John Zelasko was born on March 22, 1967, at Fort Carson Army Base in Colorado Springs, CO. Within his first year, John’s parents John and Christine (Chris) moved back to Michigan once his father was honorably discharged. John was influenced by his father, who played accordion and was also the leader of the Polka Kavaliers (The Kavaliers) until the band retired in 2006. In 1977, he attended a dance in Detroit with his parents and saw Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones for the first time.

John’s first instrument was drums by age 5 and then started accordion lessons by age 8. He played his first job on accordion with his dad’s band when he was 8 years old and became a full-time member by age 10. He began playing trumpet in junior high and then moved to that instrument with The Kavaliers when he started high school. In John’s senior year of high school he joined and traveled with The Brass Connection (accordion) and later joined The Dynasticks, which led to the formation of Prime Drive. However, in 1993 and 1994 he fulfilled his childhood dream to travel, perform, and become a member of Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones. Since his early upbringing in Polka Music, John has played in 17 bands (refer to listing) and continues as band leader and plays with The Project and is a member of Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network. John plays and has a plethora of musical instruments, but his first love is the accordion.

ohn’s children, Jacob and Jenna have followed in his footsteps playing music. Jenna is a recipient of the New Horizon Award in 2016. Both of his children are his pride and joy and he feels they are his greatest accomplishment. John moved to Grand Rapids, MI in 1993 where he currently resides. He is employed by Northpointe Bank as a Systems Administrator of Network Operations.

Accordion mentors: John Zelasko (father), Richie Sendra, Richie Tokarz, Al Piatkowski Trumpet: Lenny Gomulka, Bill Kalinowski, Jimmy Weber
Concertina: Jerry Darlak, Mike and Paul Fudalla, Pete Dardzinski

EXPERIENCE:

Band Member (46 years 1977 - 2023 - 18 bands):
Polka Kavaliers (The Kavaliers) 1977 - 1993
Sound Aires 1983
The Motor City Brass 1984
The Detroit Polka Authority 1984
The Brass Connection 1985
The Dynasticks 1986 – 1990
Rick Vinecki’s Melody Kings 1987
Mark K & The Zug Islanders 1988
Prime Drive 1990 – 1993
Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones 1993 – 1994
Gerry Kaminski’s Merry Makers 1995 – 2005
The Kavaliers – 1995 – 2006
The Dynatones 1996 – 1999
Polka Country Musicians 2000 – 2002
Change of Pace 2004 – 2007
The Knewz 2008 – 2020
The Project 2009 – Present
Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network 2021 - Present

Since John played in numerous polka bands throughout his musical career, he’s played for all major organizations and festivals: IPA, USPA, Frankenmuth Music Fest, Seven Springs, Bel-Aire Days, CPA, Milwaukee Polka Fest, Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival, Pulaski Polka Days, Pulaski Days (GR), Dyngus Day, Toledo Polka Days and many others. John has also played on 9 polka cruises.

Discography (33 studio recordings):