Friday, April 1, 2016

Popular polka music festival returns to Tioga Downs for third year

Polkapalooza III offers free entertainment for all ages

Nichols, N.Y. - March 19, 2016 - In celebration of the centuries old tradition of polka music, Tioga Downs is hosting the third annual Polkapalooza music festival Saturday, April 2 from 11 am until 8 pm. The free event is open to people of all ages and features performances by four musical groups throughout the daylong event. Bands will entertain audiences on two stages throughout the day and evening.

Polkapalooza III features the return of Joe Stanky and the Cadets, who have been a part of the event since the beginning in 2014. They will perform from 11 am - 1 pm on the Coasters Stage. The popular polka group has been performing together for more than 30 years at venues across the country.

Also back for a third time this year to entertain fans is Fritz's Polka Band, which will perform from 1 - 3 pm on the Tioga Stage. This New York-based group strives to break down stereotypes about polka music and aims to entertain fans of all ages. The band has remained together for nearly 40 years and was even inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

New to the event in 2016 is Salt City Brass, which will take to the Coasters Stage from 3 - 5 pm. This group has been performing together since 1966 and specializes in polka music but also plays a wide variety of musical styles.

The evening culminates with John Stevens Doubleshot, returning for a second year, on the Tioga Stage from 5 - 8 pm. Since its formation in 1995, the band has entertained on Polka Cruises and currently has more than a dozen CD releases. John Stevens Doubleshot performs with promoting polka music to the younger generation in mind.

"We enjoy hosting this popular event each year," said owner Jeff Gural. "Families look forward to a chance to hear this unique style of music and enjoy a day of wholesome and free entertainment."

Local media personalities Roger Neel and Bill Flynn will serve as the guest emcees.
 Tioga Downs offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic table games. A variety of eateries are also part of the current entertainment complex. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY and Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY. Tioga Downs was recently recommended by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board for a full gaming license. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.