Sun 7/1 @ 1PM
Cleveland was — and in many ways still is — a polka town, home of the legendary Frankie Yankovic, one of the undeniable stars of the genre who inspired many local boys to follow in his footsteps.
As with any genre of music, getting it out to the people was key, and in those days, that primarily meant radio. But polka is keeping up with the times and you can now find the music being played by DJs on the Internet. In 2003, Ray Zalokar and Ray Somich started the first 24-hour online polka station, 24-7 Polka Heaven, based in — you guessed it — Cleveland.
The station is hosting a meet-the-DJs party at — you guessed it — the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland wher you can dance to Ray Zalokar and the Casuals, and meet on-air personalities such as Tony Petkovsek, founder of the Thanksgiving Polka Weekend more than 50 years ago; Joe Valencic, director of the Cleveland’s Polka Hall of Fame; Denny Ducar, Kathy Debevits and others.
Admission is $8; 18 and under are free. Doors open at 1; food is available for purchase starting at 2pm; music starts at 3.
Kirtland, OH 44094