Weekend Lineup
TCHCC will become new publisher

I am excited to announce that I have donated the Texas Polka News and polkabeat.com to the Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center, effective August 1. More details will be shared in the September issue of the paper. My last polkabeat Weekend Lineup eblast will be Thursday, July 23. The Polka On! store will remain open. Thank you everyone for all of your support over the five years I have published the paper. I am excited that it will continue. I spoke with Marie Tupa and she, too, is happy to see the paper will live on. 

As we all look forward to gathering once again on the dancefloor, consider the internet as your friend!  YouTube channels can help you polka on! Mollie B & Squeezebox , Alex Meixner Band , Buttonboxes by Walt Harfmann, George Weber , and The Manaccordionist Kelsey Lien. Check our Facebook page often as we post videos of various artists. And listen to polka radio. See the ads on the left of polkabeat.com homepage.

 

Dance and festival cancellations are listed on polkabeat.com. The list represents cancellations that I know about. If dances/live music are still on the schedule, please call the venue before heading out.

Latest cancellations of festivals/events:
PoLK of A meeting & dance, July 12 in Sealy, canceled
Czech & Then Some @ National Hall, July 12, canceled
Battle dance at Columbus Hall in West, July 12, canceled
Pulaski Polka Days, Wisconsin, July 16-19, canceled
Ascension Church in Moravia picnic, July 19, canceled
Moulton Town & Country Jamboree, July 24-26, canceled
Corpus Christi: South Texas Summer Polka Fest, Aug. 8, canceled
Praha Picnic, August 15, canceled
Westfest, Labor Day Weekend, canceled
International Polka Association Hall of Fame & Music Awards, Labor Day Weekend, canceled
Kolache Festival in Caldwell, September 12, canceled
Wendish Fest in Serbin, September 27, canceled
Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, October 2-4, canceled
Polka Party Cruise with Barefoot Becky, Jan. 3-10, 2021, canceled

Stay in the AC & Polka On!

Coming in July: The Texas Polka News is entering a new chapter in its publishing history. Theresa Parker is stepping down as publisher. The paper will continue under the leadership of Gary E. McKee and a soon-to-be-named publisher. Details about the transition are being discussed and an announcement will be made in the next issue. Theresa thanked everyone for their support and cited that she had become overwhelmed and burned out by all the publishing duties. She said she is looking forward to retirement and spending more time with her granddaughter. While this is the main story in the July issue, the paper is filled with some great reads. Gary looks at the first issue of TPN published by Julius Tupa in 1987. He follows the musical history of a group of musician friends known as the Off-Beats at Schulenburg High and who now play with the Shiner Hobos. The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed some creative musical outlets like Jerry Haisler and friends who created a song and video about the East Bell County Corona Busters. Justin Everett reviews music of GEEZER, profiles DJ Craig Montana, and features the music career of Matt Strmiska. Other topics of interest - gazebos and brass bands, Big Squeeze accordion winners, remembering Mike Barker of Alpenfest, and PoLK of A scholarship winners. Of course, we have your July/August calendar of dances, festivals, and live music events. Please check venue and organization websites and Facebook pages to see if events are still on. Also check the calendar on polkabeat.com, which is updated daily. Visit  texaspolkanews.com to see latest issue.


Photo Gallery 
Sengelmann Hall 
Click on photo to see images by 
Gary E. McKee

Round Top July 4th Parade
Click on photo to see images by Gary E. McKee and Gretchen Sacks


Polka Trending


With COVID-19 cases at an all time high in Texas, there has never been a more crucial time to raise awareness of the importance of wearing a protective mask. 

When Gary P. Nunn, icon of Lone Star music, launched the Texas Maskuerade Party initiative at a press conference on May 20th imploring everyone to stay safe by wearing a mask and socialize responsibly, he had no idea just how crucial this message would continue to be in the weeks ahead. 

And now acclaimed Western artist, Jack Terry, has shown his support for Nunn's campaign and captured the moment in his poignant painting, the Texas Maskuerade Party, which aims to raise even more awareness and funds, to continue educating and encouraging Texans to protect each other during this COVID-19 outbreak. 

Texas Maskuerade Party is here to remind you to Socialize Responsibly. 
Join Us On Facebook and the Texas Mask Party  website for more updates.

 

Watch the videos  by Walt Harfmann of  Fritz Hodde at Dale's Essenhaus in  Walburg... the Walburg Boys...Czech Harvesters at TPMM Fundraiser in West...Walburg Boys at Leap Year Day party...Dujka Brothers in Elgin...Red Ravens in Cyclone...all five bands at the Ennis Czech Music Festival

Watch the videos  by George Weber of Fritz Hodde/Fab 6 and 3-band jam at El Campo Polka Fest...Lost Cause at the PoLK of A dance


Chet at Daytripper says stay safe, stay Texan, and get your   TX Flag Mask here , y'all. 

 
Chardon Polka Band in Ohio has just completed "Polka Across America". The 45-minute program takes viewers on a virtual-summer-road-trip across the United States; introducing them to unique musicians and artists from around the country. 

Celebrating diversity, Americana, and summer... "Polka Across America" is a heartfelt and informative program that viewers of all ages can enjoy. 

You can view the full program here.

WEEKLY LAUGH

Due to COVID-19, this was the first year I could not go to Switzerland for my summer vacation.  Otherwise it's due to the lack of money. 


As a spectator at the last Summer Olympics, I saw a guy walking around carrying a 10-foot long stick.  "Are you a pole vaulter?" I asked.
"No," he responded. "I'm a German. But how did you know my name is Walter?"

From upjoke.com     Share your jokes: [email protected]
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