It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our IPA Advisor, Jerry Wantroba. Jerry passed away Monday, after a long Illness. Jerry’s family were residents of the McKinley Park neighborhood in Chicago, where so many Polkas stars lived. Jerry was first a sponsor on Chicago…
The International Polka Association is excited to announce . . . The 52nd Annual Virtual Festival of Bands! Sunday, January 17th, 2021 3:00pm Central Time / 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, we won’t be able to experience live music in person, but we thought it would be…
Unfortunately Polka Friends; Sad Mickey is back. The Warm-up Dance and Chicago Festival of Bands normally scheduled for the 3rd weekend in January have been POSTPONED due to the ongoing pandemic. Also the IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dances in Ludlow, MA have been POSTPONED as well.…
The IPA has embarked on a project to interview many of our IPA Hall of Fame Inductees. The stories and memories have been fantastic, and we are excited to bring them to all of our polka friends. Listed below, you will find a link to our ever-growing set of IPA…
Attention Polka Artists/Bands: The International Polka Association has adopted a new electronic method for polka artists/bands, who are interested in being considered for IPA awards, to register and submit their recordings (if applicable). As you may know, the Academy of Electors, which comprises 195 electors from across the country,…
IPA Director Stephen Kaminski is pleased to announce the third installment of his solo project series to be called “Stephen Kaminski & the Dream Team, Volume 3 – The Chicago Edition”. The first single from the upcoming project is a song entitled “2:15”. The song was debuted on Craig…
2020 Winner and Runner Up Announced! Congratulations to Nathan Neuman and his song “Pass it On” as the winner of the International Polka Association’s 2020 Young Songwriter’s competition! Also; please congratulate Jenna Libera for securing second place for her polka “Sunshine” A big congratulations and Thank You to…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2020 On behalf of the International Polka Association Board of Trustees and Hall of Fame Committee, the IPA Officers and Directors are proud to announce the 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees as well as the 2019 Music Award winners. The IPA Hall of Fame and…
Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Leon Kozicki Trustee’s Award, Robert “Robbie” Piatkowski. Robbie most recently performs with the John Gora & Gorale Orchestra as their lead trumpet player. Over the years, the IPA Polka Hall of Fame® and Music Awards processes have rightfully recognized deserving polka musicians who…
For better than four decades now, this informally organized group from the Albany, N.Y./Western Mass. area (only a few of whom actually play polkas), has been supporting and promoting the music they obviously love, making it fun to be at the events they attend, and doing so with an enthusiasm…
The International Polka Association is proud to announce that they appointed Father Dennis A. Bogusz as the IPA Chaplain. Father Dennis A. Bogusz was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 11, 1950 to the late Florence Lewandowski Bogusz and the late Frank Bogusz. He received a BA in Theology from…
Zelle is a free, built-in, money transferring service of a growing number of banks and credit unions. Currently over 700 financial institutions offer Zelle to their customers as a way to send money. Included in the list are some of the largest banks in the United States (Bank of America,…
The International Polka Association Releases Historic Recording As the International Polka Association prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the organization is proud to announce the release of a historic recording: “Here’s a Gift”. All Hall of Fame Inductees were invited to participate in this project, and the result included…
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of IPA Hall of Famer Dean Hansen. Dean was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Our deepest sympathies to all of Dean’s Family and Friends. Click here for Dean’s obituary & service details Click here…
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of I.P.A. Hall of Fame member Stanley “Stas” Golonka. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife Sue, his children Allan, Michelle, their families, and all of his friends. Please keep…
It is with deep sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of former I.P.A. Director Bonnie Ryniec. Bonnie fought a strong, hard battle versus cancer and gave it her all. We love you Bonnie, and will miss your laughter and beautiful smile. Condolences to James “Whitey” Ryniec, Angela…
Over the years, the IPA Polka Hall of Fame and Music Awards processes have rightfully recognized deserving polka musicians who attained prominence in the polka industry for their musical achievements that helped promote polka music and broaden its audience. Because of their highly visible roles, bandleaders or “front men and…
Many years ago, the late Joseph Jozwiak, a director of the IPA, proposed an award be bestowed upon an individual or group of individuals who made a significant contribution or endeavor to enhance the promotion of polka music. Originally named the Special Achievement Award, the International Polka Association voted to…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On behalf of the International Polka Association Board of Trustees and Hall of Fame Committee, the IPA Officers and Directors are proud to announce the 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees as well as the 2018 music award winners. The IPA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet will…
The International Polka Association Announces 2018 Polka Hall of Fame Inductees and 2017 Music Award Winners! On behalf of the International Polka Association Board of Trustees and Hall of Fame Committee, the IPA Officers and Directors are proud to announce the 2017 award winners and Hall of Fame inductees for 2018.…
Many years ago, the late Joseph Jozwiak, a director of the IPA, made a suggestion that an award be bestowed upon an individual or group of Individuals who have made a significant contribution or endeavor to enhance the promotion of polka music. After much discussion, the International…
On behalf of the International Polka Association Board of Trustees and Hall of Fame Committee, the IPA Officers and Directors are proud to announce the 2106 award winners and Hall of Fame inductees for 2017. The IPA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, September 2,…
