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2021 IPA Polka Hall of Fame Inductees

On behalf of the International Polka Association Board of Trustees and Hall of Fame Committee, the IPA Officers and Directors are pleased to announce the following results of the annual voting cycle as determined by the national Academy of IPA Electors: The 2021 IPA Polka Hall of Fame Selectees: LIVING CATEGORY: Michael Costa Richard “Jersey Polka Richie” Drongoski DECEASED CATEGORY: Walter Procanyn PIONEER CATEGORY: Dr. William Lausche * * * * * * * *…

2020 IPA Music Award Recipients

On behalf of the International Polka Association Board of Trustees and Hall of Fame Committee, the IPA Officers and Directors are proud to announce that the annual voting cycle conducted by the national Academy of IPA Electors just concluded. Here are the results for the 2020 IPA Music Awards winners: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Favorite Polish Style Female Vocalist –…

IPA 2021 Young Songwriter’s Competition – Winner & Runner up

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…

2021 Joe Jozwiak Award Co-Winner: Frank Napiwocki

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…

2021 Joe Jozwiak Award Co-Winner: Marsha Bulinski

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…

2021 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award Winner: Don Hunjadi

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…

Passing of Former IPA Director – Leonard Wrobel

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…

Passing of Former IPA Director: Patricia “Pat” Maduzia

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…

Passing of IPA Hall of Fame Member: Adam Barthalt

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…

Passing of IPA Past President Pat Mikos

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…

Passing of IPA Past President Jerry Wantroba

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…

IPA 52nd Annual Festival of Bands – Virtual Edition!

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…

January is National Polka Month Dances: Chicago, IL & Ludlow, MA

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…

IPA Interview Series: Videos

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 Interviews that we have published. You can view them directly on our IPA YouTube Page, along with videos that were shown at the IPA…

New/Updated IPA Polka Music Awards Electronic Submission Process

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, vote each year to determine IPA music award winners. To be placed on the ballot, all polka artists/bands, whether they released recordings or not, must…

IPA 2020 Young Songwriter’s Competition – Winner & Runner up

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 all of the finalists, and participants in this year’s inaugural competition. We look forward to next year’s submissions. Start Writing! Now take a listen…

52nd IPA Festival and Convention in Buffalo NY Canceled

Announcing the Cancellation of our 52nd Annual IPA Convention and Festival – In Buffalo, NY September 4th thru September 6th 2020. * * * * * * * * * * Press Release – July 2, 2020 IPA Festival and Cancellation Notice – July 2, 2020 In a mutual agreement between the International Polka Association and the Millennium Hotel – Buffalo, our 52nd Annual Festival and Convention scheduled for September 4 through September 6 has…

2020 Fall/Winter IPA Calendar Raffle

Don’t miss your chance to win part of the $5,300 in prize money we will be awarding in the 2020 Fall/Winter IPA Calendar Raffle! The first drawing of names will be held at our IPA “Virtual” Festival on the weekend of September 5th, 2020. So the sooner you get your tickets in, the more chances you have to win! All winners will be put back into the drum and are eligible for future drawings. All…

2020 IPA Polka Hall of Fame Inductees & 2019 I.P.A. Music Award Recipients

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 Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo, New York. Congratulations to all award winners and inductees!…

2020 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award – Robert “Robbie” Piatkowski

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 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,…

Category: IPA News