Mark Trzepacz – Living Category – Inducted 2015

Born on November 3, 1956 in Buffalo, NY, Mark Trzepacz was 15 years old when he started taking trumpet lessons. Remarkably, he was performing in his first band only seven months later. Growing up in Buffalo’s heavily-Polish East Side, Mark’s passion for polka music was a foregone conclusion. First playing…

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Lou Trebar – Pioneer Category – Inducted 2004

    Lou Trebar authored one of the Cleveland-Style Polka’s most impressive careers. A true dean of Cleveland­-Style music, Lou’s credits included over sixty quality years of professional performances beginning at age 13; over forty years as a composer/arranger and adapter of Cleveland-Style music; leading his own orchestras from 1936-1950;…

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Richie Tokarz – Living Category – Inducted 2000

  Uniquely, making his name as a sideman, Richie Tokarz is well known particularly in the Polish sector of polka music. Through the years he has demonstrated his talents playing the accordion, trumpet and singing with top polka bands. Also, his efforts as a musical writer have always scored high…

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