Category: IPA News

    Ernie Daigle honored with the International Polka Association’s Joe Jozwiak Award for 2022! The IPA Executive Board is proud to announce the selection of Ernie Daigle for the annual Joe Jozwiak Award. Originally called the Special Achievement Award, this honor is a tribute to the late IPA Director Joe Jozwiak who advocated for a way to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions toward the promotion of polka music.   Mr. Daigle, who…

Continue reading

  The IPA regretfully announces that this year’s Young Songwriter’s Competition did not receive enough submissions in order to meet our minimum requirements for a fair competition. In so, we must unfortunately cancel this year’s competition. Thank you to the very talented composers who did submit their songs. We appreciate their efforts in submitting their original songs and urge them and others to submit again next year. The IPA’s mission is to promote polka music.…

Continue reading

The International Polka Association’s Polka Show has moved to the Polka Jammer Network! Same familiar Sunday morning time slot:  11am central, 12pm eastern. but on a new internet based station:  The Polka Jammer Network! Click here for all of the details

Continue reading

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of 2021 International Polka Association Hall of Fame inductee; Richard “Jersey Polka Richie” Drongoski. Please keep the family and friends of Jersey Polka Richie in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  Our deepest sympathies to all.  May he rest in peace. Click here for information on Services Click here to read Polka Richie’s IPA Hall of Fame biography

Continue reading

It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of IPA Hall of Fame member; Bill Shibilski. Bill was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2020 for his outstanding dedication to polka music as a polka promoter and polka broadcaster for over 50 years. Our condolences and sympathies to Bill’s immediate family and his polka family throughout the country and beyond. May Bill rest in peace. IPA…

Continue reading

It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of 2013 International Polka Association Hall of Fame Member John “Foo” Furmaniak. John was the consummate professional when performing with many great polka bands in and around the Chicago area and beyond.  His accordion skills are second to none and have been admired by many. John had the fortune to perform on stage with IPA Hall of Fame members Marion Lush, Ted…

Continue reading

                                                                            It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of 1982 IPA Hall of Fame Inductee; Louis George “Happy Louie” Dusseault. Happy Louie was one of the most dynamic and charismatic polka entertainers in the field.  The way Louie was able to connect with his fans on stage is legendary.  For the past several years, Louie had become debilitated due to…

Continue reading

2021 Winner and Runner Up Announced! Congratulations to Karen Guca and her song “One And Only” as the winner of the International Polka Association’s 2021 Young Songwriter’s competition! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Also; please congratulate Jenna Libera for securing second place for her song “Bruce’s Polka” * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A big congratulations…

Continue reading

  Frank Napiwocki and his wife Doris 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 Polka Association (IPA) voted to honor those worthy individuals with the establishment of the Special Achievement Award. To pay tribute to…

Continue reading

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 Polka Association (IPA) voted to honor those worthy individuals with the establishment of the Special Achievement Award. To pay tribute to Joe Jozwiak, following his passing, this award…

Continue reading

Don Hunjadi grew up with polka music, often watching his father, Richard, perform on stage as the drummer with Milwaukee polka great, Louie Bashell. Although he started playing trumpet in the fifth grade, by age 14, Don became the bass player with the Joey Klass band. At 17 he began playing saxophone and had his first opportunity to enter a recording studio where he became fascinated with the recording process and equipment. Only a few…

Continue reading

It is with sadness that we notify our members and friends of the passing of former IPA Director Leonard Wrobel. Lenny served as a director for the International Polka Association and was passionate about polka music.  Lenny passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 22nd, 2021 in Erie, PA. Our sincere condolences go out to Lenny’s family and friends; he will be greatly missed by all. Eternal rest grant onto Lenny, and may the…

Continue reading

It is with deep sadness that the International Polka Association announces the passing of Former IPA Director Patricia “Pat” Maduzia. Pat was very active in the polka community both in the Chicago area and across the country.    Pat would be frequently seen in front of the bandstand dancing and singing along with the polka bands. Pat is the wife of IPA Hall of Fame member Wally Maduzia and the mother of Michael (drummer for…

Continue reading

It’s with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of IPA Hall of Fame Inductee Adam Barthalt, who was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2006. Adam G. Barthalt died on April 24, 2021 at Peconic Bay Medical Center. He was 85 years old. He was born on June 11, 1935 in Ridgewood, New York to Adam and Susanna (Harnacker) Barthalt. He graduated from Cairo High School. He was…

Continue reading

It is with great sadness to inform you that IPA Past President Patricia “Pat” Mikos passed away on February 25th, 2021. Condolences to the entire Mikos family and to all of her many polka friends. Visitation/Wake:   March 1st, 2021 beginning at 9am Hickey Memorial Chapels2429 W 127th StBlue Island IL 60406   Prayer service will begin 10am at the funeral home before proceeding to St Benedict Church for  Mass.   St Benedict Church 2339…

Continue reading

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 polka radio, as his business grew, he became more and more acquainted with the polka public and became involved in the IPA when we had…

Continue reading

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 fun to provide videos of bands in the past that have performed at the IPA Festival of Bands. In 1968, Wisconsin Orchestra leaders decided to…

Continue reading

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. Please stay tuned for more details as to when we will be able to reschedule.    Please know that the health and safety of our…

Continue reading