2018 Song of the Year Submissions

The International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame Committee would like to share the “Song of the Year” candidates for 2018. * * * * * * * * * * The “Song of the Year” awards will be presented at the 51st Annual I.P.A. Festival and Convention in Buffalo, NY. * * * * * * * * * * Click on the links to listen . . . International Style Polish Style * *…

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I.P.A. Warm Up Dance & Festival of Bands – Chicago, Illinois

Please join the International Polka Association on January 19th & 20th, 2019 for a fantastic polka weekend in Chicago, IL! Celebrating January as “National Polka Music Month”  * * * * * 11:30am – 12:20pm:  Polski Jam Session 12:30 – 1:20pm:  Tri-City Drive 1:30pm – 2:20pm:  Windy City Brass 2:30pm – 3:20pm:  D Street Band 3:30pm – 4:20pm:  The Music Company 4:30pm – 5:20pm:  The I.P.A. Tribute Band 5:30pm – 6:20pm:  New Phaze 6:30pm –…

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Passing of Thomas Kula – 2015 IPA Leon Kozicki Award Winner

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Kula.  Tommy was an original member of The Famous and Fabulous Ampol Aires Orchestra for more than 50 years. His love for music earned him many awards; including the International Polka Association’s Leon Kozicki Trustees Award in 2015. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the entire Kula family. May he rest in peace. Please click here for service details.  

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Passing of I.P.A. Hall of Famer Johnnie Bomba

It is with much sadness that we report the passing of I.P.A. Hall of Famer, Johnnie Bomba. Johnnie was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 1980.   For details regarding services, please click here.   Click here for a link to Mr. Bomba’s Hall of Fame biography   May he rest in peace.

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2018 Hall of Fame Inductees and 2017 Award Winners

The International Polka Association Announces 2018 Polka Hall of Fame Inductees and 2017 Music Award Winners! 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 2017 award winners and Hall of Fame inductees for 2018. The IPA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo, New York. Congratulations…

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2018 I.P.A. Summer Picnic

Get ready for some outdoor Polka Fun!  Please join the International Polka Association as we continue our celebration of 50 years of promoting polka music by attending our Annual Summer Picnic.  Saturday, August 4th:  Hammond Mohawks picnic grove,  Hammond, IN.  Here are all of the details . . .    

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Passing of I.P.A. Hall of Famer Chet Schafer

It is with much sadness that we report the passing of IPA Hall of Famer, Chet Schafer. Chet was inducted into the International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame in 1976, and played a vital role in bringing polka music entertainment to the masses in the Chicagoland area and beyond. Polka Radio personality, Music producer, Singer, Dancer, were just a few of the accolades associated with Mr. Schafer. His great wit, charm and personality will be…

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2017 Song of the Year Submissions

The International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame Committee would like to share the “Song of the Year” candidates for 2017. The “Song of the Year” award will be presented at the 50th Annual I.P.A. Festival and Convention in Buffalo, NY. Click on the links below to listen . . .       International Style   Polish Style    Please Note:  The Songs submitted were from the artists or recording companies and the IPA is not responsible…

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2018 I.P.A. January Festival of Bands Weekend – Chicago

Mark your calendars to join your polka friends and family for a fun-filled weekend on January 13th and 14th 2018 for some foot tapping, hand clapping, polka entertainment to take the winter chills away! Please join us, as we begin our year long 50th anniversary celebrations! Saturday, January 13th, 2018:  I.P.A. Warm Up Dance Featuring Lenny Gomulka and his Chicago Push Polonia Banquets.  4604 S Archer Ave. Chicago, IL Doors Open at 5pm Music 6pm…

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Passing of I.P.A. Director Edward F. Szela

It is with much sadness that we report the passing of IPA Director, Ed Szela. Ed had been a director since 1999 and one of the co-organizers of the annual IPA Hall of Fame benefit dance in Ludlow, Massachusetts. We extend our deepest sympathies the entire Szela family. May he rest in peace. ***** Note:  On January 19th, 2018 Jeanne Szela also passed.  Ed and Jeanne were definitely and match made in heaven and will…

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2018 Joe Jozwiak Award Winner – Norb Ciesla

      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…

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Requesting photos for our 50th Anniversary!

WE NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE . . .   In preparation for our 50th Anniversary in 2018, we are looking for photos from IPA Events throughout the years.  Please help us by submitting your photos of your experiences at IPA events through the years.  Any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated. You can scan and email them to:  Christy-ipa@sbcglobal.net or mail a copy that will not be returned to:  IPA 50th Anniversary Photos, PO Box…

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Passing of I.P.A. Hall of Famer Matt Wasielewski

Matt Wasielewski, musician, band leader, vocalist, song writer, composer, master or ceremonies, radio disc jockey, promoter and record distributor, started his polka career in 1957 when he formed his Polka Jets band. Seven years with the same musicians, his group was playing three to four jobs a week. Through the next few years, Matt added more musicians to the group which eventually developed into a six-piece band. Much in demand, the booking of some jobs…

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