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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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

Announcing the 7th Annual IPA Young Songwriters Competition for 2026

So you think you can compose a hit polka or waltz? What’s new this year? Well, there is now NO minimum age. The competition is open to anyone 39 years old or younger as of the July 1st, 2026 deadline. Click HERE to go to the Submission Form and see instructions, eligibility and terms. IPA Young Songwriters Video Ad

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…

Category: IPA News