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
********************************************************************
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.com
Digital downloads of Matt Lewandowski's "Take Me Back" recording are available now on Amazon Music.
#FlashbackFriday to the early 80's when FPB namesake, Fritz Scherz played a few tunes with Frank Yankovic and his band (Joey Miskulin & Bob Yankovic) at Trinkaus Manor in Oriskany, NY. He first performed on stage with Frank and his band when he was nine years old at the Utica Auditorium as his Dad, Fred Scherz Sr. also jammed with him that night.❤🎹
“Take Me Back” by Matt Lewandowski and the Alliance is out NOW! Digital downloads available TODAY at the Amazon market place, and iTunes Store. CDs also available at www.mattlewmusic.com/take-me-back/
James S. Suchey Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information
James S. Suchey Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information
www.chagnonfh.com
Share Memories & Support the Family.The IPA is excited to announce the details of the 52nd Annual Virtual Festival of Bands. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, we won't be able to gather in person, but we thought it would be fun to provide videos of bands in the past that have performed at the IPA Festival of Bands.
In 1968, Wisconsin Orchestra leaders decided to get together and proclaim January as "National Polka Month" to stimulate band engagements. The newly formed International Polka Association contacted these leaders to see if we could join the celebration. The concept of the Festival of Bands was borrowed from the famous Club 505 that booked 5 bands every week for many years. The IPA expanded on this idea by presenting the January Festival of Polka bands. We would like to thank Keith Stras for his great history lesson on the Festival of bands.
We thought it would be a fun presentation to recognize some of the Chicago bands that performed for the festival. We have a great lineup of videos of performances on Sunday, January 17th and you will not want to miss them. The event will feature over 2 hours and 30 minutes of video performances. You can watch them on your Smart TV, Computer, or Smart Phone.
When is the event?
Sunday, January 17th
4:00 pm (est) / 3:00 pm (cst)
What bands are being featured?
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
We hope you join us for this awesome event! Check out our Facebook page for further details on how to log on to the stream! For more information, please contact the IPA at info@ipapolkas.com
Take Me Back – Matt Lewandowski and The Alliance
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTLUEw7Ec7k&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0cc1N_Oh_mvcw1Sh9Uusj9EWhRa_8MbBOORo...
Charlie Tansek & The Harmony Knights - Live at the Brookstate Inn
www.youtube.com
Charlie Tansek: Concertina, Drums, VocalsGlen Whipple: TrumpetTom Wissuchek: Clarinet, SaxFrank Paprzycki: AccordionLenny Paprzycki: BassNOTE: Photos not fro...Photos from International Polka Association's post
He will be truly missed ... so used to seeing him at every dance recording the bands the people dancing
www.colonialchapel.com/memorials/norbert-ciesla/4479233/index.php?fbclid=IwAR02lTlQ7C3rmgTZK_zG2y...
Norbert Ciesla Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information
www.colonialchapel.com
Share Memories of Norbert & Support the Ciesla FamilyRIP Father Norb ! You were a great man and a great contributor to the Polka Industry.
RIP Norb.
Preview of the brand new recording by Matt Lewandowski and the Alliance.
fb.watch/2LwH8wqtsP/
Obituary for Stanley J. Wasielewski at Schellhaas Funeral Home & Cremation Svcs., Inc.
Obituary for Stanley J. Wasielewski at Schellhaas Funeral Home & Cremation Svcs., Inc.
www.schellhaasfh.com
Stanley Stas J. Wasielewski, age 75, of West View, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020 from Covid-19. Born in Pittsburgh on November 13, 1945. He survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Eileen S...Please join Bay City Polka Panic Band members Rhonda Lackowski and Andrew Ratajczak as we Live Stream a one hour traditional Christmas music show starting at 7pm tonight on the Bay City Polka Panic Facebook page
The show is being brought to you by:
Kim and Scott Nephew, owners of Ryder’s Bar & Grill 2650 W. Midland Rd., Midland, MI 48642
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Carey Limberg of Temporary Kicks sound production company.
*Thank you Carey for also assisting on getting us hooked up to the stream
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Polka Panic fan club
and the Polka Panic band members
Enjoy the show as we wish you a Merry Christmas!!!
Urbanczyk, Ronald K. - December 16, 2020 — Pacer Funeral Home - serving Buffalo and Western New York
Urbanczyk, Ronald K. - December 16, 2020 — Pacer Funeral Home - serving Buffalo and Western New York
www.pacerfuneralhome.com
Kathy, Lori, Brian I was shocked and very saddened to hear of Ron’s illness and passing. I will be praying for Ron and your whole family during this difficult period. Buffalo has lost a tremendous p...God Bless 🙏
😞 so sad. God bless.
So sorry. God bless
Fritz's Polka Band performs at B.B. King's Club!
Fritz's Polka Band performs at B.B. King's Club!
youtu.be
In December 2003, Jagermeister-sponsored, Fritz's Polka Band from Verona, NY performed at Glen Burtnik's Christmas Xtravaganza at B.B. King's Club in New Yor...www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgK9lsOgA2E&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0FZi-6JVVLx150GwaFm5-CqMRaaiXE20M...
Merry Christmas Box On☃️🙏 Alex great job on Mollie B 🎼🎈
New Christmas Show Tonight!
www.mollieb.com
Episode 2 of the 2020 Virtual Mollie B Christmas Special, LIVE tonight at 8:00PM EST on www.YouTube.com/MollieBLooking forward to tonight!!
Barbara Kochan Obituary (1933 - 2020) - Albany Times Union
Barbara Kochan Obituary (1933 - 2020) - Albany Times Union
www.legacy.com
View Barbara Kochan's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.2012 Mollie B Christmas Special | MollieB
2012 Mollie B Christmas Special | MollieB
www.mollieb.com
Songs on the CD/DVD: Love Came Down Old Fashioned Christmas Need a Little Christmas Deck the Halls Have a Holly Jolly Christmas It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year I'll Be Home with Bells On I Wa...www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2ZqeHw8bY0&fbclid=IwAR2Y_R4nRaieDOxOCsjOGv2-HFC1aRtd0iEZJ9nQP00fFnSl0ba1...
Mollie B & Ted Lange with Ed Siwiec! 10/27/2020
www.youtube.com
www.mollieb.comMollie B and Ted Lange from the band "Squeezebox" live from their home studio on 10/27/2020 with special guest, Eddie SiwiecInterested ...😥
So very sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed. Sending prayers for strength and support. 💔💔💔
So sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss 😪
Sorry for your loss🙏
Sorry for your loss
🙏🙏🙏
R.I.P. Jolly Rich.
Obituary of Richard Roman Anton | Manchester Memorial Funeral Home LLC
manchestermemorial.net
Richard (“Jolly” Rich) Roman Anton, devoted husband, father, and grandfather (Dziadziu), passed away on November 23, 2020. Rich is survived by his loving wife Monica Anton (Kruszewski), his childr...
