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…
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…
Please join the International Polka Association in Ludlow, Massachusetts on Saturday, March 10th and Sunday, March 11th for our 13th annual I.P.A. Hall of Fame benefit dance. Here are all of the details!
Please join the International Polka Association as we travel to the great state of Wisconsin the weekend of March 17th & 18th to continue the celebration of our 50th year! Here are all of the happy, snappy polka lovin’ details . . .
Please join the International Polka Association in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, January 27, 2018 as we celebrate January as “National Polka Music Month” Here are all of the details . . .
Join us for a Texas-Sized Celebration on Saturday, January 27th, 2018 featuring I.P.A. award winners the Dujka Brothers! See below for all of the details!
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Photo Galleries of the 49th Annual International Polka Association Polka Festival and Convention Photos courtesy of Les Kapuscinski * * * * * Click on the links below to view the photo gallery: Friday Welcome Party Photos Ballroom Photos Saturday: Music Awards / Hall of Fame Banquet & Pool Party Photos Ballroom Photos Sunday: Pro Am Jam Photos Ballroom Photos
Come out and join us for some Summer fun in the Sun! Sunday, August 6th, 2017 at the Hammond Mohawks Picnic Grove. Here are all of the details!
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of I.P.A. Co-Founder Leon Kozicki. Leon passed away at 2:30am on July 19th, 2017. May his soul rest in peace. Services: Wake/Visitation: Monday, July 24th: Hallowell & James Funeral Home 1025 W 55th St Countryside, IL 3pm – 9pm cst. Funeral Services Tuesday, July 25th: Prayer service at funeral home chapel: 9:15am Mass of Christian Burial: 10am St Cletus church 600 W…
Calling all young polka music enthusiasts to Sign up Today!! The International Polka Association announces the latest edition of an exciting event at our 49th annual festival this Labor Day weekend at the Millennium Hotel – Buffalo, NY. Besides the great bands entertaining all weekend long, the IPA presents the Pro Am Jam on Sunday, September 3rd from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM, which will perform many songs old and new! This ‘jam session’ will…
It is with much sadness that we report the passing of IPA Hall of Famer, Bernie Goydish, June, 2017 Bernie was inducted into the International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame in 1984, and played a vital role in providing polka music as a musician, bandleader, promoter, record manufacturer, distributor, and polka disc jockey. Condolences to the entire Goydish family.
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 2106 award winners and Hall of Fame inductees for 2017. The IPA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the Millennium Hotel in Cheektowaga, New York. Congratulations to all award winners and inductees! IPA Announces 2017 Polka Hall of Fame Inductees and…
It is with much sadness to announce the passing of Henry “Henny” Jasiewicz. Henny was the leader of Henny and the Versa J’s and was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2011. On behalf of the International Polka Association; our sincere condolences and sympathies to Henny’s family and friends . . . Visitation and Funeral details can be found on the following link: Obituary: Henry “Henny” Jasiewicz
The International Polka Association and Let’s Polka USA presents their 6th Annual Unity Polka Dance Sunday, April 2, 2017 Glendora Banquets 10225 S. Harlem Ave. Chicago Ridge, IL Doors open at 1:00pm cst Music 2pm – 6pm cst Featuring music by the I.P.A. Tribute Band with Special Guest performances by I.P.A. Hall of Famer from Canadian: John Gora Admission $ 10 payable at…
The International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame Committee would like to share the “Album of the Year” candidates for 2016. The “Album of the Year” award will be presented at the 49th Annual IPA Festival and Convention in Buffalo, NY. Listed below are musical clips from the albums submitted by polka artists vying for the IPA 2016 Polish Style Album of the Year. or IPA 2016 International Style Album of the Year NOTE: The…
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