National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum

605 East 222nd Street
Euclid, OH 44123

USA

 

E-mail: Polkashop@aol.com

Phone: 216-261-3263

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Fax: 216-261-4134

 

 

 

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Awards Show - Award Winners

 

Each year, the Foundation recognizes the outstanding achievements of the prior year through its Annual Awards. Members nominate and select the winners in various categories of activity that serve to promote and preserve Cleveland-Style Polkas. Those with the highest level of populair support appear on the ballot, and winners receive the Foundation's Crystal Award. The only eligibility criterion for nomination is that the artist, group, organisation, or institution has been active within the designated category during the prior twelve month period beginning June 1 and ending May 31. Prior year winners are eligible to win. Looking back through the years, here are the winners who received the Foundation's Crystal Award in the various categories.

 

 

 

1988

Lifetime Achievement Award

Frank Yankovic, Walter Ostanek, Matt Hoyer, Johnny Pecon, Johnny Vadnal

 

1989

Lifetime Achievement Award

Kenny Bass, Anna Vadnal, Dr. William J. Lausche

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Louie Bajc, Louie Bashel, Ernie Benedict, Eddie Gorse, Joe Kusar, Vlad Malecar, Anton Schubel, Eddie Simms, Adolph "Church" Srnick, Frank Sterle, Joe Tasz, Joe Trolli, Al Wish, Frankie Zeitz, Ivan Zorman

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Eddie Kenik

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Cleveland Slovenian Radio Club

 

Best Button Box of the Year

Fairport Ensemble

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Joey Miskulin

 

Band of the Year

Jeff Pecon Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Polkastalgia" Walter Ostanek and Friends

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Tony Vadnal

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Joey Tomsick

 

1990

Lifetime Achievement Award

Frank Novak, Cecilia "Cilka" Dolgan, Lou Trebar

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Eddie Adamic, Joe Klir, Tony Kristoff, Joe Lasicky, Paul Nakel, Joe Pianecki, Sam Pugliano, Joe Sodja, Bob Timko, Richie Vadnal

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

John Habat

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Eddie, Denny and Dale Bucar

 

Best Button Box of the Year

Joey Tomsick & Lynn Marie Rink

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Walter Ostanek

 

Band of the Year

Eddie Rodick Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Welcome Back Again" Eddie Rodick Orchestra

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Paul Yanchar

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Sumrada Brothers

 

1991

Lifetime Achievement Award

Eddie Habat, Georgie Cook, Paul Yanchar

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Heinie Martin Antoncic, John "Hokie" Hokavar, Josephine Lausche, Mary Udovich, Rose Marin, Anton Mervar, Joe Mlakar, Sr., Bob Norgard, Bill Seles, Don Sosnoski, Bill Srnick, Sr., Dave Wretschko

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Zarja Singing Society

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

George Knaus

 

Best Button Box of the Year

Zeke and Charlie

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

George Staiduhar

 

Band of the Year

Joe Fedorchak Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Polkas By George" Harry Faint Revue

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Bill Srnick Sr.

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Mike Wojtila

 

1992

Lifetime Achievement Award

Al Markic, Tony Petkovsek

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Fr. George Balasko, Frank Champa, Fred "Fritz" Hribar, Dick "King" Kuciemba, Barbara Lane, Frank Mahnic, Sr., Fr. Frank Perkovich, Slovan Men's Chorus

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Florence Unetich

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Denny Bucar, George Knaus

 

Best Button Box of the Year

Jake Zagger

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Norm Kobal

 

Band of the Year

Tony Klepec Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"I Remember Slovenia" Tony Klepec Orchestra

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Ron Sluga

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Bob Kravos

 

1993

Lifetime Achievement Award

Tony Vadnal, Frank Vadnal

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Stankey "Polka Stash" Dlugoleski, John Gayer, The Kendal Sisters - Dolly and Polly, Mike Podboy, Lou Rosenberger, Steve and Roz Silber, Chuck Smith, Rudy Vincent, Ujcich, Joe Umeck, St. Vitus Church

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Just Because, Blue Skirt Waltz

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Circle 2

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

WELW Radio

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Kathy Hlad and Ron Likovic

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Holmes Hall Buttonaires

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Fred Ziwich

 

Band of the Year

Walter Ostanek Band

 

Recording of the Year

"35th Anniversary" Walter Ostanek Band

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Dan Wojtila

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

The Polka Poppers

 

1994

Lifetime Achievement Award

Eddie Kenik, Verne Meisner

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Floyd Castagneri, Collinwood Slovenian Home, Mary Dolsak, Steve Garchar, Frank Kalik, Frankie Mullec, Nettie Pecon Pecek, Joe White

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

My Alice Waltz, Slap Happy Polka

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Eddie Kenik

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Tony Petkovsek

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Joey Tomsick

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Holmes Hall Buttonaires

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Dick Tady, George Staiduhar

 

Band of the Year

Don Wojtila Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"That Old Gang Of Mine" Joe Fedorchak Orchestra

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Ron Sluga

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Tony Fortuna

 

1995

Lifetime Achievement Award

Zarja Singing Society, Al Tercek

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Mary Champa, Oscar Fryckman, Joe Grkman, Sr., John Kausek, Merle Kumik, Jimmy Medves, Mladinsky

Pevski Zbor, Pete Sokach

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

I Wanna Call You Sweetheart, Slovenian Picnic Waltz

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Jadran Singing Society

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

George Knaus

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Fred Ziwich

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Holmes Hall Buttonaires

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Tony Vadnal

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Johnny Vadnal

 

Band of the Year

Dick Tady and the DTO

 

Recording of the Year

"Music & Friends" Walter Ostanek Band

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Norm Kobal

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Benzy Rathbone Combo

 

1996

Lifetime Achievement Award

Norm Kobal, Slavko Avsenik

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Roger Di Benedict, Bobby Gospich, Carl Hartman, John "Evie" Kovicic, John and Helen Kuzman, St. Mary's Church, Mary Skerlong, Stan Slejko

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Silk Umbrella Polka, Little Fella

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Glasbena Matica

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

George Knaus

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Lynn Marie Rink

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Cleveland Lake Erie Button Box Club

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Paul Yanchar

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Dick Tady

 

Band of the Year

Del Sinchak Band

 

Recording of the Year

"Polka Or Else" Del Sinchak Band

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Mark Habat, Norm Kobal, Ron Sluga

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Larry Placek and the Tunemasters

 

1997

Lifetime Achievement Award

Richie Vadnal, Joey Miskulin

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Steve Helvak, Steve Popovich, Carl Rohwetter, Eddie Stampfl, Joe Toriskie, Ivan Zorman, Sr.

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Old Timers Polka, Top Of The Hill Polka

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Fantje Na Vasi

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Val Pawlowski

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Jake Zagger

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Cleveland Lake Erie Button Box Club

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Christine Hibbs

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Jeff Pecon

 

Band of the Year

Del Sinchak Band

 

Recording of the Year

"Songs Ot He Polka King" Frankie Yankovic and Friends

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Denny Bucar, Pete Kuhar, Ron Sluga

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Frank Moravcik Orchestra

 

1998

Lifetime Achievement Award

Louie Bashel, Joe Fedorchak

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Jack Ponikvar, June Price, Dolores Mihelich, Joe Stradiot, Martin Serro

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Emily's Waltz, Zivila Bracha

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Slovenian Herritage Group Of Western PA

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Denny Bucar

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Fred Ziwich

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Mahoning Valley Button Box Club

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Denny Bucar

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Fred Ziwich

 

Band of the Year

Bob Kravos and the Boys in the Band

 

Recording of the Year

"Boys In The Band" Bob Kravos and the Boys in the Band

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Eric Noltkamper, Ralph Delligatti, Bob Bacha

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Force Of Habat

 

1999

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dick Tady, Frankie Spetich

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Gene Casiola, Dan Coppens, Rudy Kershishnik, Alex Machaskee, Bill Miller, Hank Pawlak, SNPJ Youth Circle 2, Frances Sylvester, Florence Unetich, John Zalar

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Jack On St. Clair Polka, A Night In May Waltz

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Recreation Farm

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Mike Podboy

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Joey Tomsick

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Mahoning Valley Button Box Club

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Dave Skrainer

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Joey Tomsick

 

Band of the Year

Jeff Pecon Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Smile" Joey Tomsick Orchestra

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

John Gerl, Wayne Habat, Phil Hrvatin

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

The Sidemen

 

2000

Lifetime Achievement Award

Hank Haller, Jack Tady

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Steve Becic, Eddie Bucar, Ray Champa, Frankie Kramer, George Mlay

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Go Man Go Polka, Cakala Bom

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Recreation Farm

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Dale Bucar

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Fred Ziwich

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Lipa Park Button Box Club

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Jerry Suhar

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

George Staiduhar

 

Band of the Year

Jeff Pecon Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Pecon-Trebar The End Of An Era" Johnny Pecon Orchestra

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Bob Bacha, Hank Guzel, Frank Okicki

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Mike Wojtila's Grant Avenue

 

2001

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dusan "Duke" Marsik, Lojze Slak

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Eddie Andres, Margot Glinsky, Mike Longo, Joe Luzar, Louie Luzar, Noyes Lane, Herman Spero

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Mozart's Polka, Ej Prijatelj

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Circle 2 Junior Chorus

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Val Pawlowski

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Al Battistelli

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Magic Buttons

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Ron Sluga

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Fred Ziwich

 

Band of the Year

Jeff Pecon Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"What A Little Polka Can Do" Fred Ziwich

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Ralph Delligatti, Ron Sluga, Dave Wolnik

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Somich-Tomsic Orchestra

 

2002

Lifetime Achievement Award

Fred Gregorich, Roger Bright

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Dick Flaisman, Joh Gregurich, Jim Kozel, Alice Kuhar, Art Perko, Del Sinchak

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Flower Of Love Waltz, Under The Double Eagle

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Friends Of The Slovenian Society Home, St. Clair

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Val Pawlowski

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Jake Zagar

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Lipa Park Button Box Club

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Paul Yanchar

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Frank Moravcik

 

Band of the Year

Eddie Rodick Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Memories From Back Home In PA" Jake Zagger

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

John Pecon, Jr., Ralph Delligatti, Ron Sluga

 

Best New/Young Band of the Year

Joe Novak and Friends

 

2003

Lifetime Achievement Award

Roman Possedi, Sam Pugliano

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Paul Wilcox, John Habat, Don Krance, Don Kotnik, Benzy Rathbone, Eddie Vallus

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Zaplula, Simcic's Waltz

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Penn Ohio Polka Palls Boosters

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Ken Zalar

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Kathy Hlad

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Captain's Crew

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Christine Hibbs

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Eddie Rodick

 

Band of the Year

George Staiduhar Revue

 

Recording of the Year

"Greatest All Time Slovenian Hits" Dick Tady

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Wayne Habat, Eddie Klancnik, Ron Sluga

 

2004

Lifetime Achievement Award

Jadran Singing Society, George Staiduhar

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Don Gralak, George Knaus, Eddie Platt, Bill Randle, Fred Scherz, Sr., Slovene National Benefiet Society

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Over Three Hills Waltz, O Ja Waltz

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Circle 2

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Val Pawlowski

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Ron Likovic

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Captain's Crew

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Christine Hibbs

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Bob Kravos

 

Band of the Year

Bob Kravos and the Boys in the Band

 

Recording of the Year

"Just For You" Bob Kravos and Walter Ostanek

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

John Gerl, Eric Noltkamper, Ron Sluga

 

2005

Lifetime Achievement Award

Gary Seibert, Ron Sluga

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Adam Barthalt, Betty Rotar, Lou Sadar, Gene Tebo, Penn-Ohio Polka Palls

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Cleveland, The Polka Town, Let's Have A Party

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Ed Ostry

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Fred Ziwich

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Captain's Crew

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Christine Hibbs

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Fred Ziwich

 

Band of the Year

Bob Kravos and the Boys in the Band

 

Recording of the Year

"Ziwich Plays Avsenik" Fred Ziwich

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Mike Grkman, Mark Habat, Ron Sluga

 

2006

Lifetime Achievement Award

Fred Gregorich, Joe Grkman

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Eddie Slagle, Jack Zorc, Ray Gay, Don Lipovac, Al Pestotnik, Marie Pivic, Gary Rhamy

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Cheese 'N Crackers Polka, Green Valley

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Slovene National Benefit Society

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Ed Ostry

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Ron Likovic

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Captain's Crew

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Christine Hibbs

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Eric Noltkamper

 

Band of the Year

Joe "Grkmania"  Grkman Band

 

Recording of the Year

"Polkas On Broadway" Don Wojtila and Fred Gregorich

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

John Gerl, Mike Grkman, Ed Klancnik

 

2007

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dick Flaisman, Gaylord Klancnik

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Denny Bucar, Joey Tomsick, Joe Valencic, Frank Culkar, Johnny Krizancic, Joe and Milly Wojtila, Jenny Zaman, Bobby Zgonc

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Roses Of Love, Barking Dog Polka

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Joe Valencic

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Pam and Jerry Zagar

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Ron Likovic

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Captain's Crew

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Kim Rodick

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Jeff Pecon

 

Band of the Year

Eddie Rodick Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Polka Sweethearts" Eddie Rodick Orchestra

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Chris Byndus, Hank Guzel, Jr., John Ross

 

2008

Lifetime Achievement Award

Frankie Mullec, Eddie Rodick

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Tony Fortuna, Violet Ruparcich, Dick Sodja, Louis spehek, Bob Turcola, Dave Wolnik

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Zip Polka, Argentina Waltz

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Joe Valencic

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Ed Ostry

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Ron Likovic

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Fairport Jammers

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Kim Rodick

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Eddie Rodick

 

Band of the Year

Eddie Rodick Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Tribute To Benzy Rathbone" Tony Grandovic

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Eddie Rodick III, Kim Rodick

 

Best New Original Song Of The Year

Don´t Play Me A Sad Song At Christmas - Fred Ziwich

 

2009

Lifetime Achievement Award

Art Perko, Del Sinchak

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Greg Drust, Kathy Hlad, Ron Luznar, SNPJ Farm, Johnny Spetich, Mirk Yama

 

Special Crystal Award

Ray Somich

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Waltz Of Love, Glas Harmonike Waltz

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Heritage Center

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

John and Helen Kuzman

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Ron Likovic

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Western Pennsylvania Button Box Club

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

John Ross

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Joey Tomsick

 

Band of the Year

Joey Tomsick Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Polka Fun House" Joey Tomsick Orchestra

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Hank Guzel, Jr., Phil Hrvatin

 

Best New Original Song Of The Year

Polka Fun House - Joey Tomsick and Frank Doblekar

 

2010

Lifetime Achievement Award

Glasbena Matica, Fred Ziwich

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Chester Budny, Pat Hutch, Frank Mauer, Don and Rose Slogar, Kathy Vogt, Jelse Vos

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

No Beer In Heaven, Daj, Daj Srcek Nazaj

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Heritage Room

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Val Pawlowski

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Ron Likovic

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Fairport Jammers

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Christine Hibbs

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Bob Kravos

 

Band of the Year

Dick Tady Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"The Best Of Cleveland-Style" Bob Kravos

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Phil Hrvatin, Gary Byndas, Brian O'Boyle

 

Best New Original Song Of The Year

 

2011

Lifetime Achievement Award

Hank Thunander, Fred Kuhar, Bob Timko

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Linda Lee Brown, John Gerl, Gus Oswald, Mike Dragas, Sr., Ray Sterle, Bill Tomsick, Ray Skovenski,

Al Strukel, Angela Zabjek

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Save The Last Dance Waltz, Terezinka Polka

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

Singing Slovenes

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Ed Ostry

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Kathy Hlad

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Fairport Jammers

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Kim Rodick

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Joey Tomsick

 

Band of the Year

Joey Tomsick Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Something For Everyone" Bob Kravos

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Mark Habat, Phil Hrvatin, Brian O'Boyle, Frank Okicki

 

Best New Original Song Of The Year

Arlene's Waltz - Dan Peters

 

2012

Lifetime Achievement Award

Eddie Vallus, Father Frank Perkovich, Steve Meisner

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Lud Hrovat, Ken Tomsick, Sr., Tops Cardone, Buddy Griebel, Al Leslie, Carl Paradiso, Ray Young,

Zeke and Charlie

 

Tony Petkovsek Award

Ray Somich

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Tic-Tock Polka, Red Lips And Red Wine

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Recreation Grounds, Kirkland, OH

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Joe Gabrosek and Gene Kovack

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Joey Tomsick

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Fairport Jammers

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Dale Bucar

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Brian O'Boyle

 

Band of the Year

Joey Tomsick Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"Staiduhar's Finale" George Staiduhar

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Al Bambic, Mark Habat, Frank Okicki

 

Best New Original Song Of The Year

Sweet Memories Waltz - George Staiduhar

 

2013

Lifetime Achievement Award

Frankie Zeitz, Jim Kozel

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Joe Gabrosek and Gene Kovack, Mahoning Valley Button Box Club, Bob McGuire, Joe Miklavic, Slovenian National Home, E80th., John Zipay

 

Tony Petkovsek Award

Hon. George V. Voinovich

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Kamnik Polka, Ham-Bone Polka

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Farm, Kirkland, OH

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Mark Habat

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Kathy Hlad

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Fairport Jammers

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Dale Bucar

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Frank Stanger

 

Band of the Year

Frank Stanger Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"All Keyed Up" Frank Stanger Orchestra

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Mark Habat, Jack Tankovich, Brian Zupancic

 

Best New Original Song Of The Year

Punxsuatawney Phil Polka - Frank Stanger and Bob Debevits

 

2014

Lifetime Achievement Award

Don Lipovac, Denny Bucar

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Tommy Grahek, Jerry Jasinsky, Ted Lysiak, Sheila Salvato, William Sneller, Tony Trontel

 

Tony Petkovsek Award

Denny Bucar

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

El Rio Drive, Iron Mike Polka

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Heritag Center, Enon Valley, PA

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Mark Habat

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Kathy Hlad

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Patty C and the Guys

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Kim Skovenski

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Brian O'Boyle

 

Band of the Year

Frank Stanger Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

"We Are Back" Bob Kravos and Walter Ostanek

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Mark Habat, Jim Penko, Brian Zupancic

 

2015

Lifetime Achievement Award

Eddie Bucar, Dave Wolnik

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Johnny Pastirik, Milan Racanovic, Marty Sintic, Patty Sluga, Joe Samsa, Eddie Liszewski

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Trumpet Echo Polka, V Dolini Tihi

 

Tony Petkovsek Award

Dusan "Duke" Marsic

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, OH

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

247 Polka Heaven/Ray Zalokar

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Kathy Hlad

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Patty C and the Guys

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Christine Hibbs

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Frank Stanger

 

Band of the Year

Frank Stanger Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

A Polka Love Affair By Frank Stanger

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Al Bambic, Paul Yeager, Joe Zdelar

 

Best New Polka Or Waltz

Happy Birthday Polka by Frank Stanger

 

2016

Lifetime Achievement Award

Mark Habat, Ralph Deligatti, Jeff and Johnny Pecon

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Denny Anderson, John Hasper, Victor Lisjak, Joe Princie, Slovenian Workmen's Home

 

Greatest All Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Café Polka, Slovenia

 

Tony Petkovsek Award

Joe Valencic

 

Cultural/Heritage of the Year

SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, OH

 

Support/Promotion of the Year

Mark Habat

 

Best Button Box: Individual or Duo of the Year

Kathy Hlad

 

Best Button Box: Group of the Year

Fairport Jammers

 

Best Vocalist of the Year

Christine Hibbs

 

Best Musician of the Year: Individual

Frank Stanger

 

Band of the Year

Jeff Pecon Orchestra

 

Recording of the Year

He's Back by Dick Tady

 

Best Side Musicians of the Year

Mike Grkman, Mike Wojtila, Joe Zdelar

 

Best New Polka Or Waltz

Justie And Maggie's Song by Dick Tady

 

2017

Lifetime Achievement Award

Stan Blout, Kathy Hlad, Frank Stanger

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Linda Hochevar, Harry Faint, Ray Somich, Mikey Dee, Bob Doszak

 

Greatest All-Time Cleveland-Style Hits

Riverboat Polka, Slovenian Home Polka

 

Tony Petkovsek Award

Mark Habat & Jan Horvath

New Original Song Of The Year

Happy Polka Day - Mike Schneider

 

Cultural/Heritage

SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, OH

 

Support/Promotion

Joe Godina

 

Button Box: Individual Or Duo

Ron Likovic

 

Button Box: Group

Patty C And The Guys

 

Vocalist Of The Year

Dave Skrainer

 

Band Of The Year

Klancnik And Friends

 

Recording Of The Year

40th Anniversary Recording - Fred Ziwich And His International Sound Machine

 

Musician Of The Year: Individual

Brian O'Boyle

 

Side Musicians Of The Year

Eric Stehle, Joe Strukel, Joe Wojtila

 

2018

Lifetime Achievement Award

LynnMarie Hrovat, Don Wojtila

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Murray Mcfadgen, Robert "Spree" Smrecansky, Denny Marold, Ron Pivovar, Ray Kovac

 

Greatest All-Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Four Rs Polka, Quick Stop Polka

 

Tony Petkovsek Award

Lisa And Joey Tomsick

 

Cultural/Heritage

SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, OH

 

Support/Promotion

Joe Godina

 

Button Box: Individual Or Duo

Frank And Darryl Valencic

 

Button Box: Group Or Band

Western Pennsylvania SNPJ Button Box Club

 

Vocalist Of The Year

Jim Lapinski

 

Band Of The Year

Klancnik And Friends

 

Recording Of The Year

"Play 'Em Hot," Rob Deblander Band

 

Musician Of The Year: Individual

Brian O'Boyle

 

Side Musicians Of The Year

Al Bambic, Gary Byndas, Joe Wojtila

 

2019

Lifetime Achievement Award

Walt Groller, Al Meixner, Anton Mervar

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Al Bambic, Dave Skrajner, Dan Wojtila, Frank Svet, Val Pawlowski, Dale Bucar, Ron Setniker, Ed Grosel

 

Greatest All-Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

No Beer On Sunday, Windy City Polka

 

Tony Petkovsek Award

St. Vitus Parish, Cleveland, OH

 

New Original Song Of The Year

"Home" - LynnMarie Hrovat And Eddie Rodick III

 

Cultural/Heritage

SNPJ Farm, Kirtland, OH

 

Support/Promotion

Pam & Jerry Zagar

 

Button Box: Individual Or Duo

Joe Grkman Jr.

 

Button Box: Group Or Band

Ron Likovic And Friends

 

Vocalist Of The Year

Murray McFadgen

 

Band Of The Year

Klancnik And Friends

 

Recording Of The Year

"Home," LynnMarie And E3

 

Musician Of The Year: Individual

Brian O'Boyle

 

Side Musicians Of The Year

RJ Likovic, TJ Likovic, Eddie Rodick III

 

2022

Lifetime Achievement Award

Joe Kusar, Bill Srnick Sr, Penn Ohio Polka Pals

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Bill Bevec, Al Hreno, Eddie Korosa Jr, Bill Srnick Jr, Chris and Gary Byndas

 

Greatest All-Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

The Little Café Waltz, Smile, Sweetheart, Smile

 

2023

Lifetime Achievement Award

Al Battistelli

Dale Bucar

Gary Rhamy

Joe Mlakar

 

Trustees Honor Roll Recipients

Singing Slovenes

Haughville Slickers

Lipa Park Button Box Club

Fritz Scherz Jr.

Wayne Tomsic

 

Greatest All-Time Cleveland-Style Hit Song

Keystone Polka

Pony Tail Polka