IPA News – International Polka Association

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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,…

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…

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…

20th Annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance 2026, Ludlow, MA

Please Join the International Polka Association for the 20th annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance in Ludlow, MA. We hope to see you there!

The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Li’l John Nalevanko

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Li’l John Nalevanko, a 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his children, grandchildren, and all his polka friends and fans. John G. Nalevanko, Sr., 72, of Greensburg, died Monday, June 23, 2025, in Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. He was born August 22, 1952, in Greensburg, a son of the late John J. and Catherine (Bohatch) Nalevanko. Prior…

2025 IPA Hall of Fame Selectees & 2024 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 2025 Hall of Fame selectees and winners of the 2024 Polka Music Awards. This year, the following candidates will be inducted into the IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame: Living Category: John Krawisz, Mark Janson Deceased Category: Bob Earl, Chester Pala Pioneer Category: Richard Sendra The 2024 IPA Polka Music Award Winners…

19th Annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance – March 8 and 9th, 2025

Location Polish American Citizens Center355 East StreetLudlow, MA 01056 Saturday, March 8th Music by the Dynatones7pm – 11pmAdmission $20 Sunday, March 9th Honoring the music of the G-Notes with a Special Tribute to Johnny KarasFeaturing:Lenny GomulkaPiatkowski BrothersThe Baltic Boys2pm – 7pmAdmission: $20 Tickets For tickets, please contact: Ernie Daigle: 413-519-7014Peter Danielczuk: 203-231-1819

Notice of Proposed Changes to the By Laws

This notice officially proposes changes to IPA By-Laws that have already been reviewed by the IPA Executive Board. Per procedure, they are being published in this newsletter for consideration by our general membership. From May 1, 2024, to June 20, 2024, our general membership will vote on whether to approve these changes. Members may use one of the following voting methods: 1.) Calling in their “yes” or “no” vote to the IPA – 800-867-6552, leave a…

Announcing the 5th Annual IPA Young Songwriters Competition for 2024

So you think you can compose a hit polka or waltz? What’s New This Year? Submissions are limited to ONE song per songwriter for songs you composed on your own. One additional submission can be made if it was co-written with another songwriter. Click HERE to go to the Submission Form and see instructions, eligibility and terms. For more information, please listen to the following radio spot

The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Florian Chmielewski

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Florian Chmielewski, a 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all his polka friends and fans. Florian W. Chmielewski, Sr., age 97, of Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. Florian was one of 15 children, born to Tony and Tillie Chmielewski on the family…

2024 Joe Jozwiak Award Winner: Raymond Kanoza

I was born on January 28, 1952, in Oshawa, Ontario (Canada), the first of my two siblings, both sisters (Christine and Theresa), to be welcomed home by two loving parents, Joseph and Aurelia Kanoza. Both mom and dad were born in Poland. I grew up in a lovely Polish and catholic home. Music and family gatherings were a common occurrence in our home. Mom and Dad, as well as both family and friends, loved music…

2024 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award Winner: Nicola “Nicky D” DiSebastiano

2024 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award Winner: Nicola “Nicky D” DiSebastiano Nicola “Nicky D” DiSebastiano, born in Abruzzi, Italy, immigrated to the United States of America in 1958, settling in Baltimore along with three sisters: Francesca, Maria, Carmela, Mother Consolina, and Father Angelo. At 4 ½ years of age, he still vividly remembers seeing the Statue of Liberty as the ship sailed into the New York City harbor. He is also a proud Father of four…

2024 IPA Hall of Fame Inductees & 2023 Music Award Winners!

International Polka Association Announces Hall of Fame Selections and Music Award Winners! The International Polka Association is proud to announce the results of the annual election conducted by the Academy of Electors and Trustees. At this time, they have determined the 2024 Hall of Fame selectees and winners of the 2023 Polka Music Awards. The following candidates will be inducted into the International Polka Association Polka Music Hall of Fame® at the annual festival and…

Congratulations to the winners of the Sept-Dec 2023 IPA Calendar Raffle

The IPA would like to congratulate all the winners of the 2023 IPA Calendar Raffle. Date Name/State Amount 9/1/23 Wallace Stanczyk, WI $100 9/2/23 Leonard and Barbara Palkowski, MI $100 9/3/23 James Witulski, NC $100 9/4/23 Sandy Earl, OH $40 9/5/23 Jill Styczynski, WI $40 9/6/23 Edward Grudi, PA $40 9/7/23 Adam Biskup, Canada $40 9/8/23 Father Dennis Bogusz, PA $40 9/9/23 Edward Sienkowski, IN $40 9/10/23 Rob Piatkowski, NY $40 9/11/23 Nancy Kikel, PA…

Wisconsin Spring into Polkas

Join the IPA as we welcome Spring in Wisconsin with two great days of polka dancing. One Saturday May 4, 2024 from 6pm-10pm, we welcome the Dynabrass to Wisconsin and then on Sunday, May 5, 2024, we welcome five great polka bands from Wisconsin for the Pulaski Area Festival of Bands. The Bands Include: The New Generation, The Mix, Aaron Socha & Livewire, Maroszek Brothers and Zander and his Music Ray’Makers. The Dance will be…

IPA Receives a Grant from City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

On behalf of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), we are pleased to announce that International Polka Association has been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $10,000 for general operating support. DCASE received a significant increase to the Cultural Grants Program budget in 2022, signifying Mayor Lightfoot’s commitment to the arts as an essential part of life for Chicago residents. We are pleased to be able to allocate…

2023 Young Songwriters Competition Winning Song – “Good People” by Andrew Ratajczak

12th Annual IPA/Let’s Polka USA Unity/St. Patrick’s Day Dance

The International Polka Association and Let’s Polka USA present the 12th Annual Unity/St. Patrick’s Day Dance on Sunday, March 17, 2024. This will be held at Royalty West Banquets, 8675 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, Illinois. Doors will open at 12:30 pm, and music will be from 1 pm – 5 pm. Music will be provided by the IPA Tribute Band featuring IPA Polka Hall of Famer Rick Rzeszutko and special guest vocalist John Gora.

2023 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award Winner: Rich Zebrowski

2023 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award Winner: Rich Zebrowski Richie Zebrowski was born into a family deeply immersed in Polish tradition and polka music. His father, IPA Hall Of Fame inductee A.W. Zebrowski, a nationally known polka promoter, musician, and disc jockey in Cleveland Ohio, ensured that the entire family was raised knowing their heritage. As might be expected, he eventually started to play and sing the music he loved and had been surrounded by. At…

2023 IPA Hall of Fame Inductees & 2022 Music Award Winners!

International Polka Association Announces Hall of Fame Selections and Music Award Winners! The International Polka Association is proud to announce the results of the annual election conducted by the Academy of Electors and Trustees. At this time they have determined the 2023 Hall of Fame selectees and winners of the 2022 Polka Music Awards. The following candidates will be inducted into the International Polka Association Polka Music Hall of Fame® at the annual festival and…

Category: IPA News