Honky-Style Polkas Draw a Crowd to the American Legion
by Jennifer Pijanowski
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Newell-Faulkner American Legion Post 880 Eden, about a half-hour south of Buffalo, held a Honky Polka Dance on May 9 featuring Eric Bakowski, Andy Bojczuk, Gary Krupski, Tommy Picciano, Brian Urbanczyk, and Tyler Zawatski. The group performed a variety of treasured honky-style tunes that brought the dancers to their feet. The Post was packed with polka fans as well as locals who came out to support the post. Attendees were really loving the music as the crowd stayed until the very end yelling “One More Time!”
The staff at Legion were beyond welcoming opening their doors and taking a chance on polka music. I hope with the success of the event, they run polka events more often.
MILESTONE FOR CHUDZIK. Buffalo Polka Boosters proudly celebrated one of our cherished member’s milestone birthdays as Lorraine Chudzik turned 100 on April 1st. In honor of her remarkable century of life, she was presented with an honorary lifetime membership to Buffalo Polka Boosters. John Gora helped elevate the festivities, doting on our beloved Lorraine as friends and family gathered to share in the joy of the occasion.
Standing beside Lorraine was her long-time partner, Stanley Nasternak, who also reached an extraordinary milestone, celebrating his 90th birthday. Stanley was honored as well, making it a truly special dual celebration. Sadly, Stanley passed away on June 24th. Many members of Buffalo Polka Boosters attended his funeral in tribute to his years of dedication to the club.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to John Gora and his band, whose music and presence were the icing on the cake for this joyful celebration.
YOU CAN BET ON IT. John Stevens Band electrified the crowd during their debut performance on Polka Buzz. The show, taped at Batavia Downs, once again drew a sold-out audience eager for a night of great music. Stevens and his band delivered a powerhouse set filled with their best songs and high energy, giving the anxious crowd exactly what they came for: a chance to hit the dance floor the moment the music started. We don’t get to see this band as often as we’d like, but every appearance proves how well they know how to work a room and entertain their fans. Stevens is a true crowd pleaser, performing with such joy and enthusiasm that it’s impossible not to get swept up in the moment.
During breaks, fans flocked to the merchandise table to grab t-shirts and recordings, eager to take home a piece of the experience. Stevens’ genuine nature and commitment to producing music he’s proud of shines through in every detail. We look forward to welcoming him back to Western New York soon—whether for another Polka Buzz taping or a local venue performance. His love for polka music and entertaining is unmistakable, and this band remains one of the most passionate in the business.
BUFFALONIANS BRING HOME HARDWARE. My husband Rick and I made a last-minute decision to head to Cleveland for the Saturday festivities at USPA in Independence, Ohio — and we are so grateful we did. Shortly after arriving, we received incredible news: Buffalo had two major winners in the 2025 USPA Awards.
A huge congratulations goes to Andy Bojczuk, honored as Male Vocalist of the Year. Bojczuk, drummer for Seven and formerly of The Knewz, is beloved throughout the polka community for his standout voice and his meticulous attention to Polish lyrics. Beyond his musical talent, Bojczuk is one of the most genuine and cherished individuals in the polka field. He greets everyone with authenticity, warmth, and heartfelt sincerity. There is truly no one more deserving of this award, and we are fortunate to have him keeping polka music thriving right here at home.
Another heartfelt shout out goes to Robin and Geri Pegg, who earned the IJ/DJ of the Year Award for Polkas After Dark — their third consecutive win. What began as an avenue to stay connected during COVID has grown into a true passion project for both of them. Their Saturday and Sunday digital broadcasts keep listeners informed about upcoming events, celebrate treasured polka memories, and spotlight the very best in polka music. Their Sunday interviews have become a fan favorite, offering listeners a meaningful glimpse into each featured musician’s history, journey, and personal story.
During our day trip to the USPA Convention, we enjoyed performances from three of the best bands in polka music, LiveWire, Dynabrass, and Seven. While the music is always at the heart of these conventions, reconnecting with longtime friends we don’t see nearly as often as we’d like is just as meaningful. The USPA board did a fantastic job, creating a seamless, action packed day of events that kept the energy high from start to finish. Each of the bands took turns, delivering sets that fully met the expectations of the hundreds of attendees who made their way to the Cleveland area for the Memorial Day celebration. Congratulations on another successful year!
DUNKIRK REKINDLED. Fourth Ward Polish Falcons in Dunkirk, N.Y. hosted a lively parking lot polka party featuring the music of Kaisertown Polka Band. The celebration took place on a beautiful Father’s Day Sunday, and polka fans were eager to enjoy the sunshine, dancing, and the band’s upbeat, high spirited sound.
Members of the Polish Falcons rolled out the red carpet for guests, offering great food, drink specials, and some of the warmest hospitality around. Although Dunkirk has a large Polish population, ethnic festivities and polka events in the area have dwindled to nearly nothing over the past decade. Despite having five Polish clubs in town, none have featured live polka music in quite some time. That made this event even more meaningful, as members embraced the polka spirit, wearing red and white, waving the Polish flag, and dancing right up until the final song. Mitch and the band were a spot-on choice, delivering their quirky, energetic set list that can win over any crowd.
Hopefully this marks the beginning of another venue bringing polka back to the Dunkirk area and keeping the tradition alive.
CRANBERRY JAM. The 58th Annual International Polka Festival, hosted by the International Polka Association (IPA), will take place September 4–6, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Cranberry, Pa. The weekend will be packed with music, dancing, and celebration.
The festivities begin Thursday, September 3, with a kick-off party featuring Dynabrass, followed by Friday’s welcome party and performances from Dennis Polisky & The Maestro’s Men, John Gora & Gorale, and Frankie Liszka & Blue Magic.
Saturday brings a lively pool party with Jody Maddie’s Uptown Sound, evening shows by Eddie Forman Orchestra, the IPA Tribute Band, and a Jimmy Weber Sounds reunion, plus the 57th Annual IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet honoring the newest inductees.
Sunday wraps up with a Polka Mass, the IPA annual meeting, a final pool party and grand finale featuring Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network, Polka Country Musicians, and Twin Cities Soundz. Admission is $25 for Friday and Saturday and $30 for Sunday or $75 for a three-day pass, with children under 12 free. Rooms at the DoubleTree are available at a special IPA rate of $129 per night.
For tickets and details, visit the IPA website.
DROP BY THE OCEAN. Polkamotion by the Ocean 2026 is a lively three-day polka music festival hosted by PucoYashu at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center in Delaware from September 17–19. The celebration kicks off with a Wednesday night welcome party on September 16 at Conch Island Key West Bar and Grill, featuring DJ Bruce Z’s happy hour and DVSTA for just $5 admission. The main festivities begin Thursday with performances by the Polka Family Band, Frankie Liszka & Blue Magic, and DVSTA, followed by Friday’s lineup of Dennis Polisky & Maestros Men, Eddie Forman Orchestra, and Polka Country Musicians, plus a midday DJ party with John Cieplik.
Saturday closes the event with Dynabrass and another set from Frankie Liszka & Blue Magic. Daily admission ranges from $20–$25, or attendees can grab a three- or four-day pass for $65. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express, Atlantis, Brighton Suites, Breakers, and Sleep Inn. For details and updates, visit the Polkamotion website.
