International Polka Association

The International Polka Association (IPA) is located in Chicago, Illinois and dedicated to the study and preservation of polka music and the cultural heritage of Polish Americans who have made this music tradition part of their heritage. The IPA hosts an annual festival and convention as well as its Annual Polka Music Awards banquet. During the banquet, important figures in polka music are inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame.

International Polka Association
Formation1968
TypeNon-profit music organization, hall of fame
HeadquartersChicago, Illinois
Location
  • 4608 S Archer Avenue
Websiteipapolkas.com

History

The concept of a national polka convention had been developed and pioneered in Chicago, and the first polka convention was held in 1963. This convention developed into the International Polka Convention which was presented each succeeding year in Chicago, Detroit and Buffalo, New York. In 1968, a steering committee began preparations for the formation of the International Polka Association. The association was officially chartered by the State of Illinois as a "not for profit" corporation and was registered with the County of Cook (Chicago) in August 1968[1]

As stated in its charter, the International Polka Association was organized as: "An educational and charitable organization for the preservation, promulgation and advancement of polka music and; to promote, maintain and advance public interest in polka entertainment; to advance the mutual interests and encourage greater cooperation among its members who are engaged in polka entertainment; and to encourage and pursue the study of polka music, dancing and traditional folklore."

The IPA is structured to serve as an educational resource. The IPA is also responsible for the continued operation and growth of its Polka Music Hall of Fame. It is through this branch that the association has been able to continue its historical, educational and research goals on behalf of polka music. The IPA Hall of Fame is located atop Polonia Banquets, a century-old dance hall at 4608 S. Archer Ave. in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, and is open by appointment.

Hall of Fame membership

InducteeYear Inducted
Adamczyk, Steve
Adams, Kevin 2014
Barthalt, Adam
Bass, Kenny
Belina, Billy
Biskup, Michael "Mitch"
Blazonczyk, Antonina
Blazonczyk, Eddie (Sr)1970
Bomba, Johnny
Borek, William "Wesoly Bolek"
Bright, Roger
Brueggen, Gary 2018[2]
Budzilek, Ray
Bulinski, Fred
Check, John
Chesky, Larry1985
Czerniak, Bill
Czerniak, Joe
Czupta, Bill
Dana, Walter
Darlak, Jerry
Data, Marisha
Demerski, John
Dorschner, Ray
Dragon, Chet
Duchow, Lawrence
Dusseault, Happy Louie
Dziagwa, Andy "Day"
Fedorchak, Joe
Fiedor, Joe
Floren, Myron
Forman, Eddie
Fritsche, Fezz
Fuzzy, Cousin
Goetsch, Jerry
Gomulka, Lenny
Gosz, Romy1979
Goydish, Bernie
Grebnick, Al
Groller, Walt
Grybosh, Frankie "Gee"
Gulinski, Chet
Guzevich, Hank
Haas, Johnny
Haller, Hank
Henry, Ray
Herzog, Marv
Hoyer, Matt
Hicks, Charlie
Hyzny, Johnny
Hudy, Fred
Jagiello, Walter "Li'l Wally"
Jarusinski, Raymond "Ray Jay"
Jasiewicz, Henry
Jasinski, Stan
Johantgen, Vi
Karas, Johnny
Karas, Thomas
Kim, Alex
Korosa, Eddie
Kowalkowski, Chet
Kozicki, Leon
Kryger, Brunon
Kryger, Brunon (Bruce)
Kryger, Lucian
Kucera, Ernie
Lazarz, Joe
Lesser, Adolph
Libera, Jackie
Libera, Johnny
Liszka, Frank
Loeffelmacher, Harold
Lucki, Don
Lush, Marion
Lyskawa, Stanley
Madura, Mattie
Maduzia, Wally
Maksymowicz, Ted
Marggraff, Norman
Marcissuk, Joe
Matousek, Michael
Meisner, Verne
Menko, Johnny
Mikos, Bruno
Miskulin, Joey
Mrozinski, Tom
Nowakowski, Michael
Nowicki, Adam
Oskierko, Eddie
Ostanek, Walter
Paterek, "Joe Pat"
Peachy, Don2011
Pecon, Johnny
Pietrzak, Wanda "Koziol"
Podgorski, Ignacy
Polisky, Dennis
Piatkowski, Al
Pillar, Dick
Pinter, Emily
Prohut, Lou
Przasnyski, Stanley
Przasnyski, John "Jas"
Rhamy, Gary
Robak, Jan
Robel, Jolly Jack
Rock, Joe
Rodgers, Dick
Rohwetter, Carl
Sajewski, Alvin C.
Saleski, Stan E.
Schafer, Chet
Seretny, Virginia
Seweryniak, Dave "Scrubby"
Siebert, Gary
Siwiec, Eddie
sewierski, Casey
Skinger, Eddie
Sladky, Matt
Solek, Walt
Soyka, Al
Stolzenberg, Ray
Stras, Keith
Struzik, Joe
Sturr, Jimmy
Szczypula, Rev. Walter
Timmer, "Jolly" Joe
Tokarz, Richie
Towalski, Li'l Richard
Trebar, Lou
Vadnal, Johnny
Walk, Larry
Wasielewski, Matt
Watters, Pat
Weber, Jimmy
Welk, Lawrence
Wilczynski, Henry "Will"
Wilfahrt, "Whoopie John"
Wisniewski, Gene
Witkowski, Bernie Wyte
Wojkiewicz, Joe
Wojnarowski, Frank
Wolan, Sylvester "Shep"
Yankovic, Frank
Zablocki, Chester "Chet"
Zapolska, Teresa
Zavaski, Eddie
Zielinski, Bruno "Jr."
Zima, Eddie

See also

References

  1. Gary McKechnie (2009). USA 101: A Guide to America's Iconic Places, Events, and Festivals. National Geographic. p. 129. ISBN 978-1426204579.
  2. White, Greg (2018-08-10). "Local musician to be inducted in Polka Hall of Fame". WKBT. Retrieved 2019-03-04.
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