Thanks for the Dance!

The Texas Polka News, a publication dedicated to promoting dance hall music, announces a new chapter in its endeavor to bring happy music to happy people. Theresa Cernoch Parker, current publisher of the Texas Polka News (TPN) and polkabeat.com, will handing over the reins of the media outlet to Gary E. McKee, on August 1, 2020. Ms. Parker bought the paper in 2014 from the estate of Julius Tupa who founded the paper in 1987. The paper complimented her website, polkabeat. com, and was vital to keeping the dance floors full and educating the public on the cultural history of Texas. Mr. McKee, a photojournalist, had been providing content for her website and assumed editor and photojournalistic duties when Ms. Parker purchased the paper.

“Thanks to all who have supported the paper and website over the years,” Ms. Parker said. “I felt it was time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life, which includes retirement and spending more time with my granddaughter. I am so glad Gary has decided to polka on and keep the tradition going as set forth by Julius Tupa.”

Details are being ironed out on the passing of the duties. Assuredly the core principles of the TPN and polkabeat.com will remain. The powerful dance and picnic schedule will continue to serve the community and steer people to fun destinations.

“The full-throttle promotion of polka and waltz music will continue as before,” Mr. McKee said. “The popular 'smiles' photography section will be expanded to see yourself and friends enjoying the dance floor. A special focus will be coverage of the smaller venues that have sprouted across Central Texas,” he said adding that for the present time subscriptions and advertising will be maintained at the present rates.

“As the music and dance scene slowly reconstructs itself as we learn to live with the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be leading the charge back to the dance floors by announcing opportunities to safely begin and regrow Texas grass roots music,” Mr. McKee stated.

To subscribe or renew your subscription, continue to use texaspolkanews.com while the transition is finalized.