WILKES-BARRE — Now that the 2026 Polkafest is over, it’s time to look forward to more music and fun to be had.
Polkafest was held Sunday at Mohegan Pennsylvania with more than 500 people in attendance, and many of them dancing the polka all night.
The incomparable multi-Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra was amazing to say the least. Kudos to Joe Nardone, Thom Greco, and Jim Della Croce for putting together another top-notch event.
Next up will be Joe Nardone Presents: Oh! What A Night of Music & Memories at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.
The concert will feature Jay and the Americans, The Brooklyn Bridge, The Duprees, and E’Stefano DiSanto singing so many hits that we all know all the words to.
Ticket prices start at $49.50 plus fees. and can be purchased online at kirbycenter.org and ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the F.M. Kirby Center Box Office during business hours Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by calling the box office at 570-826-1100.
The event promises to be a night to celebrate and hear some of the greatest vocal harmony groups of the last 50 years, with Jay and the Americans, The Brooklyn Bridge, and The Duprees. And, for the first time here, E’Stefano DiSanto, an amazing vocalist, will perform.
About the performers
• Jay and the Americans
Started by four teenage boys in Sandy Yaguda’s basement in 1961, the group is one of the lasting success stories in rock n’ roll history. From 1962 to 1971, the group charted an amazing five Billboard Top 10 hits and 12 Top 20 hit records.
Comprised of founding member Sandy Yaguda, original member Marty Kupersmith, Darren Dowler (former lead singer of Paul Revere and the Raiders), plus the addition of the astounding lead vocals of Jay Reincke.
Jay and the Americans’ first recording was “Tonight” (from “West Side Story”), but their breakout hit was “She Cried.” Hits that followed include “Only in America,” “Come a Little Bit Closer,” and “Cara Mia.”
• The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge was formed in March 1968 in New York and had their first of many hit records, “Worst That Could Happen,” in 1969.
The Top 40 hits continued with “Welcome My Love,” “Blessed is the Rain,” and “Your Husband My Wife.” Show-stopping renditions of “16 Candles” and “Unchained Melody” further cemented their reputation as a must-see act.
They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005.
Comprised of original member Jimmy Rosica and members who have been in the group for more than 50 years in Lou Agiesta and Marty D’amico. Joining in the celebration with The Brooklyn Bridge are Ed Gaudio, Michael Ernst, John Williams, and Vinnie Pizzo.
• The Duprees
The Duprees are one of the most outstanding vocal harmony groups, serenading audiences with the best love songs ever written.
It was more than 50 years ago that “You Belong to Me” became a national hit. This was followed by numerous other favorites that captivated their listeners. Tommy Petillo’s impressively smooth voice is the quintessence of The Duprees. Jimmy Spinelli, along with Shawn Stevens, brings their unique energy for a genuine show.
• E’Stefano DiSanto
E’Stefano DiSanto has been nominated as Best of Las Vegas in five categories, including Resident Headliner, Best New Act/Show, and Best New Lounge Act. The Las Vegas Weekly nominated him as Headliner of the Year, but he lost to his idol, Barry Manilow.
When you look at all the hit songs these groups have had, you can’t help but anticipate the memories that they will evoke. It happens every time Joe Nardone puts a how-together. And it is really amazing to be there and to sing along with the groups that recorded those songs that created all of those great memories.
Plus, the concert will be at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts — the crown jewel of entertainment for the region. Every performer who has ever had the opportunity to perform on the Kirby Center stage has raved about the facility, its acoustics, its ambiance, its intimacy, and, of course, the audiences.
Joe Nardone Sr. has devoted his entire professional life to music.
As the leader of Joe Nardone & The All-Stars, he entertained thousands of people throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
As a concert promoter, he brought acts such as Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, and KISS to the region when they were still young and up-and-coming artists, and he continues to promote shows featuring some of the most legendary Doo-Wop acts of all time.
As a retailer, he founded the Gallery of Sound record stores, which have been a haven for music lovers for 5 decades.
Nardone keeps doing the same great work year after year, bringing all of these great artists to our area for us to see and hear.
And to recall all those great memories.