Joe Macielag – Pioneer Category – Inducted 2018

Joseph Macielag began his musical career with clarinet lessons at the age of 14. Two years later, he was invited to join the Rydzewski Brothers Trio from Niagara Falls, NY. Influenced by Frank Wojnarowski, Joseph organized a nine-piece orchestra that played its first gig when he was only 18. By the age of 21, he was on the road with his band backing up the famed vocalist, Marisha Data. Later, Joseph’s Pic-a-Polka Orchestra teamed up…

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Mollie Busta Lange – Living Category – Inducted 2018

  Mollie Busta Lange, commonly known as “Mollie B,” has been active in the polka industry her entire life. She began at age three on vocals with the Jim Busta Band, and to date, has performed in 35 states and eleven countries in addition to appearing on over 35 recordings. Always involving polka music, Mollie has been an educator and role model through her performances, dance lessons, and school workshops. While best known as the…

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Gary Brueggen – Living Category – Inducted 2018

  Gary Brueggen was born in the small farming community of Cashton, Wi, where at the young age of two he became captivated by polka music he heard on the radio. Recognizing his potential, Gary’s parents bought him his first set of drums at five years old, and by the time he was nine, he played his first job with the Ridgeland Dutchmen. At age 10, he was given his first concertina, which began his…

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