This month's polka news

POLKA NEWS

Boosters' Picnic is a Smashing Success

by Jen Pijanowski

For 54 years, Buffalo Polka Boosters has been hosting a yearly summer picnic for members and non-members alike. This year, hundreds crowded into Kloc’s Grove to enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon with music by the Concertina All Stars. Kloc’s Grove, a new venue for the picnic, exceeded everyone’s expectations with its decor, service, food and room for both dancing and just visiting. Concertina All Stars did a spectacular job providing a afternoon of music. There was plenty of food, drinks, and fellowship for those lucky enough to score a ticket for this year’s sold-out event. You can check out what is happening with Buffalo Polka Boosters by following them on Facebook.

Summer isn’t complete in Western New York without attending the Cheektowaga Polish American Festival, held annually at Cheektowaga Town Park. Three days of Polish heritage are celebrated each year with dancing, music, arts, and — of course food. — This year, music was provided by local and national polka bands and talented dance groups. Local polka icons the G-Notes were remembered this year as a group of musicians offered a tribute to the band founded by the late Gino Kurdziel. Tom Picciano, Al Piatkowski, Dennis Krew, Kenny Yash, Tadj Szymczak, and Steve Michaels joined band members Hank Krzykowski and Johnny Karas on stage to relive those memorable tunes.

The Erie County Fair is one of the country’s largest county fairs, taking place each August in Hamburg, N.Y. This year, the twelve-day event featured polka music from New Direction, Special Delivery, and Concertina All Stars. While New Direction and Concertina All Stars were booked to play in Slade Park, whil Special Delivery played at the main Avenue of Flags stage. We got the opportunity to see both Special Delivery and Concertina All Stars during the fair, and it was fantastic to see so many of our local fans supporting the bands. The fair is a great opportunity to expose others to the wonderful music polka bands have to offer. I am grateful that organizers appreciate the variety and entertainment value that our polka bands have to offer and look forward to seeing polkas slated for the 2025 schedule.

Holy Trinity Church in Erie, Pa., continues to pull off one of the greatest annual polka weekends, as scores of people take over Reed & 23rd Streets to celebrate Zabawa. The church fundraiser kicked off Friday evening with a blessing from the parish priest and a powerhouse performance by Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push. Lenny and the guys took no time in getting the crowd going, playing favorite songs, sending out dedications, and adding to the revelry of the opening ceremony. We were also in for a special treat when Ryan and Dee Dee Ogrodny joined the Push on stage to perform. Ryan explained the last time he had performed at Zabawa was before moving to Nashville in 2007. He told the story of losing his dad and how he was feeling melancholy about his return to Erie, but thankful for the love and support. Dee Dee and Ryan are always so gracious, taking time to visit and chat with fans who were anxious to catch up and snap some pictures. Whoever is responsible for organizing the band hit it out of the ballpark on Friday with the Chicago Push.

On Saturday, Kosmix, Mar-Vels, and Dennis Polisky & the Maestro’s Men were on tap. Kosmix brings a passionate liveliness to the polka scene, along with clever arrangements and catchy lyrics — something I have always admired about Randy Koslosky. The band also showed their talents during the Saturday evening polka Mass. Afterward, it was time for Dennis Polisky & the Maestro’s Men took the stage. It was evident that many were excited to hear the band as chairs were lined up in front of the stage. Playing beautiful polkas, waltzes, and obereks, this band embraces the soul of polka music. Jackie Libera has a knack with his passionate voice and Polish lyrics that pays tribute the roots of polkas.

The Holy Trinity Church has found the formula for creating a blockbuster fundraiser. Over the course of the three days, they served up 15,000 pierogi, 1,000 pounds of sausage, 5,000 gołąbki, alongside their massive menu. Parishioners and local groups pitch in volunteering to make this bash an enormous success. It is going to be hard for them to surpass this year, but I have a feeling that planning has already begun for 2025.

The International Polka Association held its annual convention over Labor Day weekend in Cranberry Township, Pa. The DoubleTree Hotel became a polka haven over the holiday weekend, hosting some of the very best bands in polkas today. A highlight during the convention is always the IPA Hall of Fame Induction. Congratulations to Joe Zalewski, John Zelasko, Peter Wendinger, Rich Bernier, and the family of Dan Gury on their inductions. Also, I would like to congratulate Christy Krawisz on her successful run as president of the IPA. Christy was quick to pivot when COVID destroyed the ability to have a convention and put together a virtual convention that paved the way for so many of us to connect during a terribly isolating time. She passes the torch over to Chris Bogdon who will now serve as IPA’s president. Chris is the first president in the club’s 57-year history to be from outside of the Chicago area. If you know him, you know that IPA is in very capable hands. I look forward to seeing the changes he has in store as he heads up this revered polka organization.

Polkas are returning to Wheeling, W. Va., with music by Frankie Liszka & Blue Magic on October 26, at Corpus Christi Parish Center from 6:00-10:00 p.m. Admission to the event is just $10 for adults; $5.00 for students. Corpus Christi is at 1507 Warwood Ave., Wheeling, with food, cash bar, and raffle available. My family is third generation alumni of Corpus Christi School, and my sister is currently its principal. This is the very first time it is hosting a polka dance, and I would love to see this become a yearly event. If you can, please support this incredible school that provides so much love, support, and nourishment to Corpus Christi students and parish family. You can buy tickets or donate by calling (304) 277-1220. We look forward to introducing many parishioners to polka music for the first time, and I hope that some will share their passion for the music with them.

TAPS Thanksgiving Holiday Dance is being held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Oak Shade Grove Hall 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon, Ohio. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with music and dancing from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Admission is as follows: TAPS Member $12, guests $18 per person, under 18 (accompanied by an adult) admitted free. No BYOB, a cash bar and food will be available for purchase.

November is the beginning of the TAPS annual membership drive. Be one of the first to renew your 2024 Toledo Area Polka Society membership for only $10 per person. Not a current TAPS member? No problem; new members are welcome. Join TAPS and help us support the polka music industry. For more information visit www.tapspolkas.com.