STRABANE, Pa. — It’s time for food, fun and fancy footwork at the 8th annual Button Box Blast. Visitors who wish to take a trip to Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Poland, Germany or Austria without leaving the good old USA can enjoy authentic polkas and waltzes at Lodge 138 in Strabane. Sounds of country music will also be laced in for American music lovers. Many mock it, but after observation, it grows on you. It’s so easy to become absorbed in the culture; you’ll find yourself laughing and bobbing your head to the beat. It truly is a unique and delightful way to enjoy a taste of ethnic culture, and visitors need not be Slovenian to attend. It’s unlike anything you will experience elsewhere!
Hosted by the Strabane SNPJ International Button Box Club, the Button Box Bash is set for Saturday, May 9, from 2 to 9:30 p.m.; doors will open at noon. Held in cooperation with Lodge 138, the air-conditioned Strabane Hall at 269 Latimer Ave., just one mile off I-79 Houston Exit 43, will be the place for dancing and fun. There will be adequate parking in two lots, and it will be handicap accessible.
For the first time since its inception in 2001, dancing will be in the downstairs grill room only. Included in the act are six top groups with musicians from throughout Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. Among the groups featured will be the Yukon Button Box Club from 2 to 3 p.m., the Ohio Polka Pirates from 3:10 to 4:10 p.m., Sounds of Country from 4:20 to 5:20 p.m., Ray Machulsky from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and the Western Pennsylvania Button Box Club from 6:40 to 7:40 p.m. Wrapping up the day’s events will be Strabane’s own Valencic Brothers at 7:50 p.m.
In spite of the fact that the average polka lover is 75, Strabane’s 8th annual Button Box Blast will provide a glimmer of hope for new generations of polka enthusiasts. By mixing traditional tunes with modern arrangements, and featuring cutting edge musicians, highly skilled accordionists and renowned button box players, the event always seems to get the crowd moving, regardless of age. Few other events harness the creative energy and adrenaline of old and new world cultures like this annual event in Strabane. There will be continuous music throughout the day and admission is just $5 for adults; youths 16 and under will be admitted free. Food and refreshments will be available from noon until 9 p.m.
In addition to hosting the above mentioned Button Box Blast, the SNPJ International Button Box Club meets Monday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Strabane Lodge 138. The button box is the primary instrument played, but accompaniment can also be heard on the drums, saxophone, bass guitar and occasionally the trumpet. Practice sessions are a treat for the many devoted followers who jam the hall each Monday to dance and listen to the melodious sounds of polkas, waltzes, patriotic tunes and, most recently, a country-western song or two. Always in the midst of a festive atmosphere, the group hopes the rhythm of their practice sessions will be carried over to the 8th Annual Button Box Blast.
Mark your calender now for the 8th annual Button Box Blast Saturday, May 9. Come early and stay late. Polkas, waltzes and good food will be the order of the day. Be prepared to dance, keep the rhythm and enjoy some fine food. Everyone is invited. With Mother’s Day the following day, start celebrating early! Bring along your mother, wife, daughter, sister or friend for some heart-touching music. It will be a nice way to put the family in a happy mood for Mother’s Day. For more information, contact Millie Kifer at (724) 745-1674, Norm (Pete) Cimino at (724) 745-1283 or Strabane Lodge 138 at (724) 745-9860.
