Lil John Nalevanko – Pioneer Category – Selectee 2023

Documenting the history or polkas in Western Pennsylvania would not be complete without discussing John Nalevanko. Affectionately known as Li’l John, he has been a driving force in promoting Polka music in the area. As a musician, John first started playing drums in local bands when he was 12.   He…

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Dee Dee Ogrodny – Living Category – Selectee 2023

Dee-Dee Jasiewicz Ogrodny has had polkas in her heart since she was born, and she has been a fixture at polka events since she was 18 months old, first with her Mom, Josephine Jasiewicz, and with her Dad and brother, Henry and Henny Jasiewicz (both Inductees of the IPA Polka…

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Gene Swick – Deceased Category – Selectee 2023

On October 16, 2021, the polka world lost one of the most respected and loved polka promoters in the industry. Eugene (Gene) Swick passed away just two days after his 90th birthday after a long bout with multiple health issues. Born in the Polish neighborhood of Greenpoint in Brooklyn, NY,…

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