Sat 11/28 @ 2PM
The annual National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame Awards, now in their 28th year, honors both those who developed this style of polka with its Cleveland/Slovenian roots and those who carry it forward.
Clevelanders Eddie Bucar and Dave Wolnik will be inducted into the Hall of Fame; both players had long and productive careers prior to their deaths. And the show will offer a special salute to all-time polka greats Johnny Pecon and Frankie Yankovic who would have been 100 this year, in keeping with this year’s theme, “A Century of Cleveland-Style Polka.” In addition, awards will be given to current working players in nine categories such as polka band, musician, album of the year and song of the year.
Like most good awards shows, it features performances by nominees and special guests. World accordion champion, Italian/Slovenian musician Denis Novato, headlines; other star performers include accordionist Joey Miskulin of Riders in the Sky, who got his start as a young teen with Yankovic’s band, and popular Wisconsin-based entertainer Jeff Winard. Jeff Pecon and Bob Yankovic will perform in tribute to their fathers.
Unlike most awards shows, this one is open to the general public; anyone can buy a ticket and go. They’re $20, or $25 if you want to stay afterward for an evening of dancing and music. It all takes place at the downtown Marriott’s Grand Ballroom.
Cleveland, OH 44114
