The Passing of I.P.A. Hall of Famer Chet Dragon

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Chester “Chet” E. Dragon, 92, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016, at William Childs Hospice House, Palm Bay. He was born Jan. 22, 1924, in Northampton, Massachusetts, to Julia (Slusars) and Adam Dragon. He lived in Worthington, Massachusetts, before moving to Melbourne, in 1996. Chet graduated from Northampton High School in 1942. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II in January 1944. He was a bugler before being…

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2015 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 2015. The “Song of the Year” award will be presented at the 48th Annual IPA Festival and Convention in Buffalo, NY. Click on the links below to listen . . .       International Style    Polish Style   Please Note:  The Songs submitted were from the artists or recording companies and the IPA is not…

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2016 Joe Jozwiak Award Winner

On behalf of the International Polka Assocation’s Officers and Directors; it is our privilege to announce Jill Czerniak Krzeszewski as the winner of the 2016 Joe Jozwiak Award! Many years ago, the late Joseph Jozwiak, a director of the IPA, made a suggestion that an award be bestowed upon an individual or group of individuals who have made a significant contribution or endeavor to enhance the promotion of polka music. After much discussion, the International…

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Passing of I.P.A. Chaplain Father Robert Grib

We are sad to announce the sudden passing of Fr. Robert Gribb, former IPA Chaplin and member of the Brighton Park Connection.   He was a resident at the Colombiere Center in Clarkson Michigan. There will be a memorial mass for Fr. Gribb at St Eugene Parish on Saturday February 6, 2016 at 10:00 am. 7958 W. Foster, Chicago, IL 60656. Please keep Fr. Bob in your prayers. Click Here for the Obituary

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Chicago, IL I.P.A. Festival of Polka Bands Weekend!

Join the International Polka Association as we celebrate January as Polka Music month in Chicago! Click on the flyer for all of the details . . . **Special Hotel Rates** SUPER 8 – BRIDGEVIEW 7887 W. 79th Street Bridgeview, IL 60455 708-458-8008 Mention the Code ‘POLKA’ and your special rate will be: $69.88 + Tax = $77.56  per night =============================================== Band Schedule for January 17th (Subject to Change): 12:00-1:00 – Jim Kilian Polka Band 1:00-2:00…

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International Polka Association Appoints New Trustee

       Texas Native to Represent Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico  Since the establishment of the IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame and annual Music Awards presentations back in 1968, eleven trustees have governed the processes that select Hall of Fame (HOF) inductees and recognize polka artists with awards.  Each trustee is appointed by the IPA president, with the concurrence of the Executive Board, and oversees fourteen other electors chosen to represent a given…

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