Polka-Lovers Converge on Cleveland for the 58th Annual Thanksgiving Polka Weekend

Fri 11/25-Sun 11/27

For 58 years now, polka lovers from across the country have been gathering in Cleveland over Thanksgiving weekend for the annual Thanksgiving Polka Weekend, founded by the late polka promoter/broadcaster Tony Petkovsek in 1963. The weekend also includes the annual Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame Awards Show.

For three days, polka lovers eat, drink and make merry, dancing to the upbeat music of a dozen or more bands who play Cleveland-style (Slovenian) polka music. Among the musicians performing are some true legends of the genre: Joey Miskulin, who got his start with the Polka King, Cleveland’s Frankie Yankovic, Canadian polka king Walter Ostankek, Youngstown polka legend Del Sinchak and Polka Hall of Famer Jeff and John Pecon. And to show that the music lives on and isn’t just nostagia player by old guys, the Garrett Tatano Band (pictured) will be coming in from Pittsburgh, bringing its youthful energy. Other performers include Bob Zolka, Klancnik and Friends, and Linda Lee Brown. Kathy Hlad will lead the beloved polka mass, the Vadnal polka family will take fans on a trip into polka history, and there’ll be a you-can-join-in the Button Box Jam Session. As usual, jams take place throughout the event.

This year’s Polka Music Awards will salute such performers as bandleader Joe Kusar, musicians Bill Srnick Sr. and Rudy Kershishnik and the Penn Ohio Polka Pals social group. Bill Bevec, Al Hreno, Eddie Korosa Jr., Bill Srnick Jr., and Chris and Gary Byndas will be added to the Polka Hall Honor Roll. And two songs will join its list of all-time polka favorites: “The Little Café Waltz” and “Smile, Sweetheart, Smile,” both early recordings by Yankovic.

The event takes place at the Holiday Inn South in Independence. For more information and tickets, call the Polka Hall of Fame at 216- 261-3263 or email PolkaShop@aol.com.

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