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 for Dean’s IPA Hall of Fame biography

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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 them all in your thoughts and prayers. Stas was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Known by all polka music…

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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 Campbell, Alex “Butch” Piet and Bonnie’s entire family and friends.  May her soul rest in peace. Services: Lord; may our friend Rest in peace .…

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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 women” usually received most of the recognition for their groups’ success that may have contributed to their winning individual awards or their eventual inductions into…

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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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