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…
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…
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 &…
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…
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.
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…
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
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 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.…
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 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…
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…
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.…
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
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of 2021 International Polka Association Hall of Fame inductee; Richard “Jersey Polka Richie” Drongoski. Please keep the family and friends of Jersey Polka Richie in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies to all. May he rest in peace. Click here for information on Services Click here to read Polka Richie’s IPA Hall of Fame biography
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of IPA Hall of Fame member; Bill Shibilski. Bill was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2020 for his outstanding dedication to polka music as a polka promoter and polka broadcaster for over 50 years. Our condolences and sympathies to Bill’s immediate family and his polka family throughout the country and beyond. May Bill rest in peace. IPA…
It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of 2013 International Polka Association Hall of Fame Member John “Foo” Furmaniak. John was the consummate professional when performing with many great polka bands in and around the Chicago area and beyond. His accordion skills are second to none and have been admired by many. John had the fortune to perform on stage with IPA Hall of Fame members Marion Lush, Ted…
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of 1982 IPA Hall of Fame Inductee; Louis George “Happy Louie” Dusseault. Happy Louie was one of the most dynamic and charismatic polka entertainers in the field. The way Louie was able to connect with his fans on stage is legendary. For the past several years, Louie had become debilitated due to…
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 CATEGORY: Michael Costa Richard “Jersey Polka Richie” Drongoski DECEASED CATEGORY: Walter Procanyn PIONEER CATEGORY: Dr. William Lausche * * * * * * * *…
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: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Favorite Polish Style Female Vocalist –…
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