Thank You, Texas!

Thank you, Texas! On behalf of the officers, directors, and members of the International Polka Association, we would like to thank Theresa Parker and Danny Zapletal for once again hosting the “January is National Polka Month” dance on Sat., Jan. 26 at the Ševcík Hall and welcome the 21 new members who joined the IPA that day. We would also like to thank the Praha Brothers with special guests, Alice Sulak and Jerry Haisler; as well as Masters of Ceremony, Alfred Vrazel and Danny Zapletal. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Alice Sulak, on behalf of the IPA, recognizing her efforts for performing polka music for over 75 years and being the owner and operator of the Ševcík Hall in the great state of Texas for over 48 years. Thank you, Alice for all you have done to promote polka music and congratulations.

Back in the windy city of Chicago, we also celebrated January as being National Polka Month by hosting two events. The cold, snowy weather did not stop the party and our “Warm-Up” dance was held on Sat., Jan. 19 at Polonia Banquets with great music by Full Circle featuring IPA Hall of Famers Lenny Gomulka, Mike Matousek, Jimmy Weber, and Al Piatkowski; along with Roger Malinowski and Mike Stapinski. They blew the crowd away by performing an entire set in tribute to the music of the Tones. Thanks to all the great polka fans who braved the cold, snowy weather and still came out and had a great time. As always, a very special “Thank You” to the Machay family for their hospitality and great service.

The next day the party moved to Glendora Banquets for the 50th Annual Chicago Festival of Polka Bands. Special thanks to all the great polka fans who came from eight states and Canada to support this annual event. It turned out to be another fantastic fun-filled day of polka fun for everyone. Attendees danced, sang along, and made more memories with the sounds of The Polka Jam Band, Tri-City Drive, The Windy City Brass, The D Street Band, The Music Co., The IPA Tribute Band, Tony Blazonczyk’s New Phaze, and FreezeDried. As always, a very special “Thank You” to Stanley, Mary, and their entire family for the great service. Thank you to all the IPA officers and directors for their hard work and dedication; it was truly a team effort.

As always, a very special “Thank You” to all the IJs and DJs for supporting and advertising our events. We really appreciate all that you do to support polka music and the IPA.

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