About the website

polkabeat.com was founded in April 2010 by Theresa Cernoch Parker to promote Texas polka music and heritage and honor the memory of her dad, Willie “Bill” Cernoch, a passionate polka promoter. The site is updated weekly with the latest dance schedules of Texas bands, feature stories, CD reviews, artist interviews and photo/video coverage of polka dances and festivals. The polkabeat.com store opened in November 2011 to offer unique polka gifts and music. Many of the CDs are available for the first time in an online store. Proceeds from store sales and advertising is reinvested into the polka community to keep the heritage alive.

The free Weekend Lineup e-newsletter lets subscribers know each week who’s playing where and promotes the latest news and features on the website. Sign up on the home page.

The polkabeat.com Facebook fan page attracts posts from polka lovers and features a Weekly Trivia Contest with CDs, event tickets and fun polkabeat stuff as prizes.

polkabeat.com also sponsors jams, dances and festivals and welcomes sponsors to advertise on the site.

For information about this website or sponsorships, contact andy@texaspolkanews.com.

About the founder

Theresa Cernoch Parker is a third-generation Texan and native Houstonian born to a German mom from Weimar, Texas, and a Czech/Irish dad from Dubina, Texas. She grew up within walking distance of SPJST Lodge 88 in the Heights area and remembers going to dances with her parents at the lodge and Bill Mraz Ballroom. She earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Houston and has worked in corporate communications for more than 30 years. In 2014, Theresa purchased the Texas Polka News newspaper. Established in 1987 by musician Julius Tupa, the paper continues the mission to promote polka music and heritage. In 2020, Theresa donated the Texas Polka News and polkabeat.com to the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC), based in La Grange. TCHCC partnered with the Fayette County Record Newspaper to continue publication of the Texas Polka News and polkabeat.com.