On behalf of the International Polka Association Board of Trustees and Hall of Fame Committee, the IPA Officers and Directors are proud to announce that the annual voting cycle conducted by the national Academy of IPA Electors just concluded. Here are the results for the 2020 IPA Music Awards winners: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Favorite Polish Style Female Vocalist –…
2021 Winner and Runner Up Announced! Congratulations to Karen Guca and her song “One And Only” as the winner of the International Polka Association’s 2021 Young Songwriter’s competition! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Also; please congratulate Jenna Libera for securing second place for her song “Bruce’s Polka” * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A big congratulations…
Frank Napiwocki and his wife Doris 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 Polka Association (IPA) voted to honor those worthy individuals with the establishment of the Special Achievement Award. To pay tribute to…
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 Polka Association (IPA) voted to honor those worthy individuals with the establishment of the Special Achievement Award. To pay tribute to Joe Jozwiak, following his passing, this award…
Don Hunjadi grew up with polka music, often watching his father, Richard, perform on stage as the drummer with Milwaukee polka great, Louie Bashell. Although he started playing trumpet in the fifth grade, by age 14, Don became the bass player with the Joey Klass band. At 17 he began playing saxophone and had his first opportunity to enter a recording studio where he became fascinated with the recording process and equipment. Only a few…
It is with sadness that we notify our members and friends of the passing of former IPA Director Leonard Wrobel. Lenny served as a director for the International Polka Association and was passionate about polka music. Lenny passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 22nd, 2021 in Erie, PA. Our sincere condolences go out to Lenny’s family and friends; he will be greatly missed by all. Eternal rest grant onto Lenny, and may the…
It is with deep sadness that the International Polka Association announces the passing of Former IPA Director Patricia “Pat” Maduzia. Pat was very active in the polka community both in the Chicago area and across the country. Pat would be frequently seen in front of the bandstand dancing and singing along with the polka bands. Pat is the wife of IPA Hall of Fame member Wally Maduzia and the mother of Michael (drummer for…
It’s with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of IPA Hall of Fame Inductee Adam Barthalt, who was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2006. Adam G. Barthalt died on April 24, 2021 at Peconic Bay Medical Center. He was 85 years old. He was born on June 11, 1935 in Ridgewood, New York to Adam and Susanna (Harnacker) Barthalt. He graduated from Cairo High School. He was…
It is with great sadness to inform you that IPA Past President Patricia “Pat” Mikos passed away on February 25th, 2021. Condolences to the entire Mikos family and to all of her many polka friends. Visitation/Wake: March 1st, 2021 beginning at 9am Hickey Memorial Chapels2429 W 127th StBlue Island IL 60406 Prayer service will begin 10am at the funeral home before proceeding to St Benedict Church for Mass. St Benedict Church 2339…
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our IPA Advisor, Jerry Wantroba. Jerry passed away Monday, after a long Illness. Jerry’s family were residents of the McKinley Park neighborhood in Chicago, where so many Polkas stars lived. Jerry was first a sponsor on Chicago polka radio, as his business grew, he became more and more acquainted with the polka public and became involved in the IPA when we had…
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