Happy President’s Day…. This afternoon join me for the “World Premiere” of Traffic Jammin’ by Chicago’s Tri-City Drive. The Polka Jammer Network and yours truly are very honored to have the opportunity to bring this BRAND-NEW CD to our audience and we will be joined by Andrew Okrzesik . Plus, we remember Cleveland’s Polka Ambassador Tony Petkovsek..and your learn about our recent visit with Ted Kewicz formally of Chicago now residing in Las Vegas. Our chat Room will be open, log into our website at keithstras.com and email us a request if you prefer. But be sure to Join us at 2:00 (EST) 1:00 (CST) as we emanate LIVE Today for our Presidential Polka Party from the K & C Studios in Elgin ... See MoreSee Less
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The Chardon Polka Band is making their return to Stark County at Royal Docks Brewing Co. for the first time in 2019! We hope you are as excited about this as we are. Make plans to come early as they pack the house! ... See MoreSee Less
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of IPA Hall of Famer Tony Petkovsek. Tony was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
www.ipapolkas.com/blog/otw-portfolio/tony-petkovsek-pioneer-category-inducted-2013/
Tony Petkovsek was born August 21, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio to parents of Slovenian descent. At age 20 he began what would become the longest running daily two hour polka program, self-produced with his own sponsors. That daily show aired six days a week from 1961 through 2011 and it now continues weekly every Saturday for three hours from noon to 3:00 p.m. Co-hosts currently include Joey Tomsick, Joe Valencia (bilingual also in Slovenian), Denny Bucar and Patty Sluga. He broadcasts from his own home studio in Fairport Harbor on the shores of Lake Erie over WELW-1330AM where he is co-owner, and on the internet at 24/7polkaheaven.com.
Petkovsek began originating and promoting polka tours and cruises to virtually the entire world including even Australia with polka bands and artists and a special emphasis in the European Alpine countries of Austria, Germany, Switzer-land, Italy and of course Slovenia, the country of his ancestry.
He became a partner with Kollander World Travel, based on the east side of Cleveland and this year marking 90 years of business. Tony has spent about 45 years at the agency and currently is a consultant. His total travels besides Europe and Australia have included the exotic places like Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America, earning him the title of “Polka Ambassador.”
This year, 2013, marks 50 years since a Thanksgiving Polka Party has been in existence. Since 1990, the event has been downtown at the leading, first class, Marriott Hotel, in which the 25-story, 400 room hotel is filled to capacity. Patrons have come from over 25 states, all of Canada, and even Europe like the Netherlands and Slovenia. Fifteen to twenty Cleveland-Slovenian bands perform non-stop, around the clock on the weekend.
Twenty six years ago a National Cleveland-Style (Slovenian) Polka Hall of Fame in Euclid was founded by Tony Petkovsek and a group of dedicated volunteer directors. The museum is supported by the only full time record shop selling all of the latest in polka CDs, DVDs and souvenir gift items. Tony continues as Chairman Emeritus with Joe Valencic as President.
Tony is the recipient of numerous, over 100, awards and proclamations for his 52 years of promotional work in the polka field. Topping the list for 2013 is the International Polka Music Hall of Fame, based in Chicago, and it’s Pioneer Award.
Details on funeral services will be announced within the next few days. ... See MoreSee Less
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If you happen to be at the Valentine's Dance Weekend at the Plaza Hotel in Wausau, Wisconsin, be sure to visit our IPA Table. ... See MoreSee Less
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We are saddened to announce the passing of long time IPA Chaplain Father Phil Grib.
Visitation will be on Saturday February 16, 2019 at
St Eugene Church, 7958 W Foster
Chicago, Illinois.
9:30 am to 10:45 am and Mass begins at 11 am.
Rest In Peace Father Phil.We are saddened to announce the death of Fr. Phil Grib, SJ who has spent the last 20 years here at St Eugene. Services will be announced. Please pray for the repose of his soul and in thanksgiving for the service he provided in his priesthood. ... See MoreSee Less
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