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 honor those worthy individuals. Following his passing, the award was renamed the Joe Jozwiak Special Achievement Award to pay tribute to Joe and his idea.…

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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 be held on Saturday, August 31st, 2019 at the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo, New York. Congratulations to all award winners and inductees! Prominent living personalities…

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Passing of I.P.A. Hall of Famer: Ray Dorschner

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of IPA Hall of Famer Ray Dorschner. Ray was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996. Our deepest sympathies to all of Ray’s Family and Friends. Click here for the link to Ray’s Hall of Fame Biography  

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Passing of I.P.A. Chaplain Fr. Phil Grib

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of the International Polka Association’s long time Chaplain; Father Phil Grib. Visitation will be on Saturday February 16, 2019 at St Eugene Church – 7958 W Foster, Chicago, Illinois. 9:30am – 10:45am Mass to follow at 11am Rest In Peace Father Phil May God’s perpetual light shine upon you.

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2018 Song of the Year Submissions

The International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame Committee would like to share the “Song of the Year” candidates for 2018. * * * * * * * * * * The “Song of the Year” awards will be presented at the 51st Annual I.P.A. Festival and Convention in Buffalo, NY. * * * * * * * * * * Click on the links to listen . . . International Style Polish Style * *…

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I.P.A. Warm Up Dance & Festival of Bands – Chicago, Illinois

Please join the International Polka Association on January 19th & 20th, 2019 for a fantastic polka weekend in Chicago, IL! Celebrating January as “National Polka Music Month”  * * * * * 11:30am – 12:20pm:  Polski Jam Session 12:30 – 1:20pm:  Tri-City Drive 1:30pm – 2:20pm:  Windy City Brass 2:30pm – 3:20pm:  D Street Band 3:30pm – 4:20pm:  The Music Company 4:30pm – 5:20pm:  The I.P.A. Tribute Band 5:30pm – 6:20pm:  New Phaze 6:30pm –…

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Polka Month Dance – Texas

The Texas Polka News proudly presents their annual “Polka Month Dance” Support the International Polka Association to help raise funds to promote, maintain, and advance public interest in polka entertainment.  Here are all of the details:    

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Passing of Thomas Kula – 2015 IPA Leon Kozicki Award Winner

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Kula.  Tommy was an original member of The Famous and Fabulous Ampol Aires Orchestra for more than 50 years. His love for music earned him many awards; including the International Polka Association’s Leon Kozicki Trustees Award in 2015. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the entire Kula family. May he rest in peace. Please click here for service details.  

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Passing of I.P.A. Hall of Famer Johnnie Bomba

It is with much sadness that we report the passing of I.P.A. Hall of Famer, Johnnie Bomba. Johnnie was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 1980.   For details regarding services, please click here.   Click here for a link to Mr. Bomba’s Hall of Fame biography   May he rest in peace.

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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. The IPA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo, New York. Congratulations…

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2018 I.P.A. Summer Picnic

Get ready for some outdoor Polka Fun!  Please join the International Polka Association as we continue our celebration of 50 years of promoting polka music by attending our Annual Summer Picnic.  Saturday, August 4th:  Hammond Mohawks picnic grove,  Hammond, IN.  Here are all of the details . . .    

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Passing of I.P.A. Hall of Famer Chet Schafer

It is with much sadness that we report the passing of IPA Hall of Famer, Chet Schafer. Chet was inducted into the International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame in 1976, and played a vital role in bringing polka music entertainment to the masses in the Chicagoland area and beyond. Polka Radio personality, Music producer, Singer, Dancer, were just a few of the accolades associated with Mr. Schafer. His great wit, charm and personality will be…

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2017 Song of the Year Submissions

The International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame Committee would like to share the “Song of the Year” candidates for 2017. The “Song of the Year” award will be presented at the 50th Annual I.P.A. Festival and Convention in Buffalo, NY. Click on the links below to listen . . .       International Style   Polish Style    Please Note:  The Songs submitted were from the artists or recording companies and the IPA is not responsible…

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