This month's polka news

POLKA NEWS

Get Ready to Celebrate National Polka Month

by Jen Pijanowski

The fall was filled with polka events across the country. Fans were traveling to Canada, Nashville, Cleveland, and Albany to take part in some incredible events that kept the polka spirit alive before things begin to settle down for the winter.

Locally, much of our polka family joined in celebrating the marriage of Jimmy Nowaczewski from Phocus and Charlene Krasuski. Those in attendance were treated to an evening of music by the Beat. The bride and groom’s joy and happiness were evident as they danced along with family and friends to their favorite band. The Beat showcased an incredible array of music. keeping dancers busy on the floor all evening and the band graciously invited the groom to join them on stage to perform a few songs.

Congratulations Jimmy and Charlene and thank you for opening the invitation to allow so many of us to come celebrate with you. It was a very memorable evening with phenomenal music, great friends, and best wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness.

The next morning, my husband and I got on the road early in the morning to head to Roncesvalles Polish Festival. As I have mentioned in the past, this is one of my favorite events of the year. While we couldn’t spend the entire weekend, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to spend Saturday soaking up the sun in Toronto. The weather could not have been more perfect as we strolled down Roncesvalles Ave., exploring the vendors, shops, and stopping along the way to enjoy many performances.

John Gora, The Beat, and Phocus provided nonstop entertainment on the Polka Mania stage. Of course, this is our preferred spot to spend most of our time at the festival. The vibe however is very different compared to any other polka event you have ever attended as there are so many locals who make their way to dance and enjoy the music for perhaps the first time ever. Roncesvalles is a perfect mix of music, traditions, a celebration of Polish heritage, and an embracing of Poland’s history. I find something new to discover every time we attend this exceptional festival

We were treated to some beautiful music by a group called Kapela Potok that showcased Ed Guca. The group’s beautiful harmonies on Polish folk music showcased the treasured lyrics of these beloved songs. We sat on the steps of the church across the street enjoying every note of music played as onlookers stopped to listen and dance. Members of this group are Stan, Kathy, and Nicholas Wachon, as well as Wiesia and Bolek Wrobel. If you get a chance to check them out, you will be blown away.

AS many of our Catholic parishes in Western New York are facing closures, it is more important than ever to attend the events at the local Polish churches. Corpus Christi has been hosting a Dozynki festival for over 40 years at the historic east side Buffalo church. Polka music is always the centerpiece of the fest, and this year, music was provided by New Direction, Mon Valley Push, and Seven. The parish hall remains a time capsule for those that grew up on the East Side. The upstairs hall, equipped with hundreds of divots, courtesy of the high heels that frequented events at “Christi’s” recalls the former vitality of the area. Just walking up the historic stairway and listening to the bellowing of polka music brings it all back.

We got a chance to see Mon Valley Push, who have sealed their fanbase at Corpus Christi from playing the Dyngus Day party there for the past several years. Mon Valley puts their own spin on polka music but are versatile enough to play the standards which were popular fan requests. The organizers of Dozynki do a wonderful job bringing in diverse vendors, delicious food, and popular events such as the Buffalo’s best Pierogi Contest.

After Corpus Christi, it was time to head over to Potts Banquet Hall to see Polka Generations. I was not sure what to expect as I had never seen this band, but I knew the members were all fantastic musicians. The music was phenomenal, and we had the very best time. The group includes seasoned musicians Bernie Gorak II, Bernie III, Joe Zalewski, Marty Dzik, and Kevin Altenburg. Polka Generations is one of the very best bands I have gotten the privilege to hear. I only wish that more of our local polka fans had ventured out to support the band. Those of us who attended stayed until the very last song and even begged the band to play a few additional tunes for us. Playing honky music, including some of the best Li’l Wally tunes, encouraged a lot of dancing throughout the night. These guys gave one heck of a performance and were heading out to Ludlow the next day to perform at the PACC. Rumor has it that Potts already booked them for Dyngus Day 2025 after hearing the band and seeing how much we enjoyed them. Potts is already at the top of my Dyngus Day stop list to see these guys again.

If you haven’t had a chance to see them, do not walk — run to see this group. They play great music, have welcoming personalities, and are five of the friendliest musicians I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. We will see you in April 2025!

While there were so many highly anticipated events during the last weekend of October, I went to support my sister’s small Catholic school in Wheeling, W.V. that hosted their first polka dance ever. Frankie Liszka’s Blue Magic performed for the evening, and we had an amazing time. While many polka fans drove in from Ohio and Pennsylvania, there were some school families that came, noting that they had never been to a polka dance. Their first impression was very complimentary as many were surprised that it was not the “polka” music they expected. The crowd grew in front of the stage as accordionist Nicky DiSebastiano played “Marina” and “Bella Ciao.” Nick played the large Italian Festival in Wheeling last July, so many of the locals were Nicky D groupies, and were excited to see him play Polish style music. Johnetta Vinka took the time to teach my three young nieces how to dance the polka and they are still talking about it. It is at times like this that I realize how many polka friends have become family. I truly appreciate the support from so many people including Jill Czerniak, John and Maryanne Mysliwiec, and the Biela family. Rich and Pam Biela donated the cost of the band to Corpus Christi School so that they could use a polka band for a fall fundraiser. My youngest sister is married to their son Michael and their daughter attends school. Michael and Rich also host The Polka Showcase on Sundays from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. You can listen by visiting watchdognetwork.com.

Thanks again to everyone who attended. Don’t forget the Wheeling Polka Festival that will take place from March 22-24, 2025, at Oglebay Resort. They have a blockbuster lineup for 2025.

The International Polka Association will celebrate January as National Polka Month with the 56th Annual Festival of Bands. The weekend event will occur on January 18-19, 2025 at Elements by the Odyssey. The Warmup Event kicks off this wintery weekend with fan favorite Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push playing from 6:00-10:00 p.m. Admission for Saturday is $20.00 at the door.

Sunday’s lineup is EZ Tones, Tony Blazonczyk & New Phaze, The Music Company, IPA Tribute Band, and Honky 1740. Admission will be $25.00, and the music is from noon-7:00 p.m. A cash bar and food are available for purchase. There is a special two-day pass for $40.00 if you are attending both events. Your hotel accommodation couldn’t be any more convenient, as the hall is next door to Homewood Suites Hotel, 16245 South Lagrange Rd., Orland Park, Ill. IPA special room rates are $159, and you can contact the hotel by calling (708) 844-7038. Consider joining the IPA and celebrate National Polka Month at this event.