Edward “Gus” Kosior was born and brought up in the Village of Florida, N.Y, right down the street from Jimmy Sturr. He grew up listening to Polka Music on the local radio station and at his high school dances. He and Jimmy went to school together at their local High School. When Jimmy thought of starting UNITED POLKA ARTISTS, he thought of Gus coming in as a partner. It happened back in 1969. Since that…
With great sadness in our hearts, we inform you of the passing of Chester Pala of the Pala Brothers Orchestra. Chester, along with his brothers Wally and Al, formed their polka band in the 60s playing banquet halls, clubs and taverns throughout the Chicagoland area, Northwest Indiana, and across the country. Their upbeat “Chicago style” of polkas has lasted through many generations and continues to be performed and re-recorded by many of our current polka…
It’s with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Fred Bulinski. Fred was inducted into the IPA Hall of Fame in 1992, he served on the IPA Board for several years as a director, was appointed the Chairman of the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2014 and held that title until October of 2020 and has been a Trustee since 2013. He was a polka musician, bandleader, songwriter and fantastic…
With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Eugene Thoms, a past director of the IPA. Eugene Walter Thoms September 14, 1938 – December 5, 2022 If you knew Gene, you were better for it and perhaps bemused for it. Gene could read, write, and speak tirelessly on his five favorite topics: food, railroads, polkas, geography, and ethnicities. Spend enough time with him, and you were bound to learn something about cuttlefish, steam…
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of 2003 IPA Hall of Fame Inductee, Hank Haller. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Haller family and all of Hank’s Friends and Fans. Everyone remembers Hank Haller for his oom-pah music and lederhosen. But Hank was a lot more. He was a prolific recording artist in the polka field with 100 albums to his credit, with an estimated quarter of a…
The IPA is excited to have the Wisconsin Festival of Bands Weekend. Located at: Townline Pub and Grill 2544 Lineville Road Suamico, WI 54313 Saturday, May 6, 2023 6 pm-10 pm 2014 IPA Hall of Fame Inductee Eddie Biegaj and Crusade Sunday May 7, 2023 – 12 pm – 5 pm 12:00-12:50 The Maroszek Brothers 1:00-1:50 The Nu Tymes 2:00-2:50 Aaron Socha & LiveWire 3:00-3:50 The Mix 4:00-5:00 The New Generation Hotels for the Weekend…
Join the International Polka Association in Celebrating January as National Polka Month Saturday, January 14, 2023 Music by: Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push Doors open at 4:30 pm – Music: 5 pm – 9 pm ADMISSION: $20 at the Door **A Special 2-Day pass will be available for $40** 54th Annual Chicago Festival of Polka Bands Sunday, January 15, 2023 Music Company Tony Blazonczyk’s New Phaze I.P.A. Tribute Band The D-Street Band Keith Stras &…
It’s with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Laura Bethke. Laura was a past financial secretary of the IPA for several years as well as the newsletter editor. She then assisted Leon Kozicki with the IPA Hall of Fame process when he was the Chairman. Laura was an award-winning writer for other polka publications and was a guest DJ several years ago. On behalf of the Officers, Directors, and Members of…
The International Polka Association and Let’s Polka USA present the 11th Annual Unity/St. Joseph’s Day Dance on Sunday, March 19, 2023. This will be held at Royalty West Banquets, 8675 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, Illinois. Doors will open at 12:30 pm and music will be from 1 pm – 5 pm. Music will be provided by the IPA Tribute Band featuring IPA Polka Hall of Famer Rick Rzeszutko and special guest vocalist John Gora.
The IPA is sad to announce the closing of the historical Polonia Banquets. Polonia Banquets had an enormous history with polkas and the IPA. The full letter from the Machay family is presented below. After 58 years serving as the premier banquet facility in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood, Polonia Banquets will close its doors on Archer Avenue effective December 31, 2022. We are humbled and honored to have been a part of countless weddings, polka…
You must be logged in to post a comment.