Prime Time Polkas

08/29/2025

08/29/2025

08/14/2025

07/29/2025

The Polka Hall of Fame Remembers
Mike Dragas
1935 – 2025
Bassist
Trustees Honor Roll 2011

Mike Dragas was one of the leading bassists on the Cleveland-Style scene, performing with legendary figures, such as America’s Polka King Frankie Yankovic, and high-profile polka bands led by Art Perko and George Staiduhar. For more than three decades, Mike worked at Atlantic Records, where his passion for music blossomed.

For 32 years, Mike helped give the Art Perko Orchestra a distinctive, solid Cleveland-Style sound along with Ray Sterle on the drums and Bill Tomsick on clarinet and sax. The three first met in the Joe Luzar band. When the group disbanded, they joined Art Perko and made their television debut in 1960 on Cleveland’s syndicated “Polka Varieties” and appeared regularly until the last telecast in 1985. Their first Perko album had a hit with “Peanuts Polka” in 1965. Five more albums followed. The band performed with Bob Hope, Buck Owens, Roy Clark, Dottie West, Charley Pride, Gene Krupa and the Temptations. The trio later played in Tony Fortuna’s orchestra until they retired in 2005.

Mike’s bass also backed the Harry Faint R***e, one of the premier Cleveland-Style bands in the Midwest. Mike continued with the R***e under the leadership of Hall of Famer George Staiduhar. The band was a popular feature of the Illinois Polka Festival. The R***e’s ballroom style was captured on recordings and won Band of the Year in 2003. Mike also performed with the Fairport Jammers.

07/21/2025

06/01/2025

At SNPJ, we’re more than life insurance and annuities—we’re a vibrant community that feels like family. 💙

Membership through our life insurance and annuity products means access to more than protection for your future—it means connection, culture, and celebration. We are proud to offer many benefits to our loyal members:
🏞 SNPJ Recreation Center
🎓 College scholarships
⚽ Athletics
🎉 Social activities
🎭 Cultural programs

Plus, you’re invited to unforgettable events like National SNPJ Days, Slovenefest, the Miss SNPJ Pageant, bowling tournaments, and so much more! 🎶👑🎳

At SNPJ, we don’t just plan for life—we live it together.

05/29/2025

Pittsburgh's party band featuring Oktoberfest polka and music of all styles

05/02/2025

Today, Friday, May 2!

04/04/2025

https://youtu.be/O-cp1Y44g0c?si=x1GHelsH_raF9yWI

Bobby Zgonc and granddaughter

03/29/2025

The Pals know how to plan a party. So...plan to party with the Pals!