2024 PA Polkafest

After the resounding success of last year's inaugural event, the 2024 Pennsylvania Polkafest, sponsored by Mrs. T's Pierogies and promoted by WVIA’S PENNSYLVANIA POLKA television show is back! The event promises to be an evening of vibrant music, lively dancing, generational memories and unforgettable performances. The event is scheduled to take place at Genetti's Grand Ballroom on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, from 4 – 8PM, located at 77 E. Market Street in downtown Wilkes Barre, PA, this year's Polkafest is anticipated to be bigger and better than ever. Produced by the powerhouse trio of Thom Greco's Rittenhouse Entertainment, Joe Nardone's Magnus Concerts, and Jim Della Croce's Pathfinder Productions, the event features an impressive lineup headlined by the legendary 18-time Grammy Award Winner and Polka King, Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra. Joining them on stage are the renowned acts Joe Stanky & The Cadets, John Stanky & The Coalminers, the Janosik Folk Dancers, and a Tribute to the Kryger Brothers Featuring Eddie Biegaj, ensuring a night of non-stop entertainment. 

With last year's event drawing crowds from far and wide, tickets for this year's Polkafest are expected to sell out quickly. Reserved Table Seating is priced at $30 per person, with tables of 10 available for those looking to secure prime spots close to the action. General Admission tickets are priced at $20 for Open Table Seating in advance and $25 at the door for Open Table Seating. To secure your spot at the Pennsylvania Polkafest, tickets are available for purchase now. Reserved Table Seating tickets can be obtained at the front desk of the Best Western Plus Genetti hotel or by phone at 570-823-6152. General Admission Open Table Seating tickets can be purchased in advance at Gallery of Sound by calling 570-829-3603. In addition to the stellar lineup of performers, attendees can indulge in delicious food and drinks, including traditional favorites like perogies and haluski. The event will also be recorded live by Service Electric Cable TV for later broadcast, ensuring audiences can enjoy the 2024 PA Polkafest's excitement far and wide. 

Reflecting on the significance of this annual event, Thom Greco remarked, "Genetti's has always been affiliated with polka bands, and I remember the celebrations that included some of the biggest polka bands. I remember the Kryger Brothers Band who seemed to play at all the weddings when I was a banquet waiter at Genetti’s. There is a large dance floor for those to enjoy the polka music." Joe Nardone added, "We were able to get the Stanky brothers to perform for this event. Both Joe and John and their full bands will perform." Speaking about the importance of the Wilkes Barre area to polka music, Jimmy Sturr commented, "Northeast Pennsylvania has always been the heartbeat of polka music. We will be including a tribute to the Kryger Brothers Orchestra." He also expressed excitement as the show will feature Chris Caffery of TSO (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) again, stating, "We are proud of his accomplishments and being a part of the performance and our orchestra." Joe Stanky from Joe Stanky and The Cadets said, “I sold over 100 tickets myself! The support this area gives our band and my brother’s band, John Stanky & The Coalminers, is humbling and we enjoy playing all your favorite Polkas. 

This annual Polkafest event is a tribute to Pennsylvania”. Thom Greco further stated, “Being half Slovak, I remember the regard for Polka music and it being a part of our upbringing. My mother and my Aunt Val Genetti enjoyed dancing to Polka music, and I was not alone. Last year’s event I met several generations of family members, some who came out with walkers and all the generations came out to dance together to the music performed by the “Kings of Polka Music”. This music and their regard for their ethnicity was alive and evident at last year’s Polkafest. We had over 600 people in attendance. We hope to top that number this year!” 

This year PBS TV WVIA and their PENNSYLVANIA POLKA television show will be promoting the event. WVIA President and CEO Carla McCabe said, “we are proud to be involved with the Pennsylvania Polkafest and to be a part of the Polka community”. WVIA Chief Content Officer, Ben Payavis II, said, “Pennsylvania Polka is one of our strongest local productions. Polka music is alive and doing well in Pennsylvania”. For more information and media inquiries, please contact Joe Nardone at 570-829-3603 or Thom Greco at 570-407-2000. Digital images and artwork can be obtained by emailing grecothom@aol.com. Don't miss out on the 2024 Pennsylvania Polkafest - secure your tickets now for an evening of music, dancing, and memories that will last a lifetime!