39th Annual

Pulaski, WI
July 20- 23

Pulaski Polka Days Grounds

15 Miles West of Green Bay on Hwy. 29 & 32

INSIDE: Polka Days Preview Weekend Schedule

Published Wednesday, July 19, 2017, The Shawano Leader and Oconto County Times Herald
2 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017
PULASKI POLKA DAYS
The Pulaski High School band marches down Pulaski Street during the 37th annual Pulaski Polka Days parade
two years ago.
A FESTIVAL YOU CAN
POLKA STICK AT
Pulaski brings back Polka Days for 39th year
By Lee Pulaski
lpulaski@wolfrivermedia.com
The tranquil streets in Pulaski are
quiet for most of the year. For four days,
though, the peace is pierced with the
sounds of music.
Pulaski Polka Days has returned.
The annual festival is back for its 39th
year, with 21 bands providing plenty of
opportunity from July 20-23 for young
and old alike to hit the dance floor and
participate in a ritual steeped in local
and state tradition.
The people love coming to Pulaski
because the residents and the mer-
WOLF RIVER MEDIA
WOLF RIVER MEDIA FILE PHOTO
chants are friendly and open-hearted,
and that means a lot, said Harold Otto,
one of the longtime coordinators for
Polka Days. People walk from the Pol-
ka Days ground up to do some shopping
and they comment on how the people
are just so friendly. That means a lot.
Pulaski is a lot different that out east or
out west.
Admission to the festival is $2 on July
20, $15 on July 21-22 and free on July 23.
Twenty-one polka bands will be part
of this years festival, and its a sure bet
patrons wont leave without hearing the
SEE POLKA, PAGE 3
WOLF RIVER MEDIA
POLKA
FROM PAGE 2
name Maroszek, or the music from one
of the Pulaski-based familys bands,
Otto said. Besides The Next Genera-
tion, which will be featured as the grand
marshal band in Sundays parade, there
is the original Maroszek Brothers band,
and a third-generation of the family has
started a band, TNT, which is short of
The Natural Talent.
Other Pulaski polka bands in-
clude Concertina Rich, Aaron Sochas
LIVEwire, Chad Przybylski and his Pol-
ka Rhythms, and the Polka Dynamics.
Bands representing the rest of Wis-
consin are Music Connection, Polish
Connection, Mark Jirikovec and the Jeff
Winard Band.
The out-of-state festival headliners
will include a number of bands from the
New England area and all over the Mid-
west Polka Country Musicians, The
Boys, Box On, The Knewz, The IPA Trib-
ute Band, Eddie Blazonczyk Reunion
Tour, Keith Strass and Polka Confetti,
Craig Ebel and DyVersaCo, DynaBrass
and Mollie B and Ted Langes Squeeze
Box.
Its the music the people love, Otto
said. We just have volunteers go out
and do surveys. They dont have clip-
boards, but they ask the people what
they like and what they dont like.
One change polka lovers will notice
with this years festival is that all of the
dancing and band performances will
take place on the Pulaski Polka Days
grounds at 448 E. Pulaski St. Besides
the two tents, there is a building re-
cently built by the Knights of Columbus
where bands will perform for admiring
dancers.
In previous years, Zielinskis Ball-
room on the other end of the village had
been utilized as a site for Polka Days.
According to Otto, the ballroom does not
have sufficient amenities to maintain a
PULASKI POLKA DAYS
Polka dancers move to the music at the 2016 Pulaski Polka Days. The four-day festival is back for its 39th year
July 20-23.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wisconsin designated the polka as the
official state dance in 1993. The request
was made by a second-grade class from
Charles Lindbergh Elementary School in
Madison. Many groups supported making
the polka the state dance.
Source: ereferencedesk.com
comfortable temperature for dance,
which had caused complaints in previ-
ous years.
The people were complaining that it
was just too hot, Otto said. It was hu-
mid in July, and theres no air condition-
ing at Zielinskis, so we figured we need
to take care of the people that support
us. Some of the bands dont want to play
there because its too muggy.
Making a return this year is the Miss
Pulaski Polka Days competition. Repre-
sentatives will be chosen to represent
WOLF RIVER MEDIA FILE PHOTO
the festival during its four-day run and
continuing after that to put Polka Days
best foot forward at other events.
We had a young lady, Kayla Adams,
who said she wanted to take care of it,
so we gave it a chance, Otto said. We
like to change things around.
The deadline for the competition was
July 1. The crowning will take place dur-
ing opening night festivities on Thurs-
day.
Besides the dancing, one of the big-
gest Polka Days events is the annual pa-
rade on Sunday. The parade kicks off at
11 a.m. and goes from Pulaski Commu-
nity Middle School to the polka grounds.
Don and Diane Murdzek will lead the
way as the individual parade marshals.
There is no cost to enter the parade,
and prizes will be awarded for the best
entries. For information or to enter, call
Wayne Wood at 920-822-5456.
If you like polka but dont know how
WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 3
to dance, there is no need to worry. Rob-
in and Duane Wilks, a brother-sister duo
from Nebraska, will offer free dance les-
sons on Friday and Saturday.
Thats awful nice of them to support
us and do that, Otto said. One year,
they said they had 30 one day and 43
the next day just learning how to do the
polka. They were all ages.
Polka Days also offers polka worship
services. The Lutheran-based service
starts at 8 a.m. Sunday, followed by the
Catholic service at 9:30 a.m., which will
feature the Maroszek Brothers.
Coming back for its seventh year is
the Polka Trot, a 5K run/walk at Pulas-
ki Community Middle School. The run
starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by
a half-mile kids run at 9:30 a.m. Runners
can pre-register by calling 920-764-1676
or emailingPascswim@gmail.com.
There will also be the Wisconsin
State Polka Dance Championship at 6
p.m. Saturday, along with an arts and
crafts fair on Pulaski Street from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The adage of it taking a village really
applies to Polka Days, according to Otto,
as an army of over 200 volunteers works
nonstop for the entire festival to make
sure everything is running smoothly
and everything is cleaned up when the
sun sets on the final day. Seven non-
profit organizations sponsor the event
each year: American Legion Post 337,
Knights of Columbus, Pulaski FFA and
FFA Alumni, Pulaski Lions Club, Pulas-
ki VFW, Tri-County Optimist Club and
the Tri-County Volunteer Firemen.
Every day, one of the clubs or
maybe two or three comes to help out
and clean and take things down, Otto
said.
Each group sponsors or donates to
various community items or activities
of their choice. All Polka Days proceeds
remain in the community.
All the latest details about
Polka Days can be found at
w w w. p u l a s k i p o l k a d a y s . c o m . -
4 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 PULASKI POLKA DAYS WOLF RIVER MEDIA

Polka Days Events Schedule

THURSDAY, JULY 20 Polka Trot 5K begins at 8:30 taught by Duane and Robin
Dusk: Community night will a.m. at Pulaski Community Wilks in Tent 2.
Robert Middle School; a 1/4-mile
include fireworks, along with 6 p.m.: Dance competition
and Elaine kids run follows the Polka
food, music and souvenirs that includes senior, junior
Robak, of Trot 5K and begins at 9:30
at the Pulaski Polka Days and open divisions will be
Burbank, a.m. To pre-register, contact
Grounds. held in Zielinskis Ballroom.
California, pascswim@gmail.com or
call Megan at 920-764-1676 Registration forms must be
get in the completed and turned in
polka spirit FRIDAY, JULY 21 or Jessie at 920-850-8798.
to the registration desk at
2-3:30 p.m.: Dance lessons Sponsored by the Pulaski
at the Tent 2 at the Pulaski Polka
taught by Duane and Robin Area Swim Club.
Pulaski Grounds by 5 p.m. July 22.
Polka Days Wilks in Tent 2. 9-3 p.m.: Arts and crafts Entry forms are available at
in 2014. fair will be held on Pulaski Zielinskis Ballroom, entranc-
Street.
WOLF RIVER SATURDAY, JULY 22 es to Pulaski Polka Days and
MEDIA FILE
8:30 and 9:30 a.m.: Pulaski 12:30-2 p.m.: Dance lessons online at http://pulaskipolka-
PHOTO
days.com/dance-contest.

SUNDAY, JULY 23
8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.: Lu-
theran service by Pastor
Larry R. Yaw. Catholic Polka
Mass follows, beginning at
9:30 a.m. Bring your own
lawn chairs for both events.
8-11 a.m.: Pancake and
porkie breakfast will be
held at the Pulaski Polka
Grounds.
9-3 p.m.: Arts and crafts
fair will continue on Pulaski
Street.
11 a.m.: Parade starting at
Pulaski Community Middle
School and Pulaski High
School. The parade travels
down St. Augustine Street
and Pulaski Street, and will
finish at the Pulaski Polka
Days Grounds.
5 p.m.: Cash raffle will begin.
WOLF RIVER MEDIA
Polka Days Music Schedule
THURSDAY, JULY 20
Tent 1
New Generation: 5:30-6:30
p.m.
Chad Przybylski/Polka
Rhythms: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
New Generation: 7:30-8:30
p.m.
Chad Przybylski/Polka
Rhythms: 8:30-9:30 p.m.
New Generation: 9:30-10:30
p.m.
Chad Przybylski/Polka
Rhythms: 10:30-11:30 p.m.
Tent 2
Maroszek Bros: 5-6 p.m.
Aaron Sochas LIVEwire: 6-7
p.m.
Maroszek Bros: 7-8 p.m.
Aaron Sochas LIVEwire: 8-9
p.m.
Maroszek Bros: 9-10 p.m.
Aaron Sochas LIVEwire:
10-11 p.m.
FRIDAY, JULY 22
Tent 1
New Generation: 4-5 p.m.
Aaron Sochas LIVEwire:
5-5:45 p.m.
New Generation: 5:45-6:30
p.m.
Aaron Sochas LIVEwire:
6:30-7:15 p.m.
New Generation: 7:15-8 p.m.
Aaron Sochas LIVEwire:
8-8:45 p.m.
The DynaBrass: 8:45-9:30
p.m.
The Boys: 9:30-10:15 p.m.
The DynaBrass: 10:15-11
p.m.
The Boys: 11-11:45 p.m.
The DynaBrass: 11:45-12:30
a.m.
The Boys: 12:30-1:15 a.m.
Tent 2
Polka Dynamics: 2-3:30
p.m.
Polish Connection: 3:30-4:30
p.m.
Mollie B and Ted Lange
Squeezebox: 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Polish Connection: 5:15-6
p.m.
Mollie B and Ted Lange
Squeezebox: 6-6:45 p.m.
Polish Connection: 6:45-7:30
p.m.
Mollie B and Ted Lange
Squeezebox: 7:30-8:15 p.m.
Polka Country Musicians:
8:15-9 p.m.
TNT: 9-9:45 p.m.
Polka Country Musicians:
9:45-10:30 p.m.
TNT: 10:30-11:15 p.m.
Polka Country Musicians:
11:15-12 a.m.
TNT: 12-12:45 a.m.
Knights of Columbus
Building (on festival grounds)
Jeff Winard Band: 4-5 p.m.
Craig Ebel and DyVersaCo:
5-6 p.m.
Jeff Winard Band: 6-7 p.m.
Craig Ebel and DyVersaCo:
7-8 p.m.
Jeff Winard Band: 8-9 p.m.
Craig Ebel and DyVersaCo:
9-10 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 23
Tent 1
Chad Przybylski /Polka
Rhythms: 1-2 p.m.
Box On: 2-3 p.m.
Chad Przybylski /Polka
Rhythms: 3-4 p.m.
Box On: 4-5 p.m.
Chad Przybylski /Polka
Rhythms: 5-6 p.m.
Box On: 6-7 p.m.
The Knewz: 7-8 p.m.
Eddie Blazonczyk Reunion
Tour: 8-9 p.m.
The Knewz: 9-10 p.m.
Eddie Blazonczyk Reunion
Tour: 10-11 p.m.
The Knewz: 11-12 a.m.
Eddie Blazonczyk Reunion
Tour: 12-1 a.m.
Tent 2
IPA Tribute Band: 12:30-1:30
p.m.
Mollie B and Ted Lange
PULASKI POLKA DAYS WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 5
Squeezebox: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
IPA Tribute Band: 2:30-3:30
p.m.
Mollie B and Ted Lange
Squeezebox: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
IPA Tribute Band: 4:30-5:30
p.m.
Mollie B and Ted Lange
Squeezebox: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Polka Country Musicians:
6:30-7:30 p.m.
The Boys: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Polka Country Musicians:
8:30-9:30 p.m.
The Boys: 9:30-10:30 p.m.
Polka Country Musicians:
10:30-11:30 p.m.
The Boys: 11:30-12:30 a.m.
Knights of Columbus
Building (on festival grounds)
Concertina Rich: 12-2 p.m.
Music Connection: 2-3 p.m.
Mark Jirikovec Band: 3-4
p.m.
Keith Stras and Polka Con-
fetti: 4-5 p.m.
Music Connection: 5-6 p.m.
Mark Jirikovec Band: 6-7 p.m.
Keith Stras and Polka Con-
fetti: 7-8 p.m.
Music Connection: 8-9 p.m.
Mark Jirikovec Band: 9-10
p.m.
Keith Stras and Polka Con-
fetti: 10-11 p.m.
SUNDAY, JULY 24
Tent 1
Box On: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
The Knewz: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Box On: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
The Knewz: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Box On: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
The Knewz: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tent 2
The DynaBrass: 12-1 p.m.
Maroszek Brothers: 1-2 p.m.
The DynaBrass: 2-3 p.m.
Maroszek Brothers: 3-4 p.m.
The DynaBrass: 4-5 p.m.
Maroszek Brothers: 5-6 p.m.
6 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017
Gold sponsors
Wisconsin Public Service
WE Energies
Cellcom
Nsight Telservices
BayTek Games
Fox Valley Web Design, LLC
Prevea Pulaski Health Center
Polka On!
24-7 PolkaHeaven.com
Silver sponsors
American Tradition Fireworks,
Sobieski
Bay Tek Games, Pulaski
Caroline Implement, Sha-
wano
Dean Distributing, Green Bay
Harters Disposal, Wittenberg
International Polka Associa-
tion Festival (IPA)
Kay Beer Distributing, De Pere
Lamar Advertising, De Pere
Larsen Cooperative, New
London
M&L Excavating, Pulaski
MCL Industries, Pulaski
Marquis Yachts, Pulaski
N.E.W. Para-Medic Rescue,
Pulaski
Olson Oil, Pulaski
Prevea
Przybylskis Custom Metal,
Pulaski
Przybylski Mobile Storage,
Pulaski
Przybylski Waste Service, Pu-
laski
Pulaski Shell, Pulaski
Texas Polka News
The Pork Shoppe, Pulaski
Triangle Distributing, Green
Bay
Trudell Trailers, De Pere
United Cooperative, Pulaski
Wagners RV Center, Inc.,
Suamico
We Energies, Appleton
Zielinskis Ballroom, Pulaski
24/7 PolkaHeaven.com,
Cleveland, Ohio
Copper sponsors
American Family Insurance,
Pulaski
Angelica Tile Co., Pulaski
Berna Construction, Pulaski
Brads Service, Pulaski
Country Pride Realty, So-
bieski
Dawns Doggie Depot, Pulaski
Graf Creamery, Zachow
Johns Refrigeration, Green
Bay
Marnocha Barbers & Stylists,
Pulaski
Maroszek Outdoor Care, Pu-
laski
Raider Tire, Pulaski
PULASKI POLKA DAYS
Pulaski Polka Days Sponsors
North Shore Bank, Pulaski
Bronze sponsors
Algoma Motors, Algoma
Allans Excavating, Inc., Pu-
laski
Assumption BVM Parish, Pu-
laski
Badger Food Service, Green
Bay
Bayland Bldgs., Oneida
Bayland Insurance, Green
Bay
Broadway Enterprises, Green
Bay
Capital Credit Union, Green
Bay
Casa Solana, Pulaski
China Wok, Pulaski
Charnecke Tents, Inc, Ro-
sholt
Chris Smith Keller/Williams
Realty, De Pere
Cocktales, Pulaski
Colonial Court Apartments,
Pulaski
DSJ Distributors/Morning
Glory, Green Bay
DQ Grill & Chill, Pulaski
Dans Upholstery, Pulaski
Diedrich Truck Repair, Sey-
mour
Docs Harley-Davidson, Bon-
duel
Dons Quality Market, Sey-
mour
Edward Jones Investments
Russ Winkler, agent, Pulaski
Elite Overhead Door, Sha-
wano
Figaros Pizza/Cousins Subs,
Pulaski
Frank Wichlacz Memorial, Pu-
laski
Furnitureland, Inc, Pulaski
Genos Hilltop Steak House,
Black Creek
Green Bay 7-Up Bottling,
Green Bay
Golik Electic, LLC, Sobieski
Grygiel Farms, Inc, Pulaski
Hofa Park Tavern, Hofa Park
Hot Stuff Pizza, Pulaski
Huntington Bank, Pulaski
Industrial Engraving, Kunesh
Jens Knaughty Pine, Angelica
Kerber Rose CPA, Shawano
Kopke Auto Salvage, Pulaski
Krumrai Chiropractic, Pulaski
Lamers Bus Lines, Inc.,
Green Bay
Land Development, Pulaski
Laney Cheese, Pulaski
Robert E. Lee Associates,
Oneida
Link Media Outdoor Wiscon-
sin, Algoma
Luigis Pizza, Little Suamico
Maplewood Meats, Green
Bay
Maplewood Shell, Green Bay
Marnocha Funeral Home, Pu-
laski
Maroszek Excavating, Pulaski
McDonalds, Pulaski
McKeefry & Sons, Pulaski
McDermid Accounting & Con-
sulting LLC, Pulaski
M & D Transport, Krakow
Mountain Bay Plaza, Pulaski
Mountain Bay Bar & Grill, Pu-
laski
Motel 6, Green Bay
NAPA Auto & Truck Parts, Pu-
laski
Napiwocki Builders & Dance
Floor Rental, Stevens Point
N.E.W. Solid Surface Clean-
ing, Pulaski
North Chase Bar & Grill, So-
bieski
North Chase Citgo, Sobieski
Nowak Concrete, Pulaski
Nutrition Service, Pulaski
Oconto Fall Insurance, Ocon-
to Falls
P & C Sanitation, Seymour
P & D Patz Sales, Pulaski
Parker Freeze Dried Inc. dba
Parker Bros Appliances, Pulaski
Performance Auto Body, Pu-
laski
Performance Excavating, Pu-
laski
Perrys Seamless Gutters,
Bonduel
Peters Concrete, Green Bay
Plants of Distinction, Pulaski
Premier Community Bank,
FDIC, Pulaski and Marion
Premier Insurance Services,
Pulaski
Proscape Lawn Care & Land-
scaping, Pulaski
Pulaski Family Dental Care,
Pulaski
Pulaski Food & Gas, Pulaski
Pulaski Health Mart/Pharma-
cy, Pulaski
Pulaski Travel, Pulaski
Pulaski Warehouse, Inc., Pu-
laski
Pulaski Veterinary Clinic LTD,
Pulaski
Quality Repair, Bonduel
Radio Shack/Sound Check,
Pulaski
Raiderland Mini Storage, Pu-
laski
Red Apple Cafe, Pulaski
Riesterer & Schnell, Inc, Pu-
laski
WOLF RIVER MEDIA
R.J. Parins Plumbing & Heat-
ing, Green Bay
Sign Solutions, Green Bay
S & L Motors, Pulaski
Schuh Construction, Sey-
mour
Schwartz Siding & Roofing,
Inc, Pulaski
Smurawa Country Bakery,
Pulaski
South Chase Saloon, South
Chase
Stiegler Co., Electrical Con-
tractor, Green Bay
Subway Sandwiches, Pu-
laski
Super Rons Food Center, Pu-
laski
The Bug Blaster, Inc, Green
Bay
TimeLine Saloon & BBQ,
Bonduel
Town & Country Soft Water,
Pulaski
Townsends Rite Choice In-
surance, Pulaski
Trailside Convenience, Pu-
laski
Ullmers Dairy Equipment, Pu-
laski
Ullmers Trucking, LLC, Pu-
laski
U-Ride LLC, Pulaski
United States Polka Associa-
tion, Ohio
US Rigging, Green Bay
Valley Popcorn Concession &
Service, Neenah
Van Astens Heating & Cool-
ing, Pulaski
Van Astens Plumbing, Pu-
laski
Vande Castle Sc., Pulaski
Verns Do-It-Best Hardware,
Pulaski
Village Auto, Green Bay
Wickas Bar, Pulaski
Witts Ford, Pulaski
Woodys Wheels, Pulaski
WOLF RIVER MEDIA PULASKI POLKA DAYS WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 7
8 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 PULASKI POLKA DAYS WOLF RIVER MEDIA

Polka from the past

Vendors line East Pulaski Street at the arts and crafts fair held in conjunction with the
38th annual Pulaski Polka Days festival in 2016. The arts and crafts fair will be back July
22-23 for this years festival.

The Pulaski Community Middle School band marches down Pulaski Street during the
annual Pulaski Polka Days parade in 2015.

WOLF RIVER MEDIA FILE PHOTOS Members of the Maple Grove Countryside 4-H Club hand out candy along the Pulaski
Karissa Kosmal, of Pulaski, dances with Seth Pisarik, of Mount Vernon, Iowa, during the last day of Pulaski Polka Days in 2015. Polka Days parade route in 2015.
WOLF RIVER MEDIA PULASKI POLKA DAYS WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 9

Polka Days Bands

The New Generation
The New Generation (polka
band) was created to provide
the best in music for live events
so people could dance. Roger
Wodkowski became the leader
in 2014 to bring the big band
sound to the masses.
Wodowski has handpicked
the musicians that make up
the group. With only five or six
guys on the bandstand, they
play 12 instruments with three
lead singers. All the guys sing
backup.
Taking a page from his roots,
the band shifted toward the Pol-
ish style music polkas, waltzes
and obereks all without losing
the big band music and sound.
The New Generation special-
izes in standards (foxtrot, swing,
ballroom, tango, two step, rum-
ba), big band, easy listening and
country.

Chad Przybylski and

the Polka Rhythms
Chad Przybylski and the Pol-
ka Rhythms are a common sight
at many local events. The polka
band has performed previously
at Bonduels annual Lions Corn
Roast, the Mohican North Star
Casino in Bowler and other lo-
cales.
Maroszek Brothers
Members of the Maroszek
family have played polka music
for many years in the Pulaski
area. Their love of the music has
passed down from generations.
The Maroszek Brothers band
consists of six members. Four
of the members are Maroszek
brothers, Frank, Scott, Gene,
and Al. Other members of the
band include Bruce Brzeczkows-
ki, nephew, and John Wudtke,
family friend.
The band started back in 1971
as a two-piece band, and gradu-
ally more family members joined
as they went along.
Aaron Sochas LIVEwire
LIVEwire brings you a va-
riety of sounds, fusing polkas
with country rock and oldies
appealing to people of all ages.
LIVEwire is a Polish push style
polka band with a twist of good
time rock n roll and country.
LIVEwire is a six-piece band.
The band consists of Pat
Maroszek on trumpet, clarinet,
and vocals; A rthur Gajewski on
trumpet; Rick Buechler on bass
guitar, guitar and vocals; Brian
Smith on accordion and bass gui-
tar; Aaron Socha on concertina
and saxophone; and Rick Maro-
szek on drums and vocals.
Melissa Socha has helped out
the band many times by playing
keyboard.
This summer will mark
LIVEwires 19th year anniver-
sary as a band that has been per-
forming at festivals, weddings
and church picnics throughout
Wisconsin, Michigan and Min-
nesota.
LIVEwire started out strictly
as a polka band but through the
years evolved its genre to in-
clude polkas, waltzes, obereks,
oldies, country and rock. From
the chicken dance to Johnny
Cash, from Elvis to Skynyrd,
LIVEwire has something up its
sleeve thats just your style.
The DynaBrass
Based in Toledo, Ohio, The
DynaBrass is a USPA award-
THE NEW GENERATION
winning musical group that per-
forms Polish-American polka
music. The DynaBrass was orig-
inated by Jeff Mleczko and has
been performing at polka festi-
vals and venues throughout the
United States and Canada for
more than 20 years.
Currently, Mleczko is not per-
forming with The DynaBrass
due to medical reasons. The
band continues to perform in his
absence under the interim lead-
ership of Joe Zalewski.
The Boys
A musical ensemble com-
prised of two trumpets (with an
occasional clarinet), accordion,
concertina, electric bass and
drums, the group features four
vocalists.
Frank Liszka is one the lead-
ing horn men and vocalists in
the polka industry today. He was
inducted into the Polka Hall of
Fame in 1998 and continues his
creativity and musical direction
to this day making The Boys one
of the major players on todays
polka scene.
Mike Evan plays trumpet and
provides vocals for The Boys.
He has also performed with
Polka Pioneers, Stanky and The
Coal Miners, Jan Cymans, Mu-
sicalaires, The Dynatones, The
Brass Connection and Chicago
Push.
Allen Puwalski provides vo-
cals and plays the accordion and
the clarinet.
Dave Morris started playing
accordion in the early 1970s with
a group called The Polka Dy-
namics. While playing with them,
he picked up the concertina and
was fascinated with its sound.
In 1977, Morris joined forces
with five other local musicians
forming The Sounds orchestra.
The Sounds were together for
six years. Morris was with them
until they disbanded. From 1983-
1986, Morris played with a local
band called Sil Martini and the
Invictas.
Mike Matousek began his pro-
fessional polka career at the age
of 14 (the first time he got paid)
in a family band called The Pol-
ka Cousins. He later joined The
Royal Cavaliers and co-founded
The Brass Works in the 1970s.
During his tenure with The
Boys, the band was recognized
with numerous national awards
that included Favorite Album
and Favorite Band by the United
States Polka Association in 1989
and 1990 and Favorite CD in 2011
by the International Polka Asso-
ciation.
Jeff Yashs love for polka mu-
sic began at an early age, main-
ly influenced by his parents in-
volvement with polka music. He
starting playing drums at age
15 and began performing pro-
fessionally in 1986 with a band
called The Happy Harmony
Boys from Connecticut. From
there, he played frequently with
The Polka Family band in 1988
and 1989. In fall 1989, Jeff began
his tenure as a full-time Boy. Af-
ter The Boys disbanded at the
end of 1990, Jeff began playing
with a band from the New Eng-
land area called The Classix
(led by Jackie Libera). Over the
past few years, Jeff has enjoyed
his time playing with The Boys
again. He looks forward to see-
SEE BANDS, PAGE 10
10 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017
BANDS the Grammy-nominated
Toledo Polkamotion. The
FROM PAGE 9 band continued to evolve.
In 2005, the band was com-
ing many of the friends prised of Ted Lange on ac-
hes made over the years cordion/bass and vocals,
and to continue contribut- Dave Burner on drums
ing to The Boys signature and vocals, and Teds
sound. mother, Betty Lange, on
second accordion.
Polish Connection Mollie Busta added
her talents to the Brat-
Polish Connection is
described as Wisconsins wurst Boys for the very
first time on Dec. 31, 2005.
most contemporary polka
Due to popular demand,
band. The band is based in
the bands number of
Mosinee.
performances doubled
every year, and due to
Mollie B and Ted
the continual evolution
Langes Squeezebox of the band, a decision
Squeezebox began in was made in May 2007 to
the late 1990s under a dif- change the name of the
ferent name, the Brat- band to Squeezebox.
wurst Boys, which was a To date, Squeezebox
part-time spin-off band has released two albums
consisting of members of and is featured regularly
PULASKI POLKA DAYS
on the Mollie B Polka Par-
ty on RFD-TV. They have
performed all over the U.S.
to capacity crowds.
Polka Country two major styles: Chicago
Musicians
Country Musicians play
Ignoring the advice of
music teachers who feared
he was too young, Wally
Dombrowski began trum-
pet lessons when he was
dion, concertina, bass and
only 5. His parents, both
of Polish heritage, brought
him to polka shows as a
toddler and he was enam-
ored by the trumpet by
age 2. When Dombrowskis
rhythmic drumming on
sand pails caught their
attention, he was encour-
aged to learn polka with
his brother, Rich. Rich
founded the Polka Country
Musicians in 1977 when he
was 18 and Wally was just
9. The brothers took the
music their parents loved
and made it their own.
Polish polka split into
and East Coast. The Polka
a version of the Chicago
style called push. Push
polka bands typically fea-
ture double horns, accor-
drums. Over the years,
and as players changed,
the band developed its
own distinct sound and
adopted a slightly slower
tempo suited for covers
of country songs. When
the band is playing in top
form, audiences can be so
captivated by the music
they stop dancing to fully
listen.
TNT (The
Natural Talent)
The Natural Talent is
a Polish-style polka band
that has existed since May
2014 with members resid-
THE KNEWZ
ing in Pulaski. The family
that makes up the band is
very involved in the com-
munity, and a few mem-
bers decided to create
their own band.
Mitch Socha plays the
trumpet and provides vo-
cals. Adam Socha plays the
accordion and keyboard,
as well as provides vocals.
Sam Maroszek is on the
drums and also provides
WOLF RIVER MEDIA
vocals. Karter Maroszek
provides vocals as he plays
the concertina. Taylor Ma-
roszek plays the trumpet
and the alto sax, along
with providing vocals. Alex
Maroszek plays the bass
guitar.
With parents, uncles,
aunts, cousins and close
friends blessed with a
musical background, TNT
members feel their Natu-
ral Talent of playing polka
music just makes sense.
Jeff Winard Band
Over the years, Jeff Wi-
nard has remained a favor-
ite with crowds throughout
the greater Milwaukee
area, the Midwest and
other parts of the United
States and Canada where
polka music is enjoyed. Jeff
and his band, known for
their polka and waltz mu-
sic in the popular Yankovic
style, have remained a fa-
vorite at festivals, parties
and other events where
live music is desired.
In June 1968, Jeff front-
ed his first band playing at
his parish church festival,
followed by VFW picnics
and other performances.
The early 70s brought an
association with Bill Sa-
vatskis Band, and dear
friend for over 40 years
Grant Kozera (aka Bre-
whaus Polka King).
Jeff also began per-
forming with Frank
Yankovic, Americas
polka king, in 1970 as an
SEE BANDS, PAGE 11
WOLF RIVER MEDIA PULASKI POLKA DAYS WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 11

BANDS be polka fans initially.

The Jeff Winard Band
Box On
Box On is the culmina-
they have extended their
performing to music fes-
pet and sings. Tony plays
trumpet on a few tunes,
packed in like sardines
leaving no room for addi-
FROM PAGE 10 continues to be a favorite tion of time in the life of tivals. They play a variety and Bella sings many tional items. Rick made a
of young and old alike and one family. Rick and Alicia of standards, from swing, crowd favorites. wooden box with a metal
accordionist and drum- has enjoyed much suc- Vinecki have been mar- rock, country to polkas and The eighth child, Nick, frame, which was at-
mer, and continued to per- cess over its many years ried for 27 years. Back Latin music. was born with Down Syn- tached on the back of the
form with his own band of existence. The band has in the days of singleness Lucas has now retired drome. He enjoys music suburban. In this box on
as well. This association produced several record- Rick had his own band as from the band. Maria plays and plays an accordion in the Suburban went lug-
would last until Franks a teenager. The Melody bass and keeps the beat his own special way. gage, portacrib, stroller,
ings currently available on
retirement in 1998. During Kings were a group of
CD. Jeff Winard has twice steady. Olivia plays key- Many people have musical instruments or
those 28 years, Jeff had young guys playing some
been inducted into the Wis- boards and sings lead on asked how the Vinecki even beach items, such as
the opportunity to travel awesome polka music
consin Polka Music Hall of many familiar songs. Julia family came to be known a cooler, chairs and tow-
extensively throughout back in the 80s. Alicia was
the country performing Fame. part of the band known as plays guitar and sings lead as Box On. For many els.
countless engagements Polka Family. She played and backup vocals. Alex years, the family traveled
plays drums and trum- together in a Suburban, SEE BANDS, PAGE 12
ranging from Las Vegas Craig Ebel clarinet alongside her
casinos to the New York and DyVersaCo brothers, mother and fa-
State Fair. Craig Ebel and DyV- ther. As fate would have it
After Franks passing ersaCo is a polka variety Rick and Alicia met at a
in 1998, Jeff continued band based out of Minne- polka dance in Detroit and
to perform many of the apolis. The band plays a were married just seven
engagements that still months later.
wide variety of music from
wanted the Yankovic mu- They are now the par-
polkas, waltzes and schot-
sic for their events. The ents of eight children.
style greatly appeals to tisches to country and Ca- Each child has shown mu-
a broader market than jun. DyVersaCo is a crowd sical ability and the desire
some other polka styles pleaser no matter where to perform. When the kids
and has a unique way of they perform, as they are were young the family be-
creating an excitement fun to watch and provide a gan playing simple music
level with audiences, unique song selection with for local assisted living and
even those that may not a solid beat. nursing homes. Recently

AARON SOCHAS LIVEWIRE

12 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017
BANDS
FROM PAGE 11
The Knewz
Andy Bojczuk (drums,
vocals) has been playing
drums professionally for
about 10 years. Growing
up listening to and loving
polkas is what drove him
to play the same music to-
day. Andy has played with
such bands as Big Steves
Bellares, The Steel City
Brass, The Dynatones,
The Concertina All-Stars
and currently The Knewz.
His biggest polka influenc-
es are Larry Trojak, Eddie
Blazonczyk Sr. and Frankie
Liszka. He respects them
for who they are and what
theyve accomplished in
their lives.
John Fomenko (accor-
dion) has been playing mu-
sic for 28 years. A native
of Stratford, Connecticut,
John began his playing
career with a band by the
name of The Polka Revue.
Since then, he has played
PULASKI POLKA DAYS WOLF RIVER MEDIA
Perfect Blend, Polka Coun-
try Musicians and The
The Polka Family as well.
Brian has already claimed
Knewz. musical achievement in
Tom Picciano (trum- his short, but busy polka
pet, clarinet, vocals) is career as the recipient of
the leader of The Knewz. the 2004 USPA New Hori-
He has been playing pol- zon Award.
kas professionally for 25 Tommy Wanderlich
years. Toms band resume (concertina, clarinet, sax,
includes The New-Tones, vocals) has been playing
Scrubby and Sunshine, professionally for over 20
The Dynatones, Big Steve years. Besides concertina,
and the Bellares, Pho- Tommy also plays clari-
cus, and The Knewz. As a net, saxophone, piano, and
member of the Dynatones, bass. The list of bands he
he was nominated for a has played with include
Grammy as Best Polka The New-Tones, Krew
Album in 1991, for the re- Brothers, Take 3, John
cording, When The Band Gra and Gorale, The Dy-
Plays A Polka. natones, and The Knewz.
Brian Urbanczyk (bass) John Zelasko (concer-
is the youngest member tina, trumpet) is a veteran
of the group. Although polka musician having
he played in jazz band, played with many of the
marching band, and the top polka bands in the na-
musical pit in high school, tion including The Brass
he has always had a pas- Connection, The Dynas-
sion for polka music. The ticks, Prime Drive, Eddie
list of bands he has played Blazonczyks Versatones,
THE NATURAL TALENT with consist of PhoCus, Polka Country Musicians,
City Side and the Buffalo The Dynatones, Gerry
with great groups such press, Brass Dimension, Family, Big Steve and the Concertina All-Stars. He
as The Bright Sound Ex- The Brass Works, Polka Bellares, The Dynatones, occasionally fills in with SEE BANDS, PAGE 13
WOLF RIVER MEDIA PULASKI POLKA DAYS WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 13

THE BOYS

BANDS He was inducted into the

International Polka Hall of
FROM PAGE 12 Fame in 1970. He stopped
performing in 2002. Bla-
Kaminskis Merry Mak- zonczyk died of multiple
ers and Change of Pace. organ dysfunction syn-
He started playing the drome on May 21, 2012.
accordion when he was 8 The Versatones are
and was a full-time mem- coming back together for
ber of his fathers band, a reunion tour in 2017 and
The Kavaliers, by the age performing in several ven-
of 10. John was nominat- ues, including Pulaski Pol-
ka Days.
ed twice for the Grammy
award in 1993 and 1994,
with Eddie Blazonczyks IPA Tribute Band
The International Polka
Versatones.
Association Tribute Band,
comprised of veteran Chi-
Eddie Blazonczyk cago polka musicians,
Reunion Tour formed the summer of
Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. 2011 in an effort to promote
was a Grammy award-win- polka music and, specifi-
ning polka musician and cally, the IPA.
founder of The Versatones. The IPA, a nonprofit
organization started in
Chicago, honors polka per-
formers through its Hall of
Fame and annual awards
in categories such as Best
Male and Female Vocal-
ists, Best Band, Best Song
and Best Album. The IPA
is dedicated to the study
and preservation of polka
music to keep alive the
cultural tradition of Polish
Americans who have made
their music tradition part
of their heritage.
The group is a compi-
lation of polka musicians
from several different Chi-
cago-based polka bands
who offered to participate
in this musical tribute. The
majority of band members
are leaders of their own
polka bands.
The musicians are John
Krawisz, accordion and
vocals; Tony Blazonczyk,
bass and vocals; Ray (Mel-
vin) Rzeszutko, drums and
vocals; Lenny Zielinski,
concertina; Rick Rzeszut-
ko, trumpet and vocals;
Laura Mateja, vocals; and
Dan Mateja, band leader,
on the clarinet, sax and
vocals.
The Music
Connection
The Music Connection
originates from Wausau.
The band was named
Band of the Year in 2010
by the Wisconsin Hall of
Fame. Band members are
Neal Zunker, Jeff Heinz,
SEE BANDS, PAGE 14

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14 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017
BANDS sic, some 1950s and 1960s
rock and roll. The band has
FROM PAGE 13 a number of recordings on
the Polkaland and MJ re-
John Wudtke and Brian cording labels.
Seehafer. Along with Mark are
five great friends who
Mark Jirikovec Band make up the band. They
The Mark Jirikovec are Ken Ouradnik on
Band was formed in Oc- trumpet, Gene Havlovitz
tober 1985 as a six-piece on accordion, Todd Ou-
group. The band plays a radnik on bass horn, Jeff
wide variety of music: Bo- Voelker on drums, and
Gary Nejedlo on piano.
hemian, German, polkas
and waltzes, big band mu- One unique thing about
PULASKI POLKA DAYS
this band is that all the
members play more than
one instrument.
In 1993, Mark was hon-
ored with the Wisconsin
Orchestra Leader of the
Year Award. He is the
youngest person to ever
receive this award, which
is voted by orchestra lead-
ers. In 2013, the band was
awarded Band of the Year,
one of the highest awards
given out by the Wisconsin
Polka Hall Of Fame.
The band is well known
throughout the state of
Wisconsin and the Midwest
and in 2004 was selected to
play at the National Polka
Festival in Ennis, Texas.
They will play for any oc-
casion, such as weddings,
anniversaries, birthdays,
public dances and polka
festivals wherever great
music is needed.
Keith Stras and
Polka Confetti
Keith Stras and polkas
go hand in hand. Stras has
worked in every aspect of
polka music.
He has sustained a 40-
year career in the genre.
Elected to the Polka Music
Hall of Fame in 1999, hes
been heard each week on
the air in Chicagoland over
WPNA 1490 AM, nation-
wide on Sirius XM Satellite
www.sennhometownins.com
www.sennhometownins.com
and The Polka Jammer
Network.
Stras is a member of the
prestigious Broadcasters
Hall of Fame. In addition,
you can see Keith on the
nationally televised Jim-
my Sturr Show where he
serves as the programs em-
cee each week on RFD-TV.
While the president of
the International Polka As-
sociation based in Chicago,
he grew the membership
rolls to over 1,000, to date
a distinction that no other
officer has matched, while
on television he creatively
mixed polka music with
comedy, local celebrities and
game show stunts earning
him televisions prestigious
Emmy Award. In 2002, he
walked the red carpet in Los
Angeles to pick up a Gram-
my Award for the Best Polka
Recording.
BOX ON
WOLF RIVER MEDIA
In 2009, he ventured
into the polkas in a new
way, by forming Polka
Confetti, building on his
knowledge of the music,
he sought out the finest
musicians in the industry
to form the group. They
have appeared across the
country, recorded both a
DVD and CD, and their ap-
pearances on televisions
Mollie B Polka Party has
played to rave reviews.
Stras has been one of the
most influential people in
polka music for the last
four decades.
Concertina Rich
No information avail-
able.
Polka Dynamics
No information avail-
able.
PULASKI
PHARMACY
Fast, Friendly Service
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Deliver in village
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WOLF RIVER MEDIA PULASKI POLKA DAYS WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 15
16 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 PULASKI POLKA DAYS WOLF RIVER MEDIA