58th Annual Chicago Festival of Bands and Warm Up Dance Weekend – Jan 15th, 16th and 17th, 2027

Join the International Polka Association in Celebrating January as National Polka Month with our 58th Annual Festival of Bands Weekend. Location Elements by the Odyssey Banquet Hall16235 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, IIllinoisLocated behind and connected to the Homewood Suites Hotel Lodging Homewood Suites Hotel16245 South Lagrange RoadOrland Park, IL 60467 Special Rate for the IPA is $159. The Homewood Suites Hotel is connected to Odyssey Banquet Hall. National Polka Month Welcome Party – Friday,…

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Dozynzki (Harvest Festival) – Sponsored by USPA/CPA/IPA

Join the USPA, CPA and IPA and we present a Dozynki (Harvest Festival) in Cleveland, Ohio. Friday, Sept 25th will feature a free Welcome Party with Jody Maddie’s Polski Jam Band. Then on Saturday , Sept 26th we welcome both the New Brass Express and Mon Valley Push. Hotel rooms will be available at the Wyndham, Independence, Ohio.

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Introducing the Launch of the Virtual IPA Hall Of Fame

After months of planning, collaboration, and development, the International Polka Association is proud to officially launch the Virtual IPA Hall of Fame Museum! Working closely with our web development team, we have brought a long-standing vision to life — creating an online destination where fans, historians, and future generations can explore and celebrate the rich history of polka music. We invite you to explore the museum and celebrate the people and moments that made polka music…

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The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Richard Midura

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Richard Midura, a 2016 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family, and all his polka friends and fans. Richard Stanley Midura was born on August 12, 1935, in Chicopee, Massachusetts, to the late Stanley and Nellie (Kowal) Midura. He grew up in Chicopee, attended Chicopee High School, and remained deeply connected to the Western Massachusetts community throughout his…

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2026 IPA Hall of Fame Selectees & 2025 Music Award Winners!

The IPA is proud to announce the results of the annual election conducted by the Academy of Electors and Trustees that determines the 2026 Hall of Fame selectees and winners of the 2025 Polka Music Awards. This year, the following candidates will be inducted into the IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame: Living Category: Gary Krupski, Jeff Heinz Deceased Category: Kenneth Machelski, Rich Anton Pioneer Category: Eddie Rodick, Jr. The 2025 IPA Polka Music Award…

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The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer John “Stanky” Stankovic

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of John “Stanky” Stankovic a 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family, and all his polka friends and fans. John “Stanky” Stankovic, 89, of Hanover Section, Nanticoke, passed away early Thursday, December 25, 2025. Born at home on Phillip Street, in the Hanover Section of Nanticoke on May 4, 1936, he was a son of the late Joseph…

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20th Annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance – March 14th and 15th, 2026

Location Polish American Citizens Center355 East StreetLudlow, MA 01056 Hotels Special Room Rates are available for the IPA weekend at: Holiday Inn Express321 Center St.Ludlow, MA413-589-9300Rates: 3/12/26 ($149), 3/13/26 & 3/14/26 ($165), 3/15/26 ($149) Saturday, March 14th Music by the Dynabrass7pm – 11pmAdmission $20 Sunday, March 15th Honoring the music of the Joe Zalewski and Toledo Polkamotion Reunion Featuring: Lenny Gomulka Eddie Forman Orchestra Dennis Polisky’s Maestro’s Men 2pm – 7pmAdmission: $20 Tickets For tickets,…

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The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Thaddeus Okrzesik, Sr. (Ted O)

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Teddy Okrzesik, Sr., a 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family, and all his polka friends and fans. The Born in Chicago on July 29, 1937, Ted was a devoted husband and father, and the proud and loving Dziadz of 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was a dear friend to many. Ted is survived by his…

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The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Richie Gomulka

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Richie Gomulka, a 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family, and all his polka friends and fans. Richie was born on February 6, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ted and Mary (Owca) Gomulka, first-generation American-born parents. The oldest of four children, Richie shared a lifelong bond with his 2 sisters and younger brother. Richie leaves behind his…

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