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International Polka Association

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

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.

History

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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

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Inductee Year inducted Notes Ref
Adam Barthalt
Billy Belina
Michael "Mitch" Biskup
William "Wesoly Bolek" Borek
Roger Bright
Bill Czupta
John Demerski
Ray Dorschner
Chet Dragon
Andy "Day" Dziagwa
Joe Fedorchak
Eddie Forman
Walter Jagiello 1969 Inaugural class
Frankie Yankovic
Eddie Blazonczyk 1970
Walter Dana 1971
Eddie Zima 1972 Deceased
Ray Budzilek 1973
Marisha Data 1974
Steve Adamczyk 1975
Johnny Bomba 1980
Happy Louie Dusseault 1982
Joe Fiedor Deceased
Lawrence Duchow 1983 Deceased
Larry Chesky 1985
Antonina Blazonczyk 1987 Deceased
Kenny Bass 1989 Deceased
Joe Czerniak Pioneer
Myron Floren 1990
John Check 1991 Pioneer
Fred Bulinski 1992
Bill Czerniak
Jerry Darlak 1997
Kevin Adams 2014
Gary Brueggen 2018 [2]
Inductee Year Inducted
Fritsche, Fezz 1984 (Deceased)
Fuzzy, Cousin 1985 (Deceased)
Goetsch, Jerry
Gomulka, Lenny 1988
Gosz, Romy 1979 (Deceased)
Goydish, Bernie 1984
Grebnick, Al 1988 (Pioneer)
Groller, Walt 1986
Grybosh, Frankie "Gee"
Gulinski, Chet
Guzevich, Hank
Haas, Johnny 1988
Haller, Hank
Henry, Ray 1972
Herzog, Marv 1979
Hicks, Charlie
Hoyer, Matt 1987 (Deceased)
Hyzny, Johnny 1983
Hudy, Fred
Jarusinski, Raymond "Ray Jay"
Jasiewicz, Henry 1991 (Deceased)
Jasinski, Stan 1985 (Pioneer)
Johantgen, Vi
Karas, Johnny
Karas, Thomas
Kim, Alex
Korosa, Eddie
Kowalkowski, Chet 1991
Kozicki, Leon 1977
Kryger, Brunon 1977 (Deceased)
Kryger, Brunon (Bruce) 1990
Kryger, Lucian
Kucera, Ernie 1992 (Pioneer)
Lazarz, Joe 1977
Lesser, Adolph
Libera, Jackie
Libera, Johnny 1982
Liszka, Frank
Loeffelmacher, Harold 1975
Lucki, Don
Lush, Marion 1972
Lyskawa, Stanley
Madura, Mattie 1973 (Deceased)
Maduzia, Wally
Maksymowicz, Ted 1980 (Deceased)
Marggraff, Norman 1990
Marcissuk, Joe 1991
Matousek, Michael
Meisner, Verne 1989
Menko, Johnny 1987 (Pioneer)
Mikos, Bruno 1986
Miskulin, Joey
Mrozinski, Tom
Nowakowski, Michael
Nowicki, Adam
Oskierko, Eddie 1983 (Deceased)
Ostanek, Walter 1983
Paterek, "Joe Pat" 1978
Peachy, Don 2011
Pecon, Johnny 1975 (Deceased)
Pietrzak, Wanda "Koziol"
Podgorski, Ignacy 1978 (Deceased)
Polisky, Dennis
Piatkowski, Al
Pillar, Dick 1974
Pinter, Emily
Prohut, Lou 1981 (Deceased)
Przasnyski, Stanley
Przasnyski, John "Jas" 1998
Rhamy, Gary
Robak, Jan 1992 (Deceased)
Robel, Jolly Jack 1987 (Deceased)
Rock, Joe
Rodgers, Dick 1976
Rohwetter, Carl
Sajewski, Alvin C. 1978
Saleski, Stan E. 1980
Schafer, Chet 1976
Seretny, Virginia
Seweryniak, Dave "Scrubby"
Siebert, Gary
Siwiec, Eddie
Sewierski, Casey 1981
Skinger, Eddie
Sladky, Matt
Solek, Walt 1974
Soyka, Al 1979
Stolzenberg, Ray 1981
Stras, Keith
Struzik, Joe 1988 (Deceased)
Sturr, Jimmy 1984
Szczypula, Rev. Walter
Timmer, "Jolly" Joe 1990
Tokarz, Richie
Towalski, Li'l Richard
Trebar, Lou
Vadnal, Johnny 1987
Walk, Larry
Wasielewski, Matt
Watters, Pat 1986 (Deceased)
Weber, Jimmy
Welk, Lawrence 1994 (Deceased)
Wilczynski, Henry "Will"
Wilfahrt, "Whoopie John" 1976 (Deceased)
Wisniewski, Gene 1973
Witkowski, Bernie Wyte 1971
Wojkiewicz, Joe 1985
Wojnarowski, Frank 1970
Wolan, Sylvester "Shep"
Zablocki, Chester "Chet"
Zapolska, Teresa
Zavaski, Eddie
Zielinski, Bruno "Jr." 1986 (Pioneer)

See also

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References

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  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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