2022 Leon Kozicki Trustees Award Winner: Mike Stapinski   Without a doubt, Mike Stapinski is considered one of the top sidemen in the Polish polka genre and his number is at the top of many band leaders’ cell phone speed dials.   Mike’s talents include proficiency on trumpet, clarinet, sax, bass guitar, lead guitar, drums, piano, concertina and vocals. Mike’s musical career began at the young age of 12 when he joined local…

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    Ernie Daigle honored with the International Polka Association’s Joe Jozwiak Award for 2022! The IPA Executive Board is proud to announce the selection of Ernie Daigle for the annual Joe Jozwiak Award. Originally called the Special Achievement Award, this honor is a tribute to the late IPA Director Joe Jozwiak who advocated for a way to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions toward the promotion of polka music.   Mr. Daigle, who…

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  The IPA regretfully announces that this year’s Young Songwriter’s Competition did not receive enough submissions in order to meet our minimum requirements for a fair competition. In so, we must unfortunately cancel this year’s competition. Thank you to the very talented composers who did submit their songs. We appreciate their efforts in submitting their original songs and urge them and others to submit again next year. The IPA’s mission is to promote polka music.…

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The International Polka Association’s Polka Show has moved to the Polka Jammer Network! Same familiar Sunday morning time slot:  11am central, 12pm eastern. but on a new internet based station:  The Polka Jammer Network! Click here for all of the details

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It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of 2021 International Polka Association Hall of Fame inductee; Richard “Jersey Polka Richie” Drongoski. Please keep the family and friends of Jersey Polka Richie in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  Our deepest sympathies to all.  May he rest in peace. Click here for information on Services Click here to read Polka Richie’s IPA Hall of Fame biography

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It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of IPA Hall of Fame member; Bill Shibilski. Bill was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2020 for his outstanding dedication to polka music as a polka promoter and polka broadcaster for over 50 years. Our condolences and sympathies to Bill’s immediate family and his polka family throughout the country and beyond. May Bill rest in peace. IPA…

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It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of 2013 International Polka Association Hall of Fame Member John “Foo” Furmaniak. John was the consummate professional when performing with many great polka bands in and around the Chicago area and beyond.  His accordion skills are second to none and have been admired by many. John had the fortune to perform on stage with IPA Hall of Fame members Marion Lush, Ted…

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                                                                            It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of 1982 IPA Hall of Fame Inductee; Louis George “Happy Louie” Dusseault. Happy Louie was one of the most dynamic and charismatic polka entertainers in the field.  The way Louie was able to connect with his fans on stage is legendary.  For the past several years, Louie had become debilitated due to…

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