13th Annual IPA and Let’s Polka USA Unity Dance – March 16, 2025

The International Polka Association and Let’s Polka USA presents the 13th Annual Unity Dance on Sunday, March 16, 2025 New Location Elements by the Odyssey Banquet Hall16235 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, IIllinoisLocated behind and connected to the Homewood Suites Hotel Unity Dance Music by the IPA Tribute BandFeaturing Polka Music Hall of Famer Rick Rzeszutko and special guest Vocalist Polka Music Hall of Famer from Canada, John Gora

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Parade of Polka Bands Picnic and Baseball with the Cubs – Aug 17 and 18, 2024

Join us on Saturday, August 17th, and Sunday, August 18th, for a weekend of Baseball and Polkas. Saturday, August 17th Daytime “Rooftop Baseball” outside of Wrigley Field: 3643 N. Sheffeld Ave. To book your day of rooftop baseball fun, please follow these simple steps: Start at website: https://www.wrigleyrooftopsllc.com/ Sunday, August 18th The International Polka Association Proudly Presents The Parade of Polka Bands Picnic Hammond Mohawks Picnic Grove 4040 Calumet Ave.Hammond, IN Gate opens at 12:30pm…

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Notice of Proposed Changes to the By Laws

This notice officially proposes changes to IPA By-Laws that have already been reviewed by the IPA Executive Board. Per procedure, they are being published in this newsletter for consideration by our general membership. From May 1, 2024, to June 20, 2024, our general membership will vote on whether to approve these changes. Members may use one of the following voting methods:  1.) Calling in their “yes” or “no” vote to the IPA – 800-867-6552, leave a…

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Announcing the 5th Annual IPA Young Songwriters Competition for 2024

So you think you can compose a hit polka or waltz? What’s New This Year? Submissions are limited to ONE song per songwriter for songs you composed on your own. One additional submission can be made if it was co-written with another songwriter. Click HERE to go to the Submission Form and see instructions, eligibility and terms. For more information, please listen to the following radio spot

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The Passing of IPA Hall of Famer Florian Chmielewski

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Florian Chmielewski, a 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all his polka friends and fans. Florian W. Chmielewski, Sr., age 97, of Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. Florian was one of 15 children, born to Tony and Tillie Chmielewski on the family…

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2024 Joe Jozwiak Award Winner: Raymond Kanoza

I was born on January 28, 1952, in Oshawa, Ontario (Canada), the first of my two siblings, both sisters (Christine and Theresa), to be welcomed home by two loving parents, Joseph and Aurelia Kanoza.  Both mom and dad were born in Poland. I grew up in a lovely Polish and catholic home.  Music and family gatherings were a common occurrence in our home.  Mom and Dad, as well as both family and friends, loved music…

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2024 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award Winner: Nicola “Nicky D” DiSebastiano

2024 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award Winner: Nicola “Nicky D” DiSebastiano Nicola “Nicky D” DiSebastiano, born in Abruzzi, Italy, immigrated to the United States of America in 1958, settling in Baltimore along with three sisters: Francesca, Maria, Carmela, Mother Consolina, and Father Angelo. At 4 ½ years of age, he still vividly remembers seeing the Statue of Liberty as the ship sailed into the New York City harbor. He is also a proud Father of four…

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2024 IPA Hall of Fame Inductees & 2023 Music Award Winners!

International Polka Association Announces Hall of Fame Selections and Music Award Winners! The International Polka Association is proud to announce the results of the annual election conducted by the Academy of Electors and Trustees.  At this time, they have determined the 2024 Hall of Fame selectees and winners of the 2023 Polka Music Awards. The following candidates will be inducted into the International Polka Association Polka Music Hall of Fame® at the annual festival and…

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Congratulations to the winners of the Sept-Dec 2023 IPA Calendar Raffle

The IPA would like to congratulate all the winners of the 2023 IPA Calendar Raffle. Date Name/State Amount 9/1/23 Wallace Stanczyk, WI $100 9/2/23 Leonard and Barbara Palkowski, MI $100 9/3/23 James Witulski, NC $100 9/4/23 Sandy Earl, OH $40 9/5/23 Jill Styczynski, WI $40 9/6/23 Edward Grudi, PA $40 9/7/23 Adam Biskup, Canada $40 9/8/23 Father Dennis Bogusz, PA $40 9/9/23 Edward Sienkowski, IN $40 9/10/23 Rob Piatkowski, NY $40 9/11/23 Nancy Kikel, PA…

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Wisconsin Spring into Polkas

Join the IPA as we welcome Spring in Wisconsin with two great days of polka dancing. One Saturday May 4, 2024 from 6pm-10pm, we welcome the Dynabrass to Wisconsin and then on Sunday, May 5, 2024, we welcome five great polka bands from Wisconsin for the Pulaski Area Festival of Bands. The Bands Include: The New Generation, The Mix, Aaron Socha & Livewire, Maroszek Brothers and Zander and his Music Ray’Makers. The Dance will be…

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