IPA Parade of Polka Bands Picnic!
Please join the International Polka Association for our Parade of Polka Bands Picnic! Here are all of the details . . . Download a Flyer by Clicking Here.
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…
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:…
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…
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)…
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…
Reservations: IPA Hall of Fame & Polka Music Awards Banquet!
Please join the International Polka Association in celebrating its landmark 52nd anniversary of our Music Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet. * * * * * The Banquet will be held on Saturday, September 4th, 2021 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Pittsburgh-Cranberry, PA.Cocktail Hour begins at 9:30am Luncheon begins at 10:30am…
Place an Ad for our IPA Festival Souvenir Program Book
It is that time of year again and we would like to ask for your support as the International Polka Association presents its 53rd Annual Polka Festival and Convention, Friday, September 3rd, through Sunday, September 5th, 2021 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Cranberry in Mars, PA. The ads placed…
IPA Kick-Off Party – Cranberry Township, PA
Please join the International Polka Association as we host our 2021 IPA Festival and Convention Kick-Off Party on Thursday night, September 2nd 2021 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania! Here are all of the details . . . Download Flyer by clicking here
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…
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,…
Download/Purchase the new single By IPA Director, Stephen Kaminski
IPA Director Stephen Kaminski is pleased to announce the third installment of his solo project series to be called “Stephen Kaminski & the Dream Team, Volume 3 – The Chicago Edition”. The first single from the upcoming project is a song entitled “2:15”. The song was debuted on Craig…
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…
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…
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…
2020 Joe Jozwiak Award Winner – Hrukus Hellraisers, Cohoes, NY
For better than four decades now, this informally organized group from the Albany, N.Y./Western Mass. area (only a few of whom actually play polkas), has been supporting and promoting the music they obviously love, making it fun to be at the events they attend, and doing so with an enthusiasm…
Father Dennis A Bogusz Appointed IPA Chaplain
The International Polka Association is proud to announce that they appointed Father Dennis A. Bogusz as the IPA Chaplain. Father Dennis A. Bogusz was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 11, 1950 to the late Florence Lewandowski Bogusz and the late Frank Bogusz. He received a BA in Theology from…
Now Accepting Zelle for IPA Membership Dues Payments
Zelle is a free, built-in, money transferring service of a growing number of banks and credit unions. Currently over 700 financial institutions offer Zelle to their customers as a way to send money. Included in the list are some of the largest banks in the United States (Bank of America,…
“Here’s A Gift” Slideshow and FREE Download
The International Polka Association Releases Historic Recording As the International Polka Association prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the organization is proud to announce the release of a historic recording: “Here’s a Gift”. All Hall of Fame Inductees were invited to participate in this project, and the result included…
Passing of IPA Hall of Fame Member Dean Hansen
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of IPA Hall of Famer Dean Hansen. Dean was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Our deepest sympathies to all of Dean’s Family and Friends. Click here for Dean’s obituary & service details Click here…
Passing of IPA Hall of Fame Member: Stanley “Stas” Golonka
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of I.P.A. Hall of Fame member Stanley “Stas” Golonka. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife Sue, his children Allan, Michelle, their families, and all of his friends. Please keep…
Passing of Former IPA Director – Bonnie Ryniec
It is with deep sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of former I.P.A. Director Bonnie Ryniec. Bonnie fought a strong, hard battle versus cancer and gave it her all. We love you Bonnie, and will miss your laughter and beautiful smile. Condolences to James “Whitey” Ryniec, Angela…
2019 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award – Jim Sajkowicz
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, bandleaders or “front men and…
2019 Joe Jozwiak Award Winner: Sally Rzeszutko
Many years ago, the late Joseph Jozwiak, a director of the IPA, proposed an award be bestowed upon an individual or group of individuals who made a significant contribution or endeavor to enhance the promotion of polka music. Originally named the Special Achievement Award, the International Polka Association voted to…
2019 IPA Polka Hall of Fame Inductees & 2018 I.P.A. Music Award Recipients
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 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 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees as well as the 2018 music award winners. The IPA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet will…
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.…
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…
2017 Hall of Fame Inductees and 2016 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 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,…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…