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Pulaski Polka Days will be held on July 15-18, 2021. We will be updating our website in the next few weeks with 2021 info & band schedules. pulaskipolkadays.com #pulaskipolkadays #wisconsin #JoinUs
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 the building on Kedzie Ave. Jerry spent countless hours donating his time and talents transforming the hall and kitchen area. When the building was sold and the Hall of Fame was moved on Archer, once again he was responsible for much of the existing work which was completed at the new location.
Jerry became an officer in August of 1986 when he was elected as a director from Illinois. Back in 1995 he was elected as the 1st Vice President. In 1996 he ran for President and stayed in that position till 1998 and then again from 1999 to 2001. After his term ended in 2001, Jerry once again ran for director and held that title until 2013. When Jerry’s term ended as director he was appointed as the IPA Advisor, a title that Jerry held until his passing. In the 1980's with Jerry’s help, he formulated the Chicago Push fan club and was the treasurer of that club for many years. In addition, Jerry was a DJ for several years on the IPA radio shows, at one point doing weekly shows with the current President, Christy Krawisz.. He was a longtime engineer for the Richie Gomulka show on WPNA and he also appeared for three seasons as the announcer and point tabulator for Keith Stras’ Polka videos programs which aired on Television. Alongside his wife Wendy, they were both responsible for the IPA Tribute boards, that displayed Hall of Fame Inductees and Music Award winners, that adorned every festival since the early 90’s during the IPA festival and conventions.
In 2008, Jerry was selected as the Joe Jozwiak Special Achievement Award Recipient.
Jerry’s one-of-a-kind, infectious laugh coupled with his kind heart and loving personality which was always willing to lend a helping hand to many capacities in the polka industry will deeply be missed by all.
Along with Wife Wendy he is survived by three children Thomas & wife Judy, Jerome III & wife Amanda & Lawrence along with three grandchildren Alex, Rebecca & Aiden.
Jerry remains were cremated. A memorial will be held later in the year, as his wife Wendy is recovering from COVID-19.
Please keep the Wantroba family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.How Do I Watch The Virtual Festival of Polka Bands?
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Method 1: YouTube
Click on the Following Link on your computer or Smart Phone:
www.ipapolkas.com/go/youtube
Or
From your Smart TV, Apple TV, Roku, or Firestick
Start the YouTube Application
Search for "2021 Virtual IPA Festival"
Hit Play
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Method 2: Facebook
Click on the Following Link on your computer or Smart Phone:
www.ipapolkas.com/go/facebook
We hope you log on and join us for this great day of polka music!Timeline PhotosTune in on THIS SUNDAY JANUARY 17TH for the 52nd Annual Chicago Festival of Polka Bands VIRTUAL EVENT!
Each year since 1968, the IPA has celebrated January as National Polka Month at the IPA Festival of Bands in Chicago. Due to Covid-19, we cannot gather as usual. So, in lieu of the event, we are holding a VIRTUAL Festival of Polka Bands.
On SUNDAY JANUARY 17th, the IPA will be streaming over 2 and a half hours of past video performances featuring bands who have shared their talents with us at the IPA Festival of Bands.
Tune in to hear music by:
D Street Band, Freeze Dried, Marion Lush, Jimmy Killian and Honky Chicago, Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones, Chicago's Milwaukee Avenue, Music Company, Keith Stras and Polka Confetti, Stas Bulanda's Average Polka Band, Tony Blazonczyk's New Phaze, Polka Generations, Stas Golonka's Chicago Masters, Brighton Park Connection, Tri City Drive, Windy City Brass, Downtown Sound, Gerry Tarka's Midwest Sounds, IPA Tribute Band, & Ampol Aires
Don’t miss the stream on SUNDAY JANUARY 17th, at 3PM/4PM cst/est!
How Do I Watch IPA Virtual Festival of Polka Bands?
********************************************************************
METHOD 1: YouTube Click on the Following Link on your computer or Smart Phone: www.ipapolkas.com/go/youtube
Or
From your Smart TV, Apple TV, Roku, or Firestick Start the YouTube Application Search for "2021 Virtual IPA Festival" Hit Play
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METHOD 2: Facebook Click on the Following Link on your computer or Smart Phone: www.ipapolkas.com/go/facebook
We hope you log on and join us for this great day of polka music!
For more information, please contact the IPA at info@ipapolkas.comDigital downloads of Matt Lewandowski's "Take Me Back" recording are available now on Amazon Music.
