plow • Old Joe Clark • Valentines Blues • Cumberland Gap • Sister Kate • Dream a Little Dream

About the Shirt:
100% cotton • Gildan "Ultra Cotton" brand • Black shirt with bold pink & black logo • Adult Small size is a good substitute for the Child Large size (which is currently sold out)

Big Dot T-Shirt
$12
Big Pink Dot T-Shirt Art

About the Shirt:
100% cotton • Gildan "Ultra Cotton" brand • Black shirt with bold pink & black logo • Adult Small size is a good substitute for the Child Large size (which is currently sold out)

Shipping charges based on weight, calculated during checkout.