Announcing the 4th Annual IPA Young Songwriters Competition for 2023
So you think you can compose a hit polka or waltz?
2023 Joe Jozwiak Award Winner: EDWARD “GUS” KOSIOR
Edward “Gus” Kosior was born and brought up in the Village of Florida, N.Y, right down the street from Jimmy Sturr. He grew up listening to Polka Music on the local radio station and at his high school dances. He and Jimmy went to school together at their local High School. When Jimmy thought of starting UNITED POLKA ARTISTS, he thought of Gus coming in as a partner. It happened back in 1969. Since that…
The passing of Chester Pala
With great sadness in our hearts, we inform you of the passing of Chester Pala of the Pala Brothers Orchestra. Chester, along with his brothers Wally and Al, formed their polka band in the 60s playing banquet halls, clubs and taverns throughout the Chicagoland area, Northwest Indiana, and across the country. Their upbeat “Chicago style” of polkas has lasted through many generations and continues to be performed and re-recorded by many of our current polka…
Annual International Polka Association Festival & Convention
Make your plans now to attend the 55th Annual IPA Festival and Convention September 1 – September 3, 2023 Labor Day Weekend DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Cranberry DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh – Cranberry 910 Sheraton Drive, Mars, PA 16046 For Hotel Reservations: Our primary hotel is sold out. We have made the following list available of local hotels in the area. The IPA HAS NOT secured any special rates at these hotels. 3 Fun-filled…
Passing of IPA Hall of Famer and Trustee Freddy Bulinski
It’s with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Fred Bulinski. Fred was inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in 1992, he served on the IPA Board for several years as a director, was appointed the Chairman of the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2014 and held that title until October of 2020 and has been a Trustee since 2013. He was a polka musician, bandleader, songwriter and fantastic…
Passing of past IPA director Eugene Thoms
With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Eugene Thoms, a past director of the IPA. Eugene Walter Thoms September 14, 1938 – December 5, 2022 If you knew Gene, you were better for it and perhaps bemused for it. Gene could read, write, and speak tirelessly on his five favorite topics: food, railroads, polkas, geography, and ethnicities. Spend enough time with him, and you were bound to learn something about cuttlefish, steam…
The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Hank Haller
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of 2003 IPA Hall of Fame Inductee, Hank Haller. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Haller family and all of Hank’s Friends and Fans. Everyone remembers Hank Haller for his oom-pah music and lederhosen. But Hank was a lot more. He was a prolific recording artist in the polka field with 100 albums to his credit, with an estimated quarter of a…
IPA Wisconsin Festival of Bands Weekend
The IPA is excited to have the Wisconsin Festival of Bands Weekend. Located at: Townline Pub and Grill 2544 Lineville Road Suamico, WI 54313 Saturday, May 6, 2023 6 pm-10 pm 2014 IPA Hall of Fame Inductee Eddie Biegaj and Crusade Sunday May 7, 2023 – 12 pm – 5 pm 12:00-12:50 The Maroszek Brothers 1:00-1:50 The Nu Tymes 2:00-2:50 Aaron Socha & LiveWire 3:00-3:50 The Mix 4:00-5:00 The New Generation Hotels for the Weekend…
54th Annual Chicago Festival of Bands
Join the International Polka Association in Celebrating January as National Polka Month Saturday, January 14, 2023 Music by: Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push Doors open at 4:30 pm – Music: 5 pm – 9 pm ADMISSION: $20 at the Door **A Special 2-Day pass will be available for $40** 54th Annual Chicago Festival of Polka Bands Sunday, January 15, 2023 Music Company Tony Blazonczyk’s New Phaze I.P.A. Tribute Band The D-Street Band Keith Stras &…
The Passing of Laura Bethke
It’s with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Laura Bethke. Laura was a past financial secretary of the IPA for several years as well as the newsletter editor. She then assisted Leon Kozicki with the IPA Hall of Fame process when he was the Chairman. Laura was an award-winning writer for other polka publications and was a guest DJ several years ago. On behalf of the Officers, Directors, and Members of…
11th Annual IPA/Let’s Polka USA Unity/St. Joseph’s Day Dance
The International Polka Association and Let’s Polka USA present the 11th Annual Unity/St. Joseph’s Day Dance on Sunday, March 19, 2023. This will be held at Royalty West Banquets, 8675 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, Illinois. Doors will open at 12:30 pm and music will be from 1 pm – 5 pm. Music will be provided by the IPA Tribute Band featuring IPA Polka Hall of Famer Rick Rzeszutko and special guest vocalist John Gora.
Polonia Banquets Closing
The IPA is sad to announce the closing of the historical Polonia Banquets. Polonia Banquets had an enormous history with polkas and the IPA. The full letter from the Machay family is presented below. After 58 years serving as the premier banquet facility in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood, Polonia Banquets will close its doors on Archer Avenue effective December 31, 2022. We are humbled and honored to have been a part of countless weddings, polka…
Passing of Karen Olszewski-Polisky
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Karen Olszewski-Polisky. Karen is the wife of bandleader and 2007 IPA Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Polisky of the Maestros Men. On behalf of the Officers, Directors and members of the IPA, we extended our deepest condolences and sympathies to Dennis and all of Karen’s family and friends. May she Rest In Peace. Click here for details regarding services
IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance 2023; Ludlow, MA
Please Join the International Polka Association for the 17th annual IPA Hall of Fame Benefit Dance in Ludlow, MA. We hope to see you there!
Polka Polka Polka – A Review of the 54th Annual IPA Polka Festival and Convention
Polka Polka Polka Nathan Bottiger Eagle Staff Writer September 06, 2022 Last Updated: September 05, 2022 10:38 PM Local News The International Polka Association has a great send off evening at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh – Cranberry Sunday evening. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle 9/4/22 CRANBERRY TWP — They moved their feet to a Polka beat Sunday night at the DoubleTree by Hilton, the final of the 54th Annual International Polka Festival.…
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…
2022 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award Winner: Mike Stapinski
2022 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award Winner: Mike Stapinski Without a doubt, Mike Stapinski is considered one of the top sidemen in the Polish polka genre and his number is at the top of many band leaders’ cell phone speed dials. Mike’s talents include proficiency on trumpet, clarinet, sax, bass guitar, lead guitar, drums, piano, concertina and vocals. Mike’s musical career began at the young age of 12 when he joined local…
2022 Joe Jozwiak Award Winner: Ernie Daigle
Ernie Daigle honored with the International Polka Association’s Joe Jozwiak Award for 2022! The IPA Executive Board is proud to announce the selection of Ernie Daigle for the annual Joe Jozwiak Award. Originally called the Special Achievement Award, this honor is a tribute to the late IPA Director Joe Jozwiak who advocated for a way to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions toward the promotion of polka music. Mr. Daigle, who…
IPA’s 3rd Annual Young Songwriter’s Competition – Cancelled
The IPA regretfully announces that this year’s Young Songwriter’s Competition did not receive enough submissions in order to meet our minimum requirements for a fair competition. In so, we must unfortunately cancel this year’s competition. Thank you to the very talented composers who did submit their songs. We appreciate their efforts in submitting their original songs and urge them and others to submit again next year. The IPA’s mission is to promote polka music.…
IPA Polka Show on the Polka Jammer Network
The International Polka Association’s Polka Show has moved to the Polka Jammer Network! Same familiar Sunday morning time slot: 11am central, 12pm eastern. but on a new internet based station: The Polka Jammer Network! Click here for all of the details
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