This month's polka news

POLKA NEWS

A Respite from the Winter Doldrums

by Jen Pijanowski

The winter months leave us yearning for springtime and the return of more polka events. For many fans, the Polka Brews Cruise came at a perfect time to forget the cold dreary days for a week of fun in the sun. Polka Country Musicians and the Knewz reunion provided the week’s entertainment, playing each day of the seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise. Those lucky enough to attend, visited Puerta Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay. Each band took turns entertaining the crowds, enticing even those passengers who were not a part of the polka group. Bryan Urbanczyk got quite a workout over the course of the event as he performed with both bands. Plans are in the works for the next Polka Brews Cruise in February 2026.

Kaisertown Polka Band hit the Buffalo scene last summer and it has been booking jobs since. The band took on a busy week mid-February performing at Polish Cadets, Potts Banquet Hall, and taping episodes for WBBZ’s Polka Buzz. Mitch and Dawn Gawrys have been a staple in the music scene for years and have joined forces with some local musicians to bring their own spin on polkas. The husband-and-wife duo have an obvious love for performing live and are excited to share their talents with local fans. With so few female vocalists in polkas, Dawn’s vocals and personality are a welcome change. Their set lists include standards with some slight variations, sing-alongs, and those earworms that resonate in your head. They currently have a social media page on Facebook so you can follow their event schedule.

Hank Guzevich captured the audience at St. Stanislaus Parish Hall to celebrate Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday) sponsored by the General Pulaski Association. He never fails to bring enthusiasm to the stage, engaging the entire audience. Polka Family was made up of a grand entourage of musicians for Fat Thursday including Gary Krupski, Sebastian Pucowski, Alex Yash, Nik Yash, and John Fomenko. A nice crowd gathered to celebrate with pączki, libations, dancing, and frivolity before the beginning of Lent. General Pulaski Association provides this event for the Polish community at no cost each year. It was fun to see so many smiling faces out on a Thursday evening, including a large group of young students in attendance from the University at Buffalo. A member of the group told me they decided to make the trip to the East Side after seeing the event posted on Facebook. All wanted to learn to polka and know more about the music. Diane Berek from Dunkirk was quick to jump up and, along with her sister, Nancy Tarnowski, started teaching them how to dance. Hank quickly joined in the action, making the group feel welcomed and engaged, inviting some of them on stage with the band to play bells for a few songs. Many of the students are in traditional Polish dance groups in their respective hometowns but none were familiar with polka music. It was great to see these young adults embracing the music we all love so much and hope they continue to support polka events.

Potts Banquet Hall hosted its Pączki Day with music by Phocus. The band has taken a short hiatus, but they are back and better than ever. Jimmy Nowaczewski, John Bialy, Mike Papuga, Eric Bakowski, Paul Dominiak, and Chris Bukowski captivated the crowd. Playing the Phocus standards that WNY polka fans love so much, everyone was overjoyed to hear Jimmy back entertaining fans. This event has been become a favorite for Polish Americans as they dance and celebrate the day before Ash Wednesday.

You can also catch Dynabrass appearing on Sat., April 5 at Potts. Doors open at 4:30 with music from 5:00-9:00. Admission for the event is $15.00. For further information call (419) 351-5031.

Holy Toledo Polka Days will be held April 10-13, 2025, at Holiday Inn & Suites 2735 Carronade Drive Perrysburg, Ohio. Opening Night Polka Party will be held at Danny’s Cafe, located at 600 Dixie Highway Rossford, Ohio with polka music provided by the Holy Toledo Jam Band from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. All attending polka musicians are welcome to join in for a few tunes. This event is free.

Friday kicks off with A Hot American Polka Party from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Pizza Pub 516 located across the parking lot in the Kroger Plaza. Music is provided by DJ Kenny Olowin. There will be nonstop music Friday evening in the hotel ballroom with The Music Company, Polka Country Musicians, and Dynabrass.

On Saturday, there is Another Hot American Polka Party from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Ground Round Bar & Grill located in the Holiday Inn Lobby. Music provided by DJ Kenny Olowin. Music will begin in the ballroom at 2:00 p.m. featuring Dynabrass, Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network, Polka Family, and Mike Costa & the Beat.

Wrapping up on Sunday, Holy Toledo will close out in conjunction with the Toledo Area Polka Society (TAPS), at the Conn-Weissenberger Hall located at 2020 W. Alexis Road in Toledo, Ohio. Doors will open at 12:00 p.m. with music and dancing from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. featuring Polka Country Musicians. Admission for this event is $18 per person at the door, $12 for TAPS members, $10 for teens (13-18) and children (12 & under) admitted free.