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
Toll Free: 1-800-66POLKA
Fax: 216-261-4134
An ambassador of Cleveland-style polkas, Joe Mlakar has extended his influence across
Minnesota, Ohio, and California. Joe began his musical career on a button box in
Chisholm, Minnesota, at age 15, graduating to a "Mervar" after moving to Cleveland
in 1941. Joe returned to Minnesota's Iron Range after his tour in the service where
he organized his first orchestra and, in 1950, the Slovenian Men's Choraleers. Moving
to Fontana, California, in 1959, Joe purchased Mlakar's Elbow Room, Fontana's "Home
of Slovenian Polka Parties," and helped to organize the Fontana Slovenian Button
Box Club. Joe has recorded five LP albums with bandleader Frankie Zeitz and three
with his sons Joe and Fred.
Inducted in 2023
www.polkafame.com © National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum, 605
East 222nd Street, Euclid, OH 44123, USA.
