Festival of Bands and Warm Up Dance Weekend January 17th & 18th, 2015

The weekend is upon us!! For the International Polka Association’s annual Festival of Bands and Warm up Dance! Here are all of the Details: Saturday, January 17th, 2015 IPA Warm-Up Dance Polonia Banquets 4604 S Archer Ave, Chicago Musical Entertainment by Freeze Dried   Doors open at 5pm cst Music 6pm – 10pm cst Admission $10 payable at the door. ==================================================================== Sunday, January 18th, 2015 IPA Festival of Bands Glendora Banquets 10225 S Harlem Ave,…

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I.P.A. Christmas Party Audio & Photos!!

Listen to the I.P.A. Christmas Special Here! Recorded live at Polonia Banquets on 12-7-2014 Featuring the music of Santa’s Helpers  Along with the IPA Chorus and Children’s Chorus With special holiday greetings from many IPA members and their families.  Happy Holidays from the International Polka Association!    

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2015 Joe Jozwiak Award Winner

On behalf of the International Polka Assocation’s Officers and Directors; it is our privilege to announce Todd Zaganiacz as the winner of the 2015 Joe Jozwiak Award!   Congratulations Todd!!  

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Passing of Stanley Przasnyski H.O.F. 1993

With heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of Stanley Przasnyski. Stanley was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 1993. His career highlights include the Connecticut Twins Orchestra, and many years as a polka DJ. Service details are pending. To read more about Stanley Przasnyski’s polka accolades, please view the link below: Stanley Przasnyski’s Hall of Fame Biography Our condolences to the entire Przasnyski family.

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Joe Jozwiak Special Achievement Award Nominations

It’s that time of year again to get your nominations in for the annual Joe Jozwiak Special Achievement Award. How did this award get started?  Who does this award honor? 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,…

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The Passing of IPA Founder Don Jodlowski

The International Polka Association extends their deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Don Jodlowski. Don was one of the founders of the International Polka Association and leader of Don Jodlowski’s Vibrasounds.  The following are the details regarding services: In Memory of Donald T. Jodlowski August 30, 1940 – November 15, 2014 Donald T. Jodlowski, age 74. Passed away suddenly. Funeral Service Wednesday, November 19, 2014 7pm at Ridge Funeral Home (6620 W. Archer…

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2014 Hall of Fame Awards Banquet Video

 A special thank you goes out to T. Ron Jasinski-Herbert and our friends at Polonia Today for the video link of our Hall of Fame awards ceremony. The Polka Music Hall of Fame Banquet during the festival of the International Polka Association (IPA) honored the new inductees on August 30, 2014. The event took place at the Embassy Suites in Independence, Ohio. Four polka personalities were inducted; two in the Living Category, one in the…

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2014 – 2015 Officers and Board of Directors

2014-2015 Officers and Board of Directors: Officers: President – Rick Rzeszutko* (IL) 1st Vice President – Christy Krawisz* (IL) 2nd Vice President – Fred Kendzierski (NJ) Financial Secretary – John Krawisz* (IL) Treasurer – Linda Niewierowski (IL) Secretary – Laura Mateja (IL) Sargeant-at-Arms – Peter Danielczuk (CT) Directors: Debbie Dunaj (WI) Ed Guca (Canada) T. Ron Jasinski-Herbert (IL) Mike Maduzia* – (IL) Dan Mateja – (IL) Mike Matousek – (MD) Dennis Mikolajewski – (IL) Keith…

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THANK YOU!!

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of the many polka fans that attended the 2014 International Polka Association Festival and Convention. Observing polka fans of all ages singing, dancing, and hopping up and down to the beat of the music, makes all of the time and energy required to put on such an event all worthwhile. Again, thank you all so very much; and please come back again – and bring a friend…

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2015 IPA T-Shirt

Check out the IPA’s updated and unique design of our 2015 IPA T-Shirt! Your purchase helps the IPA promote polkas and continue the advancement of this great music that we all love. Get yours today!! Check out the IPA Store for other items!

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IPA and USPA Joint Polka Celebration – October 18, 2014

Please join the International Polka Association and the United States Polka Association for a Joint Polka Celebration Featuring Lenny Gomulka & the Chicago Push Saturday ~ October 18, 2014 Holiday Inn ~ 15471 Royalton Road, Strongsville, Ohio Music from 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Donation: $13.00 per person Special Room Rate of $62.00 plus tax, if you tell the hotel you are with the Joint Polka Celebration. Call 440-238-8800 for Reservations. No outside food or beverages permitted…

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IPA Festival Attendees Eligible For Hilton Honors Points at Embassy Suites

If you are attending the IPA Festival & Convention at the Embassy Suites this weekend and are also a Hilton Honors member, be sure to register for their triple points promotion. Earn your next reward night 3X faster with Hilton HHonors. www.hiltonhhonors.com Sign up and earn 2X HHonors Points during the week and 3X HHonors Points on the weekends at participating hotels and resorts from August 1 through October 31, 2014.

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IPA Polka Radio Show WPNA 1490am

The IPA Polka show on WPNA Radio 1490am has a new time and an extended time slot! The IPA Polka show can be heard on Sundays from 11am to 12pm cst (12pm to 1pm est) on WPNA Radio 1490am. Online at: http://www.wpna1490am.com/live.htm TuneIn App: WPNA 1490am Please join us for a full hour of information on up coming polka happenings and some happy snappy polka music to get your Sunday going.

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Past IPA President, Kenneth Gill, Passes…

We regret to inform you that Kenneth Gill, a longtime member and pastpresident of the International Polka Association, passed away today, June29, 2014, at the age of 70.Visitation will be at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. MilwaukeeAve., Niles, Illinois, on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, 3-9 p.m.The funeral will leave Skaja’s on Thursday, July 3, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. forMass at St. Eugene’s Church in Chicago at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at St.…

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Who are your favorite polka bands?

Hey Polka Fans – The I.P.A. wants to hear from you! Help guide our band choices so we can bring the bands you want to hear to our events. Please go to the link below and answer a brief survey telling us your 10 favorite bands. Just click on the link below . . . Thank you for your participation. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IPA-Band-survey

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Richie Tokarz, Hall of Fame Member, Passes Away at 65

Richie Tokarz Living Category – Inducted 2000 Uniquely, making his name as a sideman, Richie Tokarz is well known particularly in the Polish sector of polka music. Through the years he has demonstrated his talents playing the accordion, trumpet and singing with top polka bands. Also, his efforts as a musical writer have always scored high on the list. Born on February 16, 1949, to Stanley and Florence Tokarz, he was raised in Whiting, Indiana…

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