Great Weather and Music Make for a Great Day
by Jennifer Pijanowski
The 56th annual Buffalo Polka Boosters picnic was held at Kloc’s Grove, with music provided by Seven. Beautiful weather set the scene for a lively day of food, dancing, and fellowship. Members, along with several out-of-town guests, gathered to celebrate Western New York’s local polka musicians.
The event continues to grow each year as more people discover its value. Admission included the dance, a three-hour buffet featuring summer picnic favorites, beer, water, and soda throughout the afternoon.
As always, the music was the highlight. Seven kept the crowd on its feet, dancing and cheering along with the band. The Buffalo Polka Boosters will soon begin their 57th year of keeping polka music and tradition alive in Western New York.
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY. Polka fans had plenty to enjoy this summer, and fortunately, many of the best celebrations were a quick trip from Western New York. Even better, several were open to the public at no cost.
One standout was the Cheektowaga Polish American Arts Festival, which made a strong return in July. After several quieter years with limited local entertainment, the festival came back with renewed energy and an impressive lineup organized under the leadership of Jim Lawicki, president of the WNY Polish American Congress, and his board.
The main stage featured crowd favorites Lenny Gomulka, John Gora, Polka Country Musicians, and Dynabrass, while talented local performers kept the music going in the nearby shelter. Guests also enjoyed cultural displays, hands-on craft activities, and cooking demonstrations by social media influencer Karolina Klesta, adding even more variety to the three-day celebration.
Looking ahead, plans are already taking shape for an even bigger festival in 2027. Jimmy Sturr, John Gora, Lenny Gomulka, John Stevens Doubleshot, Maestro’s Men, and Blue Magic are already scheduled to appear next July. Mark your calendar for July 30–August 1, 2027, and make plans to attend this lively ethnic community celebration featuring some of the nation’s finest polka bands.
Speaking of free community celebrations, Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Erie, Pa., hosts one of the summer’s most anticipated polka gatherings. Zabawa, held each August, draws thousands of visitors to the parish for food, refreshments, fellowship, and plenty of time on the dance floor.
The word zbawa translates from Polish as “fun,” “play,” or “party,” and the festival lives up to that meaning from the moment guests arrive. Months of cooking, planning, and organizing go into the celebration, which serves as the parish’s largest fundraiser of the year.
The weekend festivities opened Friday evening with a high-energy performance by Dynabrass. Beautiful weather brought fans out in full force to enjoy the music and dancing. Each year I mention getting to watch some of the college volunteers learn how to polka from seasoned veteran polka fans. This year that activity was no exception; the dance floor was popping all evening.
Rain moved in on Saturday, but the skies cleared long enough for Maestro’s Men to take the stage. The band delivered a spirited performance for those who braved the weather and enjoyed the music between raindrops.
Sunday brought another damp day, but Blue Magic closed the festival with outstanding music. With polka at its heart, Zabawa remains a celebration of community, faith, and Polish heritage.
DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY IN CRANBERRY, PA. As school schedules return, cooler weather settles in, and the days grow shorter. Polka fans know Labor Day weekend brings one of the season’s biggest traditions: the International Polka Association Convention. Held once again in Cranberry, Pa., the three-day gathering featured an impressive lineup of top polka bands. Although I did not arrive until 9:00 p.m. Friday, hearing a set from each group was well worth the trip. John Gora & Gorale, Maestro’s Men, and Blue Magic rotated throughout the evening, keeping the dance floor lively late into the night.
Saturday morning featured the IPA Hall of Fame and Music Awards ceremony, a meaningful highlight of the convention and a true celebration of polka’s finest. The event recognizes new inductees in both the living and deceased categories and brings together musicians, families, and fans from across the polka community.
This year was especially memorable for Western New York, as two local polka musicians were inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Gary “Krew” Krupski was honored in the living category, while Ken Machelski was recognized in the deceased category. Family members and many local supporters attended the banquet to celebrate their achievements, making the ceremony both heartfelt and inspiring.
Hearing their stories offered a deeper appreciation for their long careers and lasting impact on polka music. Both Gary and Ken dedicated more than 60 years to performing and preserving the tradition, making polka a central part of their lives. Western New York can be proud to call these two icons part of the fabric that keeps polka music strong for future generations.
Upon the completion of the awards ceremony, many were discussing the IPA Hall of Fame, and Emma Bogdon was kind enough to explain how much work, dedication, and energy is going into cataloging and organizing items in the Hall of Fame. After hearing this, I came home and went to the online IPA Hall of Fame. If you have not taken the time to check this out, it is definitely worthwhile. It is carefully thought out and filled with impressive bits of information. Check it out when you have some free time — www.ipahalloffame.com.
Festivities continued into the evening as the IPA Tribute Band welcomed several Hall of Famers to the stage to share their talents. Gary Krupski and Eddie Rodick each made their first appearance performing among polka’s elite, adding a memorable moment to the celebration.
As the evening progressed, Eddie Forman and The Sounds Reunion alternated sets with the IPA Tribute Band. Anticipation for the Sounds Reunion was clear, as fans began gathering in front of the empty bandstand early to secure a good view.
Led by Jimmy Weber, the talented group performed a wide selection of songs that brought back cherished memories for many in attendance.
The reunion featured Frank Liszka, Wally Dombrowski, Richie Zebrowski, Mike Stapinski, Dave Morris, Ralph Sabatini, and Jimmy Weber. A new version of “Up in the Attic” proved to be a crowd favorite, and cheers grew thunderous when Vinny Bozarelli joined the group on vocals. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a great music critic, but I absolutely love being entertained. Watching these musicians on stage—clearly savoring every minute—was pure joy. Their enthusiasm exploded from the stage and washed over the audience, creating a shared moment of celebration that perfectly capped the night.
IPA President Chris Bogdon delivered a major announcement regarding the 2027 convention: next year’s event will officially move to Erie, Pa., with festivities taking place along the scenic Bayfront next September. I think this is a fantastic decision, and I’m genuinely looking forward to hearing more details as they unfold. With a fresh location, beautiful waterfront views, and plenty of room for growth, it’s already shaping up to be a must-attend highlight on the 2027 polka event calendar.
KINLOCH OR BUST. If you are looking for a fall road trip, stop by Kinloch Fire Hall on Saturday, October 10, 2026, when New Generation takes the stage for a special live broadcast during the Polka Jammer Network’s annual
Jammerthon. Running from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., this high energy event invites fans to experience one of Wisconsin’s standout bands in Western Pa.’s polka hotspot, with an admission set at $20 per person.
Don’t forget, Kinloch Fire Hall closes out its 2026 polka season with one of Western Pennsylvania’s most beloved acts. On Sunday, November 29, the Polka Family returns to New Kensington’s signature polka venue for an afternoon performance from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Admission for the event is $20 per person, with food and drinks available for purchase and no outside beverages permitted. For reservations or additional details, you can reach out to organizer Chris Bogdon at chris@westernpapolkas.com
GO WEST, YOUNG MAN. The Pulaski Polish American Club in Phoenix (4331 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85008) will host the Polka Country Musicians on November 14-15, with a free Friday meet-and-greet at 6:00 p.m., followed by $15 dances on Saturday from 5:00-9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00-6:00 p.m., with kids under 16 admitted free all weekend, a full bar, and the Polish Kitchen open for the festival.
