ArtsQuest Statement on Jolly Joe Timmer

It is with great sadness  that longtime Musikfest performer and Polka Hall of Famer Jolly Joe Timmer has passed away.

Over the years, few artists have been as closely tied to Musikfest and its history as Joe Timmer. From his first notes at the initial festival in August 1984 to his orchestra’s performances at Musikfest in recent years, Joe and his band have delighted thousands upon thousands of guests with the joyous sounds of the polkas.

Joe’s passion for music was evident not only at Musikfest, but also through his many years as owner and host of WGPA radio, as well as the thousands of shows he performed throughout the region over the decades.

Our thoughts and our prayers go out to Joe’s family and friends during this very difficult time. In honor of Joe and his love for music, we are pleased to announce the Jolly Joe Timmer Orchestra will still take the stage at Wells Fargo Festplatz on opening night of Musikfest on Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. We encourage everyone to come out and pay tribute to one of the Lehigh Valley’s true music legends and to enjoy this special performance.

Joe, we thank you for the many decades of beautiful music and for the very important role you played in helping us launch Musikfest so many years ago.
The staff, boards, volunteers and members of ArtsQuest