Latest news with #PolkaFest
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Johnstown Polkafest returns with bands, dancing and food for 27th year
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — Thousands are expected to turn out for one of Johnstown's most rhythmic and lively traditions when the 27th annual PolkaFest returns to Peoples Natural Gas Park from May 30 through June 1. The three-day event promises a high-energy lineup of nationally recognized polka performers, local and regional favorites, and a variety of musical styles from Polish and Slovenian to German and even rock. With Grammy-nominated musicians and alternating sets, Polkafest has become one of the few festivals in the country to blend tradition and modern polka styles seamlessly. The 2025 lineup includes the Don Wojtila Band, The Polka Family Band, Tony Blazonczyk's New Phaze, Michael Costa & The Beat, The Zolkas, Buffalo Concertina All Stars, John Stevens Doubleshot, and Johnstown Button Box. Beyond music, attendees can enjoy ethnic foods, craft vendors, and plenty of space for dancing. Admission is $5 on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday is free. All minors accompanied by an adult get in free on any day. Traditionally held on the weekend after Memorial Day, the festival draws an estimated 10,000 visitors annually and delivers a boost to the local economy through hotel stays, dining, and tourism spending. For more information, attendees can contact Lisa Rager, executive director at Visit Johnstown, at 814-536-7993 ext. 101 or by email at lrager@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Polka's a fantastic dance': Hundreds attend Pennsylvania PolkaFest
Apr. 5—Promoter Joe Nardone smiled with satisfaction Saturday afternoon as his gaze took in the hundreds of people gathered in the Keystone Ballroom at Mohegan PA for Pennsylvania PolkaFest 2025. "It's a great crowd," he said. "But," a clueless reporter asked him, "Why isn't anybody dancing?" "They'll dance when Jimmy Sturr starts playing," Nardone said, explaining that Polka Bandski, which served as opening act, was playing the kind of polka music you listen to rather than dance to. Sure enough, when Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra took the stage moments later, two dance floors filled to overflowing with couples fairly flying across the floor. "Polka's a fantastic dance," said Sandra Rowlands of Dallas, who came to the PolkaFest with her husband, Richard, and four other friends. Indeed, there seem to be many fantastic varieties — as dancers twirled and skipped and circled the floor. On their feet they wore sported everything from high-heeled boots to two-toned spectator shoes to glittery sneakers. On their heads they wore anything from baseball caps to a woven wreath that added a touch of Eastern European flair. Polka fans of all ages were there, including Kimberly and Michael Shambora of Laflin, who have been dancing for 15 years and are related on Michael's side of the family to Joe and John Stanky, of local polka fame. Perhaps the youngest in the crowd were 17-month-old twins, Elizabeth and Andrew Gallas, whose parents, Jean and John Gallas of Lancaster, wanted to show them a bit of their paternal grandmother's heritage. As the evening progressed, Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra, the Family Band and Polka Bandski were each to play two sets. The event was arranged by Joe Nardone, Thom Greco and Jim Della Croce, and sponsored by Mrs. T's Pierogies and the Times Leader.
