Thomas Anthony (Tommy) Karas was born March 28, 1946 in Buffalo, New York. He was the eldest of four children born to Anthony J. and Carrie M. (Bieniek) Karas. Both sets of grandparents were Polish immigrants. His father was a steel worker at Bethlehem Steel and his mother was a stay-at-home mom caring for the children, John, Karen and Donna, who followed him in birth order. Tom and his siblings were raised…
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Johnny Karas, lead vocalist and tenor saxophone for the Jimmy Sturr Band, has regaled audiences with his virtuosity for over forty years. His intensity, versatility and creativity on the tenor sax have resulted in most observers describing him as one of, if not the best saxophonist ever in the polka field. His unique vocal styling and phrasing have afforded him the recognition of being one of the finest vocalists in the industry. Bobby Vinton…
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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 the set of IPA Interviews that we have published. You can also view them directly on our IPA YouTube Page along with videos that were shown at the IPA Virtual Festival in 2020.…
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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 39 Hall of Famers! Never before has such a collection of polka stars come together to perform on the same song. The song “Here’s a…
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==================================================================== 1968-1969 Theo Kaniecki Pokorski 1969-1970 Sally Niemiec Sendra 1970-1971 Pam Jozwiak 1971-1972 Sharon Ann Skoczylas 1972-1973 Valerie Ann Dalski 1973-1974 Nancy Dombrowski 1974-1975 Lorraine Liconski 1975-1976 Robin Platta Chimniak 1976-1977 Linda Blicharz 1977-1978 Tricia (Pacula) Charland 1978-1979 Sandy Riske Shuster 1979-1980 Julie Krzeminski 1980-1981 Debbie Walczynski Greene 1981-1982 Nanci Jo Mseis 1982-1983 Barbara Malinowski Chester 1983-1984 Leanne Kula Mieszala 1984-1985 Carol Hahn 1985-1986 Donna M. Karas 1986-1987 Debbie Watkowski Bizon 1987-1988 Barbara Gdula Adams…
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Recipients of the International Polka Association’s Certificate of Appreciation. This certificate is given to those individuals, bands, groups or organizations, who celebrated a milestone within the polka field. ====================================================================== February 24, 2024 – The NuTones In recognition of your efforts for promoting and performing Polka Music for 40 years, the International Polka Association hereby present this Certificate of Appreciation. Thank you and Congratulations. February 18, 2024 – Let’s Polka USA Club – 20th Anniversary In…
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