Heralding a “new era for the polka industry,” the Polka America Corporation (PAC) has launched as a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to promoting polka music throughout North America. Their website is a little stodgy — which is strange considering the fun, bouncy nature of the people and music they’re promoting — but they’re clearly committed to their cause. Board members come from a variety of backgrounds and include folks like Don Hedeker (of the Polkaholics), Ray Zalokar (who runs 247PolkaHeaven.com), intrepid polka CD reviewer Barry Nostradamus Sher, Big Lou, and many more. Membership is open to the general public and only costs $5 (no word on whether that gets you a swanky membership card for your wallet). PAC has the potential to be very influential in the polka community and I’m looking forward to hearing more about their plans.

A couple weeks ago, we mentioned the annual Galla-Rini Accordion Camp and wrote about Anthony Galla-Rini’s incredible career as a performer, arranger, teacher, and all-around promoter of the accordion. So we were sad to hear that the maestro passed away on Sunday, July 30, at the age of 102. Galla-Rini was one of the undisputed masters during the accordion’s “golden age” and co-founded the American Accordionists Association with fellow accordion legends like Pietro Frosini, Charles Magnante, and Pietro Diero. A memorial service will be held for Galla-Rini on Saturday, August 12, in Corona, CA.