Polka series will start at Avon Oaks with Box On
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
GIRARD
Polka dances will return to the Mahoning Valley as part of a series at Avon Oaks, 1401 N. State St., that will begin Saturday with Box On and the Del Sinchak Band.
The series, which is being promoted by Gary Rhamy of Youngstown’s Peppermint Records and Sinchak, will feature top polka acts and the Grammy-nominated Del Sinchak Band.
The Mahoning Valley’s polka scene took a hit earlier this year when Kuzman’s closed. The Girard dance hall featured live polka music and dances every weekend.
The series is an attempt to reinvigorate the polka scene and please fans. Admission will be $15.
“We wanted to keep ethnic music and dancing alive in the Valley,” said Rhamy. “And we thought that this would be an appropriate place, since polka music and dancing had been featured there [in the past].”
Rhamy said local fans have been asking for polka dances.
Avon Oaks routinely booked polka acts on Sunday nights until it was sold several years ago. Now it has DJs on Friday nights and is known for hosting national billiard tournaments.
Saturday’s show will bring the return of Box On, the act that includes nine members of the Vinecki family of Grand Rapids, Mich. The show will start at 7 p.m. and end at 11. Sinchak will begin the show and then alternate with Box On.
Also scheduled as part of the series are:
Aug. 5: Mollie B and Squeezebox, with Del Sinchak Band, 2 to 6 p.m.
Oct. 15: John Gora and Gorale, with Del Sinchak Band, 3 to 7 p.m.
Nov. 5: Frank Stanger Orchestra, with Del Sinchak Band, 3 to 7 p.m.