Celebrate Polka Legend Ron Sluga at 90 with All-Star Music and Dancing
Sunday, August 9, 2026
SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, Ohio
Ron Sluga is one of the legends of polka music’s golden age. Join the all-star tribute to the banjo and guitar artist who accompanied the greatest names in the business, Sunday, August 9, 2026, at SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Ohio. The Bob Kravos Orchestra leads the Sluga salute with accordionist Jeff Pecon and guest artists, like Canada’s Polka King Walter Ostanek and Nashville’s Joey Miskulin, from 2:00 to 6:00.
Attached is a news release along with a caption and photo. I hope you can mention the event. If you would like to attend as my guest, please let me know by Friday, August 7, and I will have a complimentary ticket for you at the gate.
Ron Sluga turns 90 as the most accomplished banjo player and prominent side musician and vocalist on the Cleveland-style polka scene. He is best known for performing with America’s Polka King Frankie Yankovic and other award-winning polka performers like Johnny Vadnal and Walter Ostanek. Ron was so popular as a young talent in the 1950s that he enjoyed his own national fan club.
Ron became the go-to banjoist in Ohio and Great Lakes polka circles. Countless polka recordings feature his rhythms, including Grammy-winners and a nomination for his own album. His Cleveland store and studio nurtured generations of music-makers. The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame inducted him in 2005. Ron still appears on stage.
The Bob Kravos Orchestra performs for four hours of ballroom-style dancing, plus spotlight entertainers. Dinners are served from 1:00 on, along with sandwiches, refreshments and specials on the menu. Admission is $8; under 18 free. Your hosts are the members and friends of the SNPJ Farm Board and the Cleveland Federation of Lodges of the Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ).
SNPJ Farm is just off Chardon Road (Route 6) at 10946 Heath Road in Kirtland, Ohio, three miles east of Route 306 and six miles west of Route 44. Note: Chardon Road is closed in Willoughby Hills. From points west, take I-90 to the Route 91 exit and head south to connect with Chardon Road. Contact 216-481-1379 for details.
Joe Valencic, President
Cleveland Federation of SNPJ Lodges
Slovene National Benefit Society