IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame – International Polka Association

Archive by category "IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame"

The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Richie Gomulka

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Richie Gomulka, a 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family, and all his polka friends and fans. Richie was born on February 6, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ted and Mary (Owca) Gomulka, first-generation American-born parents. The oldest of four children, Richie shared a lifelong bond with his 2 sisters and younger brother. Richie leaves behind his…

The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Li’l John Nalevanko

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Li’l John Nalevanko, a 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his children, grandchildren, and all his polka friends and fans. John G. Nalevanko, Sr., 72, of Greensburg, died Monday, June 23, 2025, in Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. He was born August 22, 1952, in Greensburg, a son of the late John J. and Catherine (Bohatch) Nalevanko. Prior…

2024 IPA Hall of Fame Inductees & 2023 Music Award Winners!

International Polka Association Announces Hall of Fame Selections and Music Award Winners! The International Polka Association is proud to announce the results of the annual election conducted by the Academy of Electors and Trustees. At this time, they have determined the 2024 Hall of Fame selectees and winners of the 2023 Polka Music Awards. The following candidates will be inducted into the International Polka Association Polka Music Hall of Fame® at the annual festival and…

17th Annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance

Join us for the 17th Annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance at the Polish American Citizens Center in Ludlow, MA 01056. The jam-packed weekend features the Polka Country Musicians on Sat, March 9th, from 7-11 pm. Then, on Sunday, March 10th, from 2 pm-7 pm, there will be music honoring the Krew Brothers along with Lenny Gomulka, Eddie Forman Orchestra and Dennis Polisky and Maestro’s Men. Advanced Tickets can be purchased from Ernie Daigle…

2023 IPA Hall of Fame Inductees & 2022 Music Award Winners!

International Polka Association Announces Hall of Fame Selections and Music Award Winners! The International Polka Association is proud to announce the results of the annual election conducted by the Academy of Electors and Trustees. At this time they have determined the 2023 Hall of Fame selectees and winners of the 2022 Polka Music Awards. The following candidates will be inducted into the International Polka Association Polka Music Hall of Fame® at the annual festival and…

2022 IPA Hall of Fame Inductees & 2021 Music Award Winners!

International Polka Association Announces Hall of Fame Selections and Music Award Winners! The International Polka Association is proud to announce the results of the annual election conducted by the Academy of Electors and Trustees. At this time they have determined the 2022 Hall of Fame selectees and winners of the 2021 Polka Music Awards. The following candidates will be inducted into the International Polka Association Polka Music Hall of Fame® at the annual festival and…

2013 Polka Music Hall of Fame and Music Awards Recipients

The International Polka Association (IPA) announced the 2014 inductees to the Polka Music Hall of Fame and the winners of the Music Awards on April 27, 2014. The presentations will be made at the 45th annual IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame and Music Awards Banquet at the 46th annual IPA Festival and Convention on Saturday, August 30, 2014, at the Embassy Suites in Independence, Ohio. The Hall of Fame inductees are: Living Category –…

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…

Category: IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame