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Whether a die-hard polka fan, curious to learn more about polka music, or just looking for a fun Saturday night, the 3rd annual Pennsylvania Polkafest might be the right experience for you.
Polkafest is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 5 inside the Keystone Grand Ballroom at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino and features the Grammy winning Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra and the Grammy nominated Polka Family Band.
Richard March, of the Wisconsin Historical Society, said “polka first rose to popularity from humble folk traditions in Europe during the 1840s. The 2/4 dance step was markedly more rambunctious than traditional ballroom moves. Immigrants to the United States brought their own unique variations with them, particularly to the Midwest, and polka evolved into various new forms based on the player’s place of origin. Distinctive styles still recognized today include Polish, Slovenian, Bohemian, and Dutchman.”
Sturr grew up in the village of Florida, New York, known for its black dirt and vast onion fields, where people from Poland and Germany flocked to work, bringing with them their traditional music and dance.
The village held school dances, weddings and parties with polka music — it was all around Sturr. He formed his own polka band at 11, and after graduating college, Sturr and his band’s manager went to work for Sturr’s father, president at Key Bank.
“We had boring weeks, but exciting weekends,” he said.
Sturr asked his father if he could try playing music full-time, and his father said “Go for it.”
As proclaimed in an episode of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Jimmy Sturr became known by the nickname of “Polka King.”
Sturr has won more Grammy awards than Brittany Spears, Bob Dylan, Queen, The Beach Boys, Nirvana, and The Beatles. With a whopping 18 Grammys won across 18 different years, and polka music enjoyed throughout the entire U.S., why doesn’t polka music garner the attention it deserves?
“Polka music is traditional music, ethnic music,” Sturr said. “Maybe people who could be spreading the word about polka music don’t realize how popular it is, or what it’s all about. So, polka music doesn’t get the attention a lot of people feel it deserves.”
Unquestionably knowing how to entertain, Sturr has sold out Carnegie Hall five times, played the Grand Ole Opry, The Lincoln Center, Saturday Night Live, ABC, CBS, CNN, PBS, and recently played to 22,000 people in Texas.
“If you’ve never been to a Polkafest, come out and see us,” he said. “You’ll be shocked. People fall in love with the event. We play rock, all kinds of music. Mostly polkas, but there is something for everyone. It’s a great time.”
“You can catch ‘The Jimmy Sturr Show’ on Direct TV channel 345 and Dish Net channel 231 at 7 p.m. Fridays and Sundays,” Sturr stated. “A loyal crowd of 1.2 million people tune in weekly to ‘Saturday Night Polka Party’ for a great time on SiriusXM, channel 147, at 6 p.m. every Saturday night and 1 p.m. Sunday.”
According to thepolkafamilyband.com, the Polka Family Band originated in 1970 as “Los Taconazos.” At the time, they played only Mexican music for intimate gatherings such as “weddings, baptisms, and fiestas.”
After Frank “Gus” Guzevich was asked why his children didn’t know any Polish music, he decided it was time to teach them. So, they learned some Polish polkas, and the neighbors delighted in listening to the children practice outside on warm, summer evenings.
The Guzevich children then went on to enjoy an experience playing at a Disney hotel with Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra. From there, Sturr invited the children to play at his Summer Polka Festival. “Los Taconazos” became “The Polka Family Band” in 1979. They currently reside in Bloomsburg, specializing in polka music.
MaryAnn Sromovski, Breinigsville, polka music connoisseur, hopes to attend Pennsylvania Polkafest.
“Polka events, such as dances and festivals, are wonderful. They bring people together, fostering community spirit, and strengthening local ties.” Sromovski said, “Polka music allows people to connect with their family histories.”
Pennsylvania Polkafest brings together such big names in polka music that it requires giant production by Thom Greco’s Rittenhouse Entertainment, Joe Nardone’s Magnus Concerts, and Jim Della Croce’s Pathfinder.
“Polka music has always been a staple of our music and entertainment in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Greco said in a news release, “Mohegan Pennsylvania has become the center of social activity and our new partners in presenting this tribute to polka music.”
Reserved table seating is $30 per person. General Admission seating at open tables is $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. Tables of 10 are available for those looking to secure seats near the excitement.
Please note the change in ticket purchasing for the 2025 Pennsylvania Polkafest. Reserved and general admission table seating may be purchased online at ticketsalesnow.com. Assistance for online tickets is available at 570-550-6410. Gallery of Sound is also selling general admission open table seating for cash only. Call 570-829-3603 or visit them at 186 Mundy Street, Wilkes-Barre.
There will be a live recorded broadcast on Service Electric Cable TV and Communications which will be aired at a later date to ensure that all can enjoy the fun and excitement of Pennsylvania Polkafest throughout the area.
For all the latest news and updates, follow Pennsylvania Polkafest on Facebook or visit www.pennsylvaniapolkafest.com.
