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National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

STEVE BENCIC

1933

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2000

Americans are grateful to Steve Bencic for introducing the Oktoberfets beer festival to North America. Steve was born of German parents in the former Yugoslavia. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1957 and soon was managing the East Side Sachsenhelm German Club in Cleveland. In 1961, Steve opened his Hofbrau Haus restaurant, with polka music every weekend. German and Cleveland-Style bands have performed on a regular basis ever since, such as the Melody Orchestra, Hank Haller, Johnny Pecon and Duke Marsic. Steve sponsored his first Oktoberfest in 1962. The festival is still a popular annual event at the Lake County Fairgrounds, where Steve serves tons of wiener schnitzel, sausages and strudels with beer chasers. He always hires plenty of polka bands for entertainment. That’s why Steve Bencic epitomizes the German word, “gemutlichkeit” – good hospitality.

ANTHONY “TOPS” CARDONE

1921 – 2002

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2012

Frank Yankovic Show Band Sidemen.

Tops Cardone, Carl Paradiso, Al Leslie, and Buddy Griebel were the regular players in Frankie Yankovic’s popular tour band in the early 1950s.  This Yankovic band played in Hollywood, Las Vegas, and top nightclubs in the United States.  Tops was the accordionist, Carl played banjo and guitar, and sang, Al Leslie played the bass, and Buddy Griebel was on piano and harmony solovox.  The Show band also appeared in several movie short films with Yankovic.  Buddy Griebel is the last living members of the Show Band.

JACK FROHNHOFER

1938 – 2001

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2012

Jacob “Jack” Frohnhofer was a happy-go-lucky Cleveland-Style Polka bandleader, best known as the “Big Guy” on the sax. His orchestra became one of the Pittsburgh area’s most popular ensembles, largely because of his easy sound that was ideal for dancing and for his sense of humor. Jack was born in Fitz Henry, Pennsylvania. He first appeared with the Polka Kings and later joined the John Kusmierek Orchestra before starting his own band. Jack performed at many clubs across Western Pennsylvania, as well as at picnics and dances throughout the tri-state region. He belonged to several social clubs and was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and United Steel Workers.

DON GRALAK

1952 – 2004

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2004

Don Gralak was nicknamed America’s Concertina King, and is known as the only concertina performer of Cleveland-style polkas. Don grew up in Milwaukee and learned to play the concertina at age six.  He has bee featured at the Wisconsin State Fair, Summerfest, Polish Fest, and West Allis Western Days. He was inspired by Louie Bashell and Verne Meisner, as well as the Beatles and Bob Dylan. He owned a music store and taught there for 18 years. Don also hosted a weekly polka radio show for fourteen years, “The Good Time Hour,” on WYMS-FM. He is in the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame.

FRED FRITZ HRIBAR

1925 – 2001

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1992

For more than 50 years, Fred Hribar’s Fritz’s Tavern has been a popular stop on the polka circuit for many of the Cleveland style’s best-known bands. Fritz’s Slovenian upbringing included gymnastics with the Sokols’ children’s group and singing with the Mladinski Pevski Zbor youth chorus. He also studied the violin and saxophone. After learning his trade from his parents at the family’s Welcome Tavern in Euclid, Ohio, Fritz opened his own establishment in 1950 on St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland’s original Slovenian settlement. He built Fritz’s Tavern on East 185th Street in 1954. Fish fries and an all-star roster of entertainers made Fritz’s one of the liveliest polka spots in the city. Along with his wife, Ruth, Fritz has been a fervent supporter of Cleveland-style music and Slovenian-American activities throughout his career. He said his biography should be titled “Fifty Years Behind Bars.”

GENE KOVACK

1934

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2013

Since 1994, Joe Gabrosek and Gene Kovack have been the hosts of “Polka Time Again,” one of the most popular music shows on cable TV in Northeast Ohio. Gene was inspired by Frank Spetich, his accordion teacher, to produce a polka show for Wadsworth Community Television, near Akron, Ohio. Joe, his fellow student, joined him. They present videos of Cleveland-Style and European polka bands and share news. Studio guests have included such Hall of Famers as Ron Sluga, Norm Kobal, Paul Yanchar and Fr. Frank Perkovich. Gene and Joe celebrated their 1,000th broadcast in 2013 at the Barberton Slovene Center. They perform with the Magic City Button Box Showcase and the Sokol Serenaders.

JOHNNY KRIZANCIC

1929 – 2009

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2007

Johnny Krizancic is a performer, recording artist, radio personality, and record producer known throughout Pennsylvania. He has produced and recorded more than 65 Slovenian albums, and a total of 250 various albums, many for his MarJon label. His composition “Zivela Braca” was recorded on Frank Yankovic’s the first Grammy-winning album, Polka album so honored. Johnny’s song was voted an “All Time Greatest Hit” by the members of the Polka Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Tamburitza Hall of Fame.

JOHN & HELEN KUZMAN

John:  1923 – 2010
Helen:  1929

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1996

John and Helen Kuzman, the proprietors of Kuzman’s Lounge in Girard, Ohio, have operated the premiere Cleveland-Style Polka nightspot in the Penn-Ohio area for over thirty-five years. John began promoting polka music upon entering the tavern business in 1949, and Helen joined the team in 1966. Together, they have made Kuzman’s Lounge a showcase for established and aspiring Cleveland-Style orchestras from the Greater-Cleveland and Penn-Ohio areas. Using the popular lounge as a base, John and Helen have hosted and promoted polka tours, played leadership roles with the Penn-Ohio Polka Pals Booster Club, and been prominent members of Penn-Ohio’s Cleveland-Style Polka community.

JOSEPHINE LAUSCHE

1894 – 1990

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1991

Together with Dr. William J. “Doc” Lausche, Josephine Lausche Welf and Mary Udovich advanced the transition of Slovenian folk music into the Cleveland-Style polka. With Dr. Lausche on piano, Josephine and Mary made their first recording around 1919 for the Victor Talking Machine Company. Performing on John Grdina’s and Heinie Martin Antoncic’s Slovenian radio programs beginning in the 1920s, Josephine, Mary and the Doc Lausche Orchestra added excitement to Slovenian music with a new beat that presaged the Cleveland-Style polkas that would follow. Between 1927 and 1932, Josephine and Mary sang with Dr. Lausche as he recorded some 60 selections for the Columbia Gramophone Company with a large studio orchestra. In 1942, Josephine and Mary recorded for Continental with the Lausche Trio, featuring Johnny Pecon.

Victor Lizjak

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

RON LUZNAR

1945 – 2016

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2009

Ron Luznar has been a polka promoter for many years.  As an orchestra leader, button accordionist and president of SNPJ Lodge 603. Ron has a weekly radio show.  He has also appeared on Cleveland’s Polka Varieties TV Show. Ron hosted in 1977 the first Florida overseas polka tour to Slovenia.

Button accordionist Ron Luznar, a native Floridian of Slovenian descent has recorded two albums.  Ron presents the other side of the Florida sunshine, Slovenian Style polkas & waltzes with that sunshine touch.  He recorded different styles of Slovenian music from today and days gone like traditionals as Silk Umbrella Polka and My Wife Is Happy Polka with a new flavor.  Ron teamed up with Kathy Hlad for two songs, Top Of The Morning Polka and Evening Waltz.  Ron Luznar received in 2009 the Trustees Honor Roll of the Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame for his contribution to polka music.

FRANK MAHNIC SR

1922 – 1992

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1992

For 52 years, Frank Mahnic, Sr., played an important part in the success of a Cleveland-style institution, the nationally-known Vadnal Orchestra. As the saxophonist and one of the Vadnal vocalists, Frank played an active role in the band’s tremendous popularity. He performed on radio, tele-vision and recordings, and toured with the Vadnals across the United States, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. Devoted to his Slovenian community in Cleveland from childhood, Frank’s musical career began with the Slavcki Children’s Chorus. He joined Zarja Singing Society as a teenager and, at age 16, was the youngest elected officer of Lodge 129 of the Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ). He eventually became President of the Federation of Slovenian National Homes and was honored by the group as Man of the Year in 1980.

FRANK MAUER

1931

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2010

Frank Mauer’s polka playing career started in Cleveland in 1950, with the Kenny Bass band, as one of the lead accordionists, along with Dick Sodja.  In 1954, he joined Al Tercek, where he was the accordionist for 40 years.  The Tercek band played polka music and often was the back-up band for rising popular music stars.  Frank and the Tercek band played for Elvis Presley and Bobby Vinton, among others, at dances hosted by disc jockey Bill Randle.  Frank can be heard on recordings with the Kenny Bass band and Al Tercek.  He is retired from playing in a band, but still plays for his own enjoyment.

ANTON MERVAR

1885 – 1942

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1991

Anton Mervar served as an apprentice in manufacturing accordions in Slovenia, before moving to Cleveland in 1912. Anton became firmly established as a master craftsman in the building of button accordions. He shipped his accordions across the country and overseas from a new factory started in 1921. He also had a retail store for records, phonographs, and other musical instruments. As a consultant for Columbia, Victor, Continental and Okeh record companies he evaluated test pressings and recommended recording contracts for Cleveland style musicians Matt Hoyer, Louis Spehek, Anton Strukelj, and the Lausche-Udovich duet. Mervar accordions have contributed greatly to the enduring popularity of button accordions, and are highly prized.

MLADINSKY PEVSKI ZBOR

1924 – 1984

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1995

Mladinski Pevski Zbor was organized in 1934 when it became evident that the children at the Slovenian Workmen’s Home’s Slovenian School were far more interested in music than the Slovenian language – 160 showed up for the first rehearsal. Accompanied by their own orchestra, the chorus tackled concerts, plays, operettas; musicals, variety shows, and even an annual circus. Milestone performances included a combined concert broadcast from SNPJ’s 1937 convention, an appearance at Pittsburgh’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in 1939, Slovenian language productions such as “Vesna” (1936) and “Kresna Noc” (1949), and, in a later generation, fare including “Babes in Toyland” (1966), “Sound of Music” (attended by over 1000 in 1969), and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” (1983). Mladinski Pevski Zbor affiliated with SNPJ in 1971 becoming MPZ, Circle No. 3.

BOB NORGARD

1921 – 2004

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1992

Beginning his broadcast career in 1947 on radio station WFRO in Fremont, Ohio, Bob Norgard became the beacon of Cleveland-Style polkas in Northwest Ohio, Eastern India, Southern Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Establishing his first polka program in 1948, Bob featured the recording of Slovenian, German, Czech, Polish, and other nationality artists. After a ten-year intermission for health reasons, Bob resumed his carer in 1982 at WCLO-FM in Clyde, Ohio. Bob’s “Polka Parade” column in The Polka News has provided fams with an ongoing chronicle of new recordings.

VAL PAWLOWSKI

1951

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2019

Val, the Polka Gal, is one of the most enthusiastic polka promoters on the Cleveland-Style scene. She has hosted polka radio shows since 1996. Her love of polka leads her to organize popular holiday dances at SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Ohio, on Memorial Day, Labor Day and her Fourth of July birthday. Val got her start on WKTX in Cortland, Ohio, and aired there for most of her career. Val broadcasts now from Pennsylvania on WKST, New Castle, and WPIC, Sharon. Her “Polka Pick-Me-Up” feature is heard on Ray Zalokar’s 247PolkaHeaven.com and “Polka Spotlight” with Joe Godina on WGRP in the Penn-Ohio area.

JOE PIANECKI

1935 – 1990

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1990

Inspired by his cousin, Whitey Lovsin, Joe Pianecki began playing drums at age 12. With Jimmy Medves as his teacher, Joe realized his ambition to play with the top Cleveland-Style orchestras, including the Johnny Pecon-Lou Trebar Orchestra, Bob Timko, the Markic-Zagger Orchestra, Walter Ostanek and many others. Among Cleveland-Style musicians, Joe was widely recognized as the best polka drummer in terms of the precision and steadiness of his tempos and in his ability to lead the rhythm section with a clean and crisp, yet unobtrusive style.

MIKE PODBOY

1927 – 2003

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1993

Words do not adequately describe Mike Podboy, Cleveland-Style Polkas’ favorite “teddy bear.” A founder and Trustee of the American-Slovenian Polka Foundation, Mike has been a tireless promoter and fundraiser for Cleveland-Style music throughout his adult life. Starting in his parents’ Sylvia Café and Podboy’s Tip Toe Inn, and continuing in three locations of his own Podboy’s Lounge since 1959, Mike has been associated with taverns featuring Cleveland-Style music across six decades. Attesting to his popularity among musicians, the Polka Poppers chose Podboy’s Lounge in Euclid, Ohio, as the site of their live recording, “Spontaneous Combustion,” and Kathy Hlad honored Mike with her composition, “Podboy’s Polka.” A longtime officer and director of the U.S. Navy League, Mike has often played Santa Claus for charitable causes. Or was he just playing…?

Joe Princie

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

CARL ROHWETTER

1930 – 2011

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1997

Carl Rohwetter, editor and publisher of the “Polka News,” created the most successful and widely circulated polka publication in history. Covering all styles of polka music, the “Polka News” is a compendium of polka activities, releases, personalities, and articles of interest. A polka promoter in the 1950s and ’60s, Carl became a polka disc jockey in Flint, Michigan, in 1967 and beamed his “Uncle Carl Polka Show” through Michigan’s airwaves for over thirty years. Striving to expand the market for polka music, Carl started the “Polka News” in 1971 with forty- five subscribers, and has since built it into a first-class publication with circulation in excess of 6000 and subscribers in all fifty states, Canada, and Europe.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH

1905

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1996

St. Mary of the Assumption Church, led by eight pastors of Slovenian descent, has been a focal point for Cleveland-Style Polkas through its first ninety years. Bonding with the Slovenian-American community, St. Mary’s housed Collinwood’s original Slovenian Home, domiciled the Slovenian choir originally called Ilirija, and taught the Slovenian language to students of all ages. Overcoming setbacks and tragedies, St. Mary’s parishioners built a school and parish house in the 1920s, fostering their religious and cultural heritage, and broke ground for St. Mary’s current edifice in 1956. When the flock began dispersing to the suburbs, Reverend Victor Tome held the parish together retiring debt, working for the canonization of Slovenian missionary Bishop Frederick Baraga, and supporting other Slovenian institutions. Since 1987, Reverend John Kumse has maintained St. Mary’s unique tradition and identity as one of America’s significant Slovenian-American institutions.

SHEILA SALVATO

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

BILL SELES

1933

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1991

Western Pennsylvania’s Polka Ambassador, Bill Seles became the area’s heavyweight Cleveland-style promoter through four decades on stations WKPA in New Kensington and WHJB in Greensburg. Broadcasting the “Bill Seles Polka Bandstand” seven days a week, he built the area’s greatest polka audience by far. An innovator, Bill originated the two-hour “Waltz Time Serenade,” a Saturday evening, all-waltz format. His famous polka festivals, held twice each year at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, are among the very best showcases for Cleveland-style orchestras anywhere in the world. He also leads polka tours to worldwide destinations. Exercising strict quality control over the selections aired, Bill has strived to assure that polkas hold universal appeal among cosmopolitan audiences tuning in.

EDDIE SIMMS

1910 – 1995

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1989

Eddie Simms was the only Cleveland-Style squeezeboxer who was a boxer in real life. Eddie and his brother Frank, also a professional fighter, joined their step-brother in his Matt Hoyer Trio. The Trio made the first Slovenian polka and waltz records in the United States. Eddie is heard on accordion and banjo on 97 songs recorded on Columbia and RCA Victor Records, in New York City from 1920 to 1930. He fought 200 fights as a heavyweight, with 18 straight KOs. Eddie boxed Joe Louis and Max Baer. His Hollywood film career includes movies with Ricardo Montalban, Fred Astaire, Jerry Lewis, and James Dean. He played the accordion on the set. Eddie settled in Las Vegas in 1989.

RAY SKOVENSKI

1934 – 2013

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2011

Ray Skovenski has been a high-profile bandleader on western Pennsylvania’s polka scene since the 1940s.  He grew up in a Polish family and listened to Slovenian-style polka music on records, the radio, and at dances. His first of three recordings was as a member of the Deltas. Among his original songs, one number, “Don’s Polka,” appeared on a Grammy-winning album by Walter Ostanek, Canada’s Polka King. Ray and his wife had five children and taught each one to play instruments. He formed the Ray Skovenski Orchestra in 1976 with members of the family. As adults, his children continue to play in various bands. “Polka music has kept me young,” says Ray. “And it will keep you young, too.” He was named the United Musicians Polka Association of Pennsylvania Man of the Year in 2005.

DON SLOGAR

1936 – 2019

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2010

The Slogars, Don and Rose, are a husband and wife duo, with Don playing the accordion, and Rose on the bass, violin, and vocals.  Both attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, where Don earned a Bachelor degree in Music Theory, and Rose was a violin major.  Don started his band in the 1960s, with his late brother Ron. He also played with Eddie Platt and Jeff Pecon. In 1969, the Slogars became the back-up band for singer Eddie Kenik, at live concerts and recording sessions. The musical association with Kenik spanned nearly 30 years.  The Slogars also have recorded on their own, and continue to play in Cleveland.

SLOVENIAN NATIONAL HOME, E. 80th

1917

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2013

The “Nash” is known as the center for Slovenian culture in Cleveland’s Slavic Village. Top Cleveland-Style polka bands have performed here for dances, parties, and weddings. Immigrants from Slovenia settled in the city’s industrial Newburgh neighborhood and, in 1919, opened a hall near their St. Lawrence Church. Over the years, lodges met here and singing and drama groups performed on stage. There was even a marching band. The building expanded in 1949 with bowling lanes and a large ballroom. The Slovenian National Home has always been an entertainment destination. Events, like the New Year Hangover Dance, still attract polka fans from across Northeast Ohio.

BILL SNELLER

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

Bill Srnick Jr.

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

JOE TASZ

1915 – 1990

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1989

A pioneer performer of Cleveland-style music in Western Pennsylvania, Joe Tasz was a major factor in making the tri-state area of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia a hotbed of Cleveland-style polka activity. Playing button box and piano accordion, Joe began his legendary career in 1935 and led the Joe Tasz Orchestra continuously through the 1980s. Joe personally inspired, influenced and assisted many musicians in Western Permsylvania to adopt and master the Cleveland style. The Tasz Orchestra did a live one-hour show every Sunday for station WJPA in Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1950, and appeared live on “Polka Party” for WSTV television in Steubenville, Ohio, from 1960 to 1961. The Joe Tasz Orchestra has four recordings to its credit.

FLORENCE UNETICH

1921 – 2010

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1999

Florence Unetich never imposed a limit in giving her time and talents to the American-Slovenian community. Born to sing, Florence pursued her avocation across every spectrum-– solo to ensemble; opera to drama; sacred to commercial; ethnic to All-American; professional to charitable-–even giving her own concert in 1947. Her most notable affiliations were over sixty years with Jadran Singing Society, where she served in many capacities including seventeen years as President, and with Angela Zabjek as the “Jadran Songbirds” performing at concerts,on radio and television, and on their own LP album. A pillar in the community, Florence joined the Board of the Progressive Slovene Women of America in 1975, becoming President in 1983; was Cultural Trustee and chaired the Nominations/ Awards Committee of the American-Slovenian Polka Foundation from 1988 to 1997; was a Trustee for the Slovene Home for the Aged; was on the Executive Committee of Slovene Izseljenska Matica; and served with many other cultural and civic organizations.

JELSE VOS

1961

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2010

Polka DJ and promoter Jelse Vos (1961) was born in the north east province of Drenthe in The Netherlands. As a boy he listened to the music of his father who was always playing Frankie Yankovic polkas. Since those early years polka music has been a part of his life. In order to share his love of this music Jelse started his own radio station so he could play Cleveland-Style polkas. In addition to his radio station, Jelse has also been responsible for publishing more than 20 polka 45s and cd’s – yes they are still a hit in The Netherlands – as well as several CDs. He has also organized three polka festivals in the Netherlands with special guests from Cleveland. For the past 15 years he is a well-known participant in Cleveland at the Thanksgiving polka weekend. In 2007 Jelse was asked to present the Lifetime Achievement Award for his deceased friend and polka hero Gaylord Klancnik. Jelse will be remembered as the “Biggest Dutch Polka Fan” as there are three polkas named in his honor – Jelse’s Polka (Stan Blout), Jelse’s Polka #2 (Ron Pivovar) and Jelse Pelse Polka (Alex Meixner).

CHARLIE VRTOVSNIK

1928 – 2006

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2012

Brothers Zeke and Charlie brought music and fun wherever they would go, with Zeke playing the button box, Charlie on the banjo, and both on the vocals.  The duo would sing Slovenian songs or parody polka songs and the folks songs with their own humorous lyrics. The band started out in the 1960s playing for friends and relatives and called themselves “The Unknowns.” As Zeke and Charlie, they soon attracted dedicated followers and were invited to jam sessions, festivals and parties. They were center stage at the North American Folk Music Alliance conference in 2000 in Cleveland’s Music Hall. Zeke and Charlie released one album and guested on a recording with the SNPJ Slovenian Junior Chorus.

RAY YOUNG

1927 – 2019

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2012

Ray Young has sung and recorded with some of Cleveland’s most popular polka bands for the past 60 years.  Ray first joined the Sokach-Habat Tunemixers in 1949.  Late, he recorded nine singles with Eddie Habat’s orchestra on Decca Records.  Through the years, Ray has sung with the Kenny Bass band, Ernie Benedict, Hank Haller, and Fred Ziwich, and performed at many of the old polka haunts such as Mae’s Musical Lounge Bar, Yankovic’s, Golden Goose, Twilight Gardens, the Gay Cosack, and the Hof Brau Haus.  Ray’s hit song is the “Erica Waltz,” for which he wrote and English lyrics and recorded the song with Hank Haller’s ensemble.  He recorded on nine albums with Hank and wrote lyrics for several songs.  Ray continues to sing with swing bands, and has served as councilman in Middleburg Heights, Ohio since 1970.

JOHN ZIPPAY

1944 – 2007

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2013

John Zipay performed as the featured saxophone player in top Cleveland-Style Polka bands from the 1960s on. The Cleveland native played clarinet and sax through high school and at Kent State.  In the 1970s he enjoyed a long run with the George Staiduhar Orchestra and was on two albums. He was then associated with the Harry Faint Revue and two albums of songs, including the original version of the classic “Mozart’s Polka.” With the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, John served as music arranger and in the Awards Show stage band. He also arranged for Gene Fedorchak among others. He was a music teacher and assistant director of the All-Ohio State Fair Band for 25 years.

MIRK YAMA

1923 – 2000

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2009

Bass player Mirk Yama’s love for music goes clear back to Slovenia where he was born in 1923. As a smal boy, he would listen in the ae to the traditional button box musicwhich was so much a part of their culture.  Mirk immigrated to the U.S. In 1938.  Mirk found an oportunity in the U.S. To study music at the Wurlitzer Music Studio. Later, hs talents landed him a job wit Tony Malavasic’s Blue Jackets Polka Band. With the advent of World War II the Malavasic group splitup and mike entered the air force. On his return from the service, he played with various groups such as: Johnny Vadnal, Frankie Mullec, Al Strukel, Georgie Cook and Mickey Ryance. In 1952 he joined the Johnny Pecon Band with his bass fiddle. Mirk Yama was the bass player in the Johnny Pecon Orchestra for more than 20 years. He played with Jeff and John, Jr. for 10 years.  He was married to wife Emma and father of children; Kathy, Diane and Paul.

Eddie Andres

1926 – 2001

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2001

When Eddie Andres switched careers from to full-time musician, he soon made a niche for himself on the Cleveland polka scene. He and his Cordovox accordion became one of the area’s first one-man bands, entertaining several nights each week. At the opening of Debevec’s Chalet Debonne winery in 1972, the excited audience called out “Eddie, Eddie,Eddie.” From that time on he was known as Three-Times Eddie.

Eddie started playing the accordion in public 60 years ago. He formed his first band,”The Three Notes” in 1946. In the 1950s, Eddie played the eastside polka circuit, including Tino’s Lounge, Podboy’s Lounge, Gorse’sTavern, Dana’s Cafe, the Caboose Bar, Fritz’s Tavern, the Spotlight, and Yankovic’s Steak House. He joined the Ernie Benedict band for four years, and recorded with the group, in the 1960s.

Eddie’s enthusiasm for polka music also prompted him to become a regular writer for several publications, includng Polka Scene, Polka World, Polkarama, and his own monthly polka newsletter. Declining health caused Eddie to curtail his music career in January, 1994.

Father George Balasko

1934

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1992

As creator of the Polka Mass, Father George Balasko has made a truly unique contri-bution to Cleveland-style polkas. Father Balasko grew up with polka music in his Cleveland neighborhood. When the Vatican permitted musical variations on the liturgy in the 1960s, Father Balasko reworked the beloved melodies of his youth with English lyrics that appealed to church-goers of all nationalities. Accompanied by the Bobby Timko Orchestra, he celebrated the very first Polka Mass on Memorial Day, 1972, at Holy Rosary Church in Lowellville, Ohio, near Youngstown. He subsequently released “All Ye Nations, Sing out Your Joy: The Polka Mass Goes International.” Father Balasko co-founded the Jewish-Christian Dialogue in 1974, hosting pilgrimages to the Holy Land and a syndicated TV series. His Polka Mass is a feature of many community festivals.

ERNIE BENEDICT

1917 – 2000

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1989

Originally from Green River, Wyoming. Ernie Benedict came east to launch his dual career leading the Range Riders, Cleveland’s leading country-western band, and the Polkateers, a versatile Cleveland-style polka band. With guests like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers, Ernie’s “Range Riders” shows on WGAR achieved the highest ratings on Cleveland radio. His “Polka Picnic” TV shows on WNBK and WEWS paid tribute to the city’s ethnic heritage with polka, waltzes, obereks, tarantellas, kolos and the czardas. Ernie’s prolific career on the airwaves included more than 5,000 local and national broadcasts. Based at Ernie’s Harmony Ranch in Chagrin Falls, both of his bands performed throughout the Midwest, New York, Pennsylvania and Canada. Their recordings for Standard, Continental and RCA were distributed internationally.

GENE CASCIOLA

1938 – 2002

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1999

Gene Casciola devoted his talents to Cleveland-Style Polkas for the major part of his illustrious musical career. A graduate of the Duquesne University School of Music , Gene was a solo clarinetist for the University, spent four years with the Bobby Vinton Orchestra, and stinted with big bands in the Pittsburgh area. Gene’s Cleveland-Style credits include eight years with Fred Gregorich and the fabulous Del-Fi’s, fifteen years leading the Gene Casciola Orchestra, and tenor saxophone duties with the Bob Turcola Orchestra beginning in 1991. A virtuoso performer, Gene worked as a soloist in his tri-state area and appeared with the Boots Randolph in Nashville and Pittsburgh during the 1970’s. Gene taught music and directed the bands in the Canon-McMillan and Carlynton School Districts in Pennsylvania for thirty-five years.

MARY CHAMPA

1910 – 1987

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1995

Mary Champa led an all-female Cleveland-style orchestra for nearly twenty-five years, at a time when women were not considered to play in polka bands. She was self-taught and learned to play the accordion by listening to tunes on the radio. She did play in jam-sessions at street festivals. She left the Mary Bass Polka Queens to form the Mary Champa Trio. The Trio played for local events and the polka nightspots.  Mary was a union musician for 36 years. Her catchy rendition of “Annabelle,” inspired Al Tercek to record his hit recording of the song in 1950.

FRANK CULKAR

1932 – 2014

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2007

Frank Culkar has been playing the chromatic accordion for almost 60 years.  Starting as a child, he had to take the hinges of the case of his dad’s Mervar accordion to get access to it.  He also played the piano at a young age.  His first experience playing with a band was at the Slovenian Home on Prince Avenue, with the Sokach-Habat Band, when he took over for Pete Sokach and finished the job with Eddie Habat. Since then he has played with Cleveland polka bands such as Al Tercek, Eddie Buehner, Don Slogar, The Vadnals, and many other Cleveland greats including a brief stint with Ernie Benedict, and with the Eddie Stamfl orchestra. Frank has appeared on the Tony Petkovsek Polka Radio Show as the “Mistery Accordion Player” and once did a whole radio show with the late Bruce Berger on WZAK in the 1970s. He has played in places around the world, including bringing polka music to the Bahamas, Buenos Ares Argentina, and two tours to Slovenia, in 1969 and 1971. Three of Frank’s compositions, Frankie’s, Marylou’s, and Sharon’s Polkas, were recorded by the Eddie Rodick Orchestra on the album, “My Silver Anniversary,” in 1994. For over 50 years, Frank has sung in Slovenian choruses in Cleveland, including the former Triglav chorus, and currently with Glasbena Matica. He has served as the accordion accompanist for the S.N.P.J. Circle 2 Junior Chorus for the past eight years.  In 2006, he formed the Culkar Trio with his brother Ron and his youngest son Anthony.  The three continue to entertain around the Cleveland area and are planning to record an album soon.  Frank was inducted into the National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame in 2007, as a part of the Trustees Honor Roll.

JIM DEBEVEC

1938

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1998

Jim and Madeline Debevec have devoted their lives to publishing the “American Home” (Ameriska Domovina) newspaper. As co-owners of the paper, the couple have chronicled Slovenian and Cleveland style music events and family life since the 1960s. In the bi-lingual format, readers also receive news of Slovenia and in Slovenian. Jim became president of the newspaper in 1976, and Madeline joined him the same year. Jim and Madeline are leaders in the community, and take an active role in organizations, including The Frances and Jane S. Lausche Foundation.

OSCAR FRYCKMAN

1929 – 1996

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1995

Minnesota’s Governor Rudy Perpich called Oscar Fryckman, Minnesota’s Polka Ambassador.  Oscar founded the Mesaba Button Box Club in the 1950s.  He hosted the “Tri-State Polka Show” on radio for more than thirty years.  Oscar led tours to polka parties and promoted Cleveland style polkas in the upper Midwest.  With the Mesaba Club he performed at the Governor’s Inaugural and recorded three albums and two videos.  Oscar co-founded Minnesota’s Polka Hall of Fame at Ironworld and was inducted there in 1992. He has showcased polka bands at Chisholm Polka Days.

JOHN GAYER

1929

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1993

At a time when interest in Cleveland-Style Polkas was flagging, John Gayer came on the scene, founding Delta International Records in 1961 and playing an important role in reviving the business. Signing scores of top artists, including Johnny Pecon and the Vadnals, John emphasized quality as he shaped Delta into the quintessential polka label of the 1960s and ‘70s. Delta released 42 albums, 50 singles and five custom LPs, providing the Cleveland-Style market with first-class product, distribution and marketing support, as well as John’s personal involvement. His Delgay International Music Publishers, a BMI affiliate, afforded Delta artists copyright protection and a continuing stream of royalties. As an elector of the International Polka Association and a United States Polka Association delegate, John has carried the torch for Cleveland-Style music nationally.

EDDIE GORSE

1923 – 2004

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1988

Gorse’s Tavern was the scene of many polka jam sessions. Eddie owned the tavern, on the marginal of Route 90, in Euclid, Ohio, for 20 years, and played his accordion every night. At midnight, musicians would drop in after playing engagements to unwind and jam. He wrote several popular polkas, including “Lake Erie Polka,” recorded by Kenny Bass, and “Pine Tree Polka” recorded by Johnny Vadnal and Frankie Kramer.  Eddie was a partner with John Gayer, when Delta International Records was started.

JOHN GREGURICH

1927 – 2002

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2002

John Gregurich recorded the first long play album of Slovenian folk songs in the United States, in 1961, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, featuring vocalist Violet Ruparcich. As owner of Greyko Records, John had an ear for talented musicians. He recorded many future polka stars in their initial recording, including Bob Timko, Dick Tady, Ray Champa, Al Morouse, Tony Grandovic, Andy Blumauer, and the Claridge Male Quaratet. John, who was of Croatian descent, was from Ligrary Pennsylvania, where he learned to play all five of the family of tamburitzas. He directed the Greyko Tamburitza Orchestra for 20 years, and is in the National Tamburitza Hall of Fame.

CARL HARTMAN

1934 – 1996

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1996

Carl Hartmann perfected a distinctive banjo and guitar sound while conjuring up an “attitude” that became the trademark of Cleveland-Style rhythm sections throughout the Upper Midwest. Associated with the Verne Meisner Orchestra from 1955 to 1996 except for a one year tour with Frank Yankovic and an eight year sabbatical with Ronnie K’s Phase II Band, Carl achieved pre-eminence among Wisconsin’s journeyman Cleveland-Style sidemen. Carl took a primary role in preserving the Meisner legacy, joining Steve Meisner’s band in 1981, and made over thirty recordings with the Meisners, Don Gralak, Bill Savatski, Jerry Hartman, and others. An inspiration to Cleveland-Style musicians in the region, Carl filled in with all who needed his help and, by way of example, always did more than his share.

JOHN “HOOKIE” HOCHEVAR

1912 – 1991

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1991

Best known for his bass-playing prowess, John “Hokie” Hokavar was a multi-talented musician. He began playing the banjo as a youngster and went on to master the accordion before finally making the bass his avocation. Hookie, with his popular slapping style, was featured with some of the great early Cleveland-style orchestras, including Johnny Pecon and Frank Yankovic. He wrote the lyrics to many Cleveland-style polkas, including “Because Your Blue Eyes Blink”. For his own enjoyment, Hookie played the button box.

LUD HROVAT

1927 – 2009

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2012

Lud Hrovat led his own orchestra in the 1950s and early 1960s.  He then became the house band in his own Lud’s Tavern in Maple Heights, Ohio for the next 20 years.  Lud was a great polka promoter and entertainer on bus trips and at events.  In the 1990s, He became a popular musician at the Club Room of Slovenian Society Home in Euclid.  Lud released three albums between 2001 and 2004, he also played as a guest artist on his daughter LynnMarie Rink’s album “All Over It.”  Lud passed away in 2009.

JOHN KAUSEK

1928 – 1980

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1995

John Kausek gave generously of his time and talents to the Cleveland-Style Polka community. Photographer of choice for Slovenian weddings, John wove his magic with Cleveland-Style orchestra publicity photos, album covers, unique pieces like the “Great Eight” portraits gracing Miskulin’s Lounge, and archive shots of American-Slovenia cultural events. In poem, John penned “A Slovenian Happening,” depicting Johnny Pecon Day in 1975; “Polka Heaven,” the recorded tribute to Pecon; and “The American Slovene –– A Tribute of My Father.” A major figure in Slovenian organizations. John was honored posthumously by the Federation of Slovenian Homes in 1981. John’s words passionately express gratitude and reverence to our forefathers –– “You bless us with our heritage” –– and a mandate to the next generation –– “Go and play the music – and play it like your Dad.”

STANLEY KOBAL

1910 – 1997

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1998

Stanley Kobal was a Cleveland-Style Polka pioneer in the Penn-Ohio area, leading the Airliners orchestra from 1946-1955. Born in Slovenia and growing up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Stan mastered the trumpet, playing with the Moxham Slovenian Band, and the button box, soloing at weddings, picnics and banquets. Moving to Girard, Ohio, in 1935, Stan played his trumpet with various bands including performances on the NBC radio network (from WTAM in Cleveland) with the Ohio Leather Works Band, a concert group. Playing the chromatic accordion, Stan cut four sides with his Airliners at Cleveland Recording in 1947 and performed regularly in Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. After retiring from the Airliners, Stan made limited appearances through the early 1960s.

DON KOTNIK

1933 – 1981

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2003

Don Kotnik was a free-spirited, fun-loving, and carefree guy, whose greatest joy was playing the accordion an appreciative audience. A native of Cleveland, Don started his first band while in high school in the late 1940s. A term in the U.S. Army during the Korean War put a hold on his polka career. In the mid 1960s, the Don Kotnik orchestra made its debut, playing on Polka Varieties television show. Don was a fixture at Gorse’s Tavern, a popular polka place. He recorded an album “Polka Life,” in 1970, writing several polkas with Jimmy Udovich, the saxophonist in the orchestra. He began recording a second album, but died before completing the project. Don was buried with his accordion.

FRANKIE KRAMER

1937 – 1993

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2000

Frankie Kramer blazed into the polka scene like a shooting star, one of the best of the new generation of polka players after the glory years of the 1950’s. Frankie started playing the accordion at age 9 and was largly self-taught. He organized his first band when he was 14. By the 1960’s, the Frankie Kramer Orchestra attracted an avid following and made regular appearances on the “Polka Varisties” televsion show in WEWS in Cleveland. In the mid-1960’s, Frankie also managed Kramer’s Lounge in Cleveland. Kramer’s Lounge became a polka haven in the Midwest for musicians and fans. As a musician, Frankie had a knack for taking a waltz or a polka and giving it his own kick-up-your-heels style. He recorded three albums, “TV Polka Party,” “Earth-Moving Polka,” and “Polkas Cabaret Style.” He moved to Minnesota in 1975, where he continued to entertain on the accordian.

BARBARA LANE

1948

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1992

Milwaukee’s Polka Queen, Barbara Lane, has led Cleveland-style polka bands for more than 25 years. Barbara became hooked on polkas as a youngster, listening to Fritz the plumber and watching Myron Floren with Lawrence Welk. She formed her first band, the Bee Jays, at age 14. Barbara and the Karousels spread their fame across Wisconsin with regular performances on radio and television, plus nine albums featuring some of her original compositions. The Polka Mass is the band’s newest specialty. Along with her husband, Noyes, Barbara has been a tireless promoter of Cleveland-style polkas, bringing busloads of fans to Cleveland and other polka centers since the 1970s.

LINDA LEE BROWN

1946

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2011

Linda Lee Brown is the star entertainer at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan.  She plays the accordion in her own band and has served as music director at the Inn since 1991. A native of Midland, Michigan, she started out in 1974 leading the Golden-Aires. With her own band Linda Lee has a long list of appearances at festivals in all of the Midwestern states, including the annual Thanksgiving Polka Party in Cleveland. To date, she has recorded eight albums and hosted two Michigan radio shows. Linda Lee was inducted into the Michigan Polka Hall of Fame in 1991.

TED LYSIAK

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

MURRAY MCFADGEN

1953

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2018

Murray has been the featured vocalist on nearly every recording by Walter Ostanek since the 1970s. He sang on all 21 Grammy-nominated albums by Canada’s Polka King, including the three award-winners. Among Murray’s best-known vocals are “Waltz of the Angels” and Walter’s signature polka, “Jo-Ann.” As a young teen, Murray joined his father’s country band in Ontario, Canada. He was a solo guitar and vocal performer when he met Walter. Their musical partnership has lasted nearly fifty years. Murray’s three-part harmony contributes to the distinctive Ostanek sound. He continues to appear with the orchestra on television and on stage across Canada and the United States.

JOE MIKLAVIC

1905 – 1946

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2013

Joe was a polka pioneer, performing on the banjo and guitar on early recordings that helped to crystallize the Cleveland-Style sound. Joe was born in Burdine, Pennsylvania, and moved to Cleveland in 1927. He played for dances and picnics with young musicians, like teenagers Johnny Pecon and Eddie Habat. He first recorded with RCA Victor in 1929 and later appeared on Martin Antoncic’s Slovenian radio shows. His rhythms can be heard on the Joe Kusar Trio’s 1942 hit tunes for Continental, “Moja Baba Je Pijana” and “Pod Mojem Okencem.” Joe was one of Frank Yankovic’s Yanks from 1942 until his death. He cut more than forty songs with him, such as “Bye Bye Baby” and “My Honey Is Wandering.” Many became standards and Joe’s banjo beat influenced generations of musicians.

JOE MLAKAR SR

1923 – 2017

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2023

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.

AUGUST “GUS” OSWALD

1931

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2011

Gus Oswald is one of the most prolific drummers on the Cleveland-style polka scene, having set the rhythm on 900 songs and nearly 90 albums, mostly with with Hank Haller. Within a year after arriving in Cleveland from his native Gottschee (Kocevje) in Slovenia, Gus joined the Jake Haller ensemble. Hank took over the Haller band in 1957 and began his 44-year association with Gus. He appeared with the Hank Haller Orchestra at 80 to 100 dances and festivals each year, plus television appearances. Gus’ musical talent and work ethic enabled him to accompany many styles of music from German, Slovenian, Czech, Slovak and Polish to Latin and pop. Gus officially retired in 2001, but still performs at special events.

NETTIE PECON

1920 – 2000

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1994

Nettie Pecon Pevek recalls her stink in the early 1950s as the lead singer of the Johnny Pecon Orchestra as one of the happiest times of her life. A pioneeri n live television, Nettie was pressed into service on “Perme’s Polka Time” and “The Old Dutch Polka Revue,” doing commercials, introductions and other unexpected tasks between belting out tunes with one of America’s hottest bands. Nettie recorded extensively with the band on Capitol and made selected live appearances with her brother’s group in and outside of Cleveland. Nettie’s outstanding catalog of recorded hits included “Mary Lou,” “Lollapalooza,” “So Many Times, “The Girls I left Behind,” I Want Some Lovin’,” “I Knew from the Start,” “The Waltz You Danced with Me,” “Soon We’ll Be Married,” and “I Wanna Be Your Darlin’.” In person, “Good Night, Irene,” and “the Tennessee Waltz” were among Nettie’s most popular renditions.

MARIE PIVIK

1937

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2006

Marie  is the sparkplug that keeps the West Park Slovenian Home in Cleveland humming. Marie  arrived on the Slovenian cultural scene in Cleveland in 1956, from her homeland of Slovenia. The West Park Slovenian Home has thrived from Marie’s dedication to many of the activities at the Hall. booked weekly She and her husband Rudy are credited with promoting renewed interest in the West Park Hall. Marie founded and directed the West Park Singers and directed the SNPJ Circle 77 children’s chorus for 29 years. As a vocalist with the Happy Timers Button Box Club, she has recorded two CDs, as well as a recording with the Slogars.

FRED “FRITZ” SCHERZ SR.

1930 – 2008

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2004

Fred Scherz is the reason central New Yorkers are dancing the Cleveland-style polka. Fred has been a part of Fritz’s Polka Band in New York state for 26 years. Along with his son, Fritz and brother-in-law Gabe Vaccaro, they form the nucleus of one of the only bands specializing in Cleveland-Style in the Empire State.  Fred has recorded on seven albums with the band. Fred realized a dream in 1978, when he played with Frankie Yankovic on stage in Utica, New York. Fritz’s Polka Band was the first polka band to play at “Woodstock ’99.” Fred has been playing the accordion 65 years.

Slovenian Workmen’s Home

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

JOE SODJA

1911 – 1992

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1990

Never abandoning his roots in Slovenian, Cleveland-style music, Joe Sodja expanded his horizons to achieve prominence nationally among pop musicians. Discovered at age 16 by Paul Ash, Joe progressed from the Sodja Brothers’ “Arcadian Melody Pilots” and local Slovenian radio prograxns on WJAY to perforrn with Ash, Fred Waring’s NBC orchestra, and as a soloist on the national night club and conventional circuit. Beyond regular appearances on Heinie Martin Antoncic’s WGAR programs, Joe’s radio and TV career included appearances on the Arthur Godrrey and Kate Smith shows. In 1957, Joe co-starred in “The Parson and the Outlaw,” a movie also featuring his banjo stylings throughout the soundtrack.

EDDIE STAMPHL

1926 – 2001

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1997

Eddie Stamphl developed a unique Cleveland- Style Polka sound leading his own orchestra for over twenty-five years, while adding a touch of show business with his patented “Flying Accordion” maneuver. A regular with his band on the “Polka Varieties,” “Style Crest,” and “Old Dutch Polka Revue” II television shows and on polka tours to the Poconos, Europe, and the Caribbean, Eddie also played and recorded with Waiter Ostanek, Chester Budny, Cecilia Dolgan, and Georgie Cook during his illustrious Cleveland-Style career. An unselfish advocate for Cleveland- Style Polkas, Eddie was a three-time president of the Pol-Kats Social Club and often gave of his time and talents at nursing homes, children’s homes, and other charitable events. Moving to Las Vegas, Eddie curtailed his playing to one regular club date, jam sessions, and occasional Polkafests.

GENE TEBO

1931 – 2005

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2005

Gene Tebo has had a music career spanning 60 years. He played in the Lawrence Duchow Red Raven Inn orchestra in Wisconsin. He is a drummer, but is better known for his outstanding vocals. Gene was a member of the Roger Bright orchestra for 29 years, and recorded 12 albums with the group. He wrote the lyrics for songs, such as “Alone Again”, “In My Green Valley”, and “Come to the Mountain.” He was inducted into the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame in 2001. Gene says he loves Slovenian-Style music more than any other because of its beauty and phrasing.

(CLARENCE) KEN TOMSICK, SR.

1926 – 2016

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2012

Ken Tomsick has been involved in the Cleveland cultural scene for decades as a singer, cultural committees, videographer, and polka promoter.  Ken’s videotaping of the first three Awards Show of the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame starting in 1988 to help preserve the events for posterity at a time when video cameras were something new.  Ken was a member of the Slovenian barbershop quartet “Four Feathers in the mid-1940s.  The groups sang on the KennyBass Television show, and at cultural programs.  Ken served as treasurer of the United Slovenian Society of Cleveland in the 1980s.  He joined Tony Petkovsek’s Cleveland Slovenian Radio Club, where he and his late wife Anne volunteered for many years.  Ken’s five sons are all musicians, and he has been very supportive of his youngest son Joey Tomsick and the JTO band.

JOE VALENCIC

1954

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2007

Joe Valencic is a founding trustee of the Polka Hall of Fame. Joe is the Polka Hall of Fame’s historian and museum director. He creates the exhibits for the museum and traveling displays. He also writes the biographies for the Lifetime Achievers and Trustees Honor Roll. He has served on the boards of many Slovenian organizations, promoting Slovenian and polka events. Joe is the long-time President of the Cleveland SNPJ Federation of Lodges. Joe writes, lectures and produces television documentaries on Slovenian-American history and culture, both in the United States and in Europe.

AL WISH

1905 – 1999

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1989

Devoting his life to charitable causes, businessman and promoter Al Wish produced one of the most delightful Cleveland-style polka shows in television history. Teaming up with the Johnny Pecon Orchestra and well-known emcee Paul Nakel, Al sponsored and co-hosted the “TV Auction Party,” a live, fast-paced weekly show combining outstanding music and dancing with merchandise auctions and studio audience participation. Within this forrmat, Al often furthered his charitable pursuits, sometimes taking the entire production to the Paraplegic Veterans Hospital with gifts and stage money for the patients. On another show he donated 200 Braille watches to the blind. “TV Auction Party” ran intermittently on Cleveland TV from 1957 through 1961 on station KYW, Cleveland.

DAVE WOLNIK

1935 – 2008

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2015

Dave Wolnik’s steady beat as a drummer was so much in demand that he performed with at least 85 different Cleveland-Style Polka orchestras throughout his lifetime. His ready smile and cheerful disposition, gave personality to his every appearance.

In a career spanning 50 years, Dave played and recorded with bands led by Polka Hall of Fame legends like Bobby Timko, Joe Fedorchak, Al Markic, Lou Trebar, Joey Miskulin and a 36-year association with America´s Polka King Frankie Yankovic. His solid rhythm base can be heard on countless polka recordings, including those releases by Eric Noltkamper, The Miss-Tre Orchestra and many others.

Dave earned an invitation from Frankie Yankovic to perform on his album, 70 Years of Hits, which won the first Grammy Award in the Polka catagory. He also shared the spotlight with Yankovic on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Dave a native of Cleveland, was added to the Polka Hall of Fame Trustee Honor Roll in 2009. He won the Sideman of the Year award in 2001.

JOHN ZALAR

1914 – 1997

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1999

John Zalar’s life’s work centered around making, repairing, and playing accordions. John learned the trade working in Nick Skorka’s shop to pay for the button box and lessons he obtained there. After his apprenticeship, John opened his own shop in 1935 before moving to East 52nd and Superior, the home of Zalar’s Accordion City for over forty years. Plying his musical skills, John played piano and accordion as a studio musician for WJAY in Cleveland and teamed with Chuck Tuttle as the Sharpshooters duet. John’s Custom Craft Accordions were renowned for their craftsmanship and sound, and his glowing reputation gained the trust of customers from across the nation including many prominent Cleveland-style musicians. John’s slogan said it all-– “Dollar for dollar, you can’t beat Zalar.

ANGELA “ANGIE” ZABJEK

1921

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2011

For nearly thirty years, Angie Zabjek sang harmony to Florence Unetich’s lyric soprano voice as the popular duet from the Jadran Slovenian Singing Society. They first teamed in 1972 and appeared with the chorus and as a specialty act around Cleveland and Slovenian communities in nearby states. The “Jadran Songbirds,” as they were known, recorded an album, “Echoes of Slovenia.”  Angie began singing at age 10 and graduated to the Jadran chorus as a teenager. As a soprano, she had the lead in the operetta, Die Fledermaus, and performed in regular concerts until the chorus ended in 2000.  Angie has served on the auxiliary of the Slovenian Workmen’s Home for 15 years, working at the weekly dinner. She was honored as 1994 Woman of the Year by the Cleveland Federation of Slovenian National Homes.

Denny Anderson

Info coming soon!

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Al Bambic

AL BAMBIC
1953

DAVE SKRAJNER
1954

DAN WOJTILA
1953

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2019

Al, Dave and Dan have performed in Cleveland-Style polka bands together since the 1970s. They played in two of the first groups to feature bold, young Baby Boom musicians raised on rock and roll. The three teamed with Don Wojtila in the dynamic, original Eddie Rodick Orchestra, where they perfected their close, three-part vocalizing. When Don started his own band, they helped him create the lively and versatile Don Wojtila polka sound. They still go strong with Dan on sax and clarinet, Dave on bass and vocals, and Al on drums.

DALE BUCAR

Inducted in 2023

Dale has hosted popular polka radio shows since 1968. He began his career on a polka and international show led by his father, musician Eddie Bucar. The experience encouraged him to release recordings where he sings in English and Croatian.

Dale is well known as a vocalist and appears on many albums. He grew up in the Cleveland area and, as a student at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, was one of the famous Tamburitzans. He entertained in Las Vegas and on a cruise ship. He shares the spotlight in the musical duo Bucar and Turek.

Dale earned four awards for vocals from the Polka Hall of Fame to date.

FLOYD CASTAGNERI

1928 – 1994

Inducted in 1994

Floyd Castagneri, Minnestoa’s “Mister Polka Man,” immersed himseld in Cleveland-Style polkas, hosting the Iron Range’s longest-running polka radio show for eighteen years and taking the lead in polka promotion. He fist played buttonbox at age ten. Floyd took top honors in a Pueblo, Colorado, contest in 1981. Inspired by Joe Mlakar and Frank Yankovic, he played for twelve years with the Wast-West Buttonaires an dperformed for charities, nursing homes and even the Governor of his state. He served as President of the Range Polka Club, from 1972 to 1979, and was a member of Minnesota’s Polka Hall of Fame committee. Floyd was homored by the Slovenian National Home in Chisholm, Minnesota, in 1987, and by Ironworld USA in 1993. Durin his career, Floyd amassed more than 1,000 polka albums and 280 accordion figurines. Floyd’s own words best express his commitment to Cleveland-Style polkas: “It aint music ’til it’s polka!”

COLLINWOOD SLOVENIAN HOME

The breeding ground of Johnny Pecon, Frank Yankovic and the Habat Family, Collinwood Slovenian Home has been a bastion of Cleveland-Style polka activity. As Cleveland’s Slovenian population migrated from the St. Clair neighborhood to the railroad yards and suburban atmosphere of the Collinwood enclave, the need arose for a new cultural oasis. Fifty-six stockholders raised $1,320 and a community brick-hauling brigade was enlisted to build Cleve-land’s first all-new Slovenian home. The facility featured a hall with a stage for plays and concerts; another for weddings, dances and banquets; and a club room, ideally suited for transacting business in a social setting. Out of funds in 1929 and forced to add to its mortgage, Collinwood Home survived the Great Depression, retired all debt by 1948, and has since been regularly renovated. The home celebrates its past every August at its annual Homecoming Day.

MADELINE DEBEVEC

1942

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1998

Jim and Madeline Debevec have devoted their lives to publishing the “American Home” (Ameriska Domovina) newspaper. As co-owners of the paper, the couple have chronicled Slovenian and Cleveland style music events and family life since the 1960s. In the bi-lingual format, readers also receive news of Slovenia and in Slovenian. Jim became president of the newspaper in 1976, and Madeline joined him the same year. Jim and Madeline are leaders in the community, and take an active role in organizations, including The Frances and Jane S. Lausche Foundation.

MARY DOLSAK

1909-1986

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1994

Mary Dolsak, a premier Slovenian cook, quietly went about the business of supporting and promoting Cleveland-Style polkas as a leader in the Slovenian community’s infrastructure. Dedicated to service, Mary always gave from the heart, sacrificing family and personal life to be there when needed. A member of twenty-seven different organizations, Mary served on the Board of Directors and as a Vice President at the Slovenian Workmen’s Home on Waterloo Road, her “home away from home;” as President of the hall’s Ladies’ Auxiliary; and on SNPJ Farm’s board and President of its Ladies’ Auxiliary. Mary was the Federation of Slovenian Homes’ Woman of the Year in 1977 and was recognized by the mayors of Cleveland, Euclid and Richmond Heights for her many contributions to the community. A taskmaster among her colleagues, Mary was the kind and loving saint who always made sure that the musicians were fed.

Harry Faint

GREG DRUST

1954

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2009

Greg Drust, deejay and music historian has a personal collection of 240,000 records meticulously organized and stored in his south side home. His basement is lined floor to ceiling with shelves, and each shelf is stacked with 45s and 78s. There’s a section for Cajun zydeco and western swing, for Irish folk, rockabilly and hymns. Polka has its own subsections: for the oompah, Slovenian and Polish styles, and for accordion music. Greg is a musicologist of the highest order with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of many different styles. He’s one of the world’s foremost authorities on American roots music.  Greg Drust is blind, so the albums have Braille labels. They’re cross-referenced by artist, chronologically, by record number, and by genre. And the stuff in the basement is just part of his collection. More albums, all of a uniform height and skinny as pencils, are crammed onto shelves in his living room, dining room, bedroom and hallways, and the overflow is kept in the garage. When Drust was 19, he was in a near-fatal car accident in California. He survived, but lost his eyesight. Music gave him a reason to live. He studies all forms of indigenous ethnic music, but his favorite is polka.

BOBBY GOSPICH

1929 – 1998

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1996

Bobby Gospich decided at age nine that he was going to be a drummer. His family’s move to Collinwood in 1942 provided all the Cleveland-Style exposure Bobby would need to make this declaration a reality. Beginning with Al Strukel in 1945, Bobby became the drummer for the Johnny Vadnal Orchestra during their heyday. From 1953 to 1964, Bobby anchored the Vadnals’ one-plus per day engagements, weekly “Polka Parade” television shows, Bowl Ballroom broadcasts over the Mutual Network radio, recording sessions for RCA, and guest television appearances including the “Old Dutch Polka Revue” and the “One O’Clock Club” with Dorothy Fuldheim. Foregoing the Vadnals’ hectic schedule to meet career demands, Bobby jobbed with Cleveland-Style Orchestras and joined Al Markic and the Almars until departing Cleveland from 1975 to 1994.

JOHN HASPER

1960

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2016

John Hasper, an avid collector and promoter of Slovenian and Cleveland-Style polkas, was born and raised in The Netherlands. He developed his love of polkas and waltzes from his Father and  Uncle who were constantly playing and listening to this music. Their favourite artists – Frankie Yankovic, Eddie Habat, Johnny Pecon, Kenny Bass, Johnny Vadnal and Walter Ostanek – became his favourite artists. His passion to “save the music” stems from his extensive collection of 78s, 45s, LPs, cassettes and 8-tracks as he is busy filtering and digitizing this music.  

Since 2007 his website Polkas.nl, the largest polka website in the world, has been on-line. It has more than 1,000 web pages with information about polkas and the musicians. Polkas.nl and his YouTube channel with the same name each have had more than one million unique visitors and each year this number keeps growing. In 2016 he released his 10th CD on the Polkas.nl label. Many of these CDs have been donated to the National Cleveland-Style Hall of Fame to help raise funds. John also has a music program in Europe called Polka Time, which highlights Slovenian & Cleveland-Style Polka music. Hasper’s Polka is a song named in his honor.

He is also was the past web master of the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum website.

Linda Hochevar

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

PAT HUTCH

1931 – 2017

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2010

Pat Hutchinson is better known as Pat Hutch.  He began playing the accordion at age six in Barberton, Ohio.  Pat started the Hutch-Novak band in 1945.  He had a polka band for 60 years. In 1985, Pat joined the Frank Stanger band, while continuing with his own band.  Two of the popular polkas he wrote are: the “Barberton Polka” and the “Seiberling Polka.” A couple of his songs were recorded by Frank Stanger’s band.  He was named the Akron-Barberton-Canton Polka Assoc., Man of the Year in 1993.  Pat retired in 2008, after six decades in the polka music field.

KENDAL SISTERS

Polly 1925 – 2005
Dolly 1928

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1993

Growing up in Pennsylvania listening to Slovenian songs emanating from their father’s accordion, Dolly and Polly Kendall came to Cleveland in 1945, taking the town by storm with their outstanding Cleveland-Style vocal stylings. Joining Ernie Benedict’s Range Riders and Polkateers, the Kendalls performed daily on radio and weekly on television for six years. In a career spanning 30 years, Dolly and Polly worked with Ernie Benedict, Johnny Pecon and Lou Trebar, Kenny Bass and the Polka Poppers, and other Cleveland-Style greats on television, radio and in person. Some of the Kendalls’ most memorable renditions were captured on record with Benedict and Bass, including “Over Three Hills,” the “Jolly Lumberjack Polka,” “Polka Dots and Polka Dreams,” and “Beautiful Eyes.” Polly wrote the lyrics for “Over Three Hills,” that was recorded by American artists.

KOLLANDER TRAVEL

1923

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1998

Kollander World Travel, Inc., under family guidance for over seventy-five years, occupies a unique place in Cleveland-Style Polka history. Founded by August Kollander in 1923, Kollander Travel was a resource to immigrant families booking passage and shipments to and from Europe. With son August II, and his wife, Maia, Kollander tapped the huge potential for group travel among Cleveland’s ethnic communities with charters and custom designed heritage tours. Adding broadcaster Tony Petkovsek to the team in 1967, Kollander became “Polka Tour Headquarters,” capitalizing on Petkovsek’s innovations. Launching a major trend in travel, Cleveland- Style orchestras led polka tours across Europe, the U.S.A., and to destinations all over the world. A full service travel agency for groups, individuals, and business, Kollander is the travel coordinator for major polka festivals across the United States.

RAY KOVAC

1936

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2018

Ray is just about the best-known button-boxer in the Penn-Ohio area. As a teen in Warren, Ohio, Ray was inspired by his father John “Evie” Kovacic and taught himself the diatonic accordion. Later on, Jake Zagger and Joe Fedorchak became his favorites. As button box mania spread, Ray co-founded the Mahoning Valley Button Box Club in 1976. He performed with polka tours in the U. S. and Europe and on five albums by Del Sinchak, including two Grammy nominees and a Polka Hall of Fame winner. For thirty years, he shared the stage with Al Romain in the Al-Ray Combo. The popular duo entertained for thirteen years at Kuzman’s Lounge in Girard. He is active with the Penn-Ohio Polka Pals. Every Sunday, Ray and Gary Rhamy host a polka radio show on WSOM.

NOYSES LANE

1928 – 2002

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2001

“If it’s not a polka, it ain’t music,” says Noyes Lane. For the past 33 years, Noyes has promoted polkas, especially the Cleveland style. He has hosted bus tours across the polka belt to cities such as Cleveland. He added polka trips to Europe to his promotion package, and latched onto the title of “Polka Tour Master.” 

Noyes grew up in Milwaukee where his parents introduced him to polka music.

He managed Wisconsin-based polka festivals for many years at the Nightingale Ballroom in Menomonee Falls and at the Blue Canary in Milwaukee. He served as president of the Wisconsin Polka Boosters, in 1983, and was a founder of the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame. Noyes received the prestigious European American Music Award, in 1994, and Promoter of the Year award by the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, in 1997.

The first appearance by a polka band in a presidential inaugural parade was organized by Noyes in 1997. Noyes moved to Arizona in 1999. He joins his wife Barbara Lane on the Trustees Honor Roll.

JOE LUZAR

1930 – 2007

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2001

Joe Luzar and his brother Louie grew up in Euclid, Ohio in a family of eleven children. Joe started his

own band as a teen-ager, with Louie on second accordion. Joe’s talent as an accordion player was tapped by Kenny Bass. He teamed up with accordionists Frank Mauer, Bob Timko, and Dick Sodja, in 1948, in Bass’ Polka Poppers band. Joe wrote several popular polkas, such as Payroll Polka, Luzar’s Polka, Gornik’s Polka, and El Gusto. In 1954, Joe and Louie launched the Luzar band which played for 37 years, in the 1990s.  Eddie Bucar on upright bass was a key member of the “Aggregation.” The Luzar Brothers have one more goal to achieve to produce their first album.

ROSE MARIN

1914 – 1991

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1991

Epitomizing the many ardent supporters of Cleveland-style polkas, Rose Marin promoted the music on many fronts. Rose was an active member of the Polka Boosters Club, the Cleveland Slovenian Radio Club and the American-Slovenian Polka Foundation. Involved also on the performing side of the business, Rose was a founding member of the Slovenian Society Home Squeezeboxers button box club based in Euclid, Ohio, and enjoyed performing on the button box.

GEORGE MLAY

1925 – 1978

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2000

George Mlay loved to listen to polka music, and he had a good ear for recording it. George got caught up in polkamania in Pittsburgh in 1946 after serving in the U.S. Navy. He would tape polka bands at playing engagements as a hobby using a binaural recording device – a forerunner of stereo. In 1965, George got together with Jack Tady, leader of Pittsburgh’s hottest polka band at that time, and produced his first album, “It’s Terrific, It’s Tady.” The album began a succesful string of releases for the Mlay label in the 1960’s. Some of the artists George recorded include Johnny Vadnal, Fred Gregorich and the Del-Fi’s, Joey Frank and His Tempo Knights, Ray Galla and the Polka Gems, Vic Rogale and Jack Pavlovic. The Mlay label was the first to record popular tenor Eddie Kenik of Cleveland and introduce him to a wider audience. George also hosted radio shows, beginning with “The Polka Jamboree,” a Saturday polka hour on station WPIT in Pittsburgh.

PENN-OHIO POLKA PALS

1976

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2005

The group founded, in 1976, by musicians in the Youngstown area and Western Pennsylvania, is celebrating 35 years. The membership of 60 musicians includes many nationalities – Slovenian, Slovak, Polish, Serbian, Croatian, Italian, Hungarian and others. A social and fraternal group, the Penn-Ohio Polka Pals meet once a month, and sponsor an annual Awards dinner, honoring the Penn Ohio Polka Pal of the Year.

RON PIVOVAR

1942

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2018

Ron raises diatonic accordion music to an art form through his recordings, events, workshops, instruction manuals and original tunes. He has written more than 100 songs, including polkas, waltzes and landlers. Ron grew up with Cleveland-Style polka music in the Penn-Ohio area and was performing by age 14. He taught himself the button box. At an accordion camp, he was inspired to write a manual for the half-chromatic button accordion. He soon led accordion and polka classes at national conventions and festivals. Ron helped organize the National Button Accordion Festival, now in Sharon, Pennsylvania. He is one of the most prolific recording artists and composers today. His ten albums feature many of his own songs. He leads the Pivovar Trio.

STEVE POPOVICH

1942 – 2011

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1997

As a youth in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Steve Popovich was a tamburitzan and played bass in a Rock & Roll/ Polka band. Working his way up from the warehouse to Columbia Records’ headquarters, Steve became a promoter for stars including Barbra Streisand, Andy Williams, Johny Cash, and Chicago. As an A&R man, Steve signed Tom Jones, Englebert Humperdink, Charlie Daniels, Michael Jackson, and others. At his own Cleveland International Records, Steve released Meatloafs “Bat Out of Hell,” one of the top-selling albums of all time. On the Cleveland-Style front, Steve co-produced the first Grammy-winning polka album, Frank Yankovic’s “70 Years of Hits,” and subsequent albums including the “Frank Yankovic & Friends” series featuring stars from across the recording industry. Drawing on his connections, Steve was instrumental in the publication of a 1996 “Billboard” feature article on Cleveland-Style Polkas.

BENZY RATHBONE

1951 – 2003

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2003

Benjamin Zitko Rathbone, better known as Benzy, was a shooting star on the polka horizon, whose light was extinguished at too early an age. He was invited at an early age to sit-in to play the accordion with Frankie Yankovic and his orchestra in Benzy’s hometown of Washington, Pennsylvania. Benzy ws the accordion lead for many orchestras, including his combo, Jack Frohnhoffer’s orchestra, and Jack Tady’s orchestra. In 1995, the Benzy Rathbone Combo was honored as Best New/Young Band by the National Cleveland-Style Hall of Fame. Benzy did not attend, because he suffered a stroke on the eve of the Award ceremony. He was able to continue in music as organist and choir director of Holy Rosary Church. Benzy played the button accordion as well and created a number system to to play the diatonic keyboard. Benzy had recorded one album, and had completed half of the material for a second album. On March 18, 2003, he died. He is survived by his wife Lori, and daughters Jessica and Emily.

LOU SADAR

1921

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2005

Lou Sadar is equally talented playing the saxophone, clarinet, or the flute. More importantly, he taught the instruments and gave many polka musicians a good foundation in music. Lou joined the Johnny Pecon band in 1960, when he took Eddie Platt’s place. He was a member of the band during a very busy period of time. Lou appeared with Pecon and Trebar on television and on recordings. Lou started his career with Russ Carlyle’s big band in 1941. He was inducted into the service during World War II, and became a member of the Air Force Band for four years. After discharge, Lou joined Ray Anthony’s orchestra, and later Vic Stuart’s band. For 20 years, he was a teacher of the instruments he played. Lou, a Clevelander, worked as business agent for the Musicians Union, Local 4.

CHUCK SMITH

1917 – 1963

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1993

A self-taught accordionist, pianist and organist, Chuck Smith teamed up with musician Jim Kozel in the 1940s to lead a popular Cleveland-Style band with its own weekly radio shows. Chuck joined Ernie Benedict’s Polkateers in 1953, and made significant contributions in the recording studio, on radio and television and in live performances. Throughout Cleveland’s competitive heyday, Chuck also led his own orchestra, jobbed with the town’s biggest names and worked as a soloist. In the prime of his career, Chuck died on the bandstand on New Year’s Eve, 1963. He was a gifted composer, counting among his musical creations, “Walking Hand in Hand,” “Disc Jockey Polka,” “One for the Road,” “Red Barn Polka,” “So Long, Darling,” “Marlene Waltz,” “Beautiful Eyes,” and the pop favorite, “It’s You.” Chuck died on the bandstand on New Year’s Eve 1963.

JACK “PORKY” PONIKVAR

1943 – 1998

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1998

“Porky” Ponikvar mastered the accordion and became a “Junior Polka King” as a boy, but made his mark on Cleveland- Style Polkas as a drummer. Starting with Frank Yankovic as a teen, Porky toured the nation, recorded, and appeared on radio and TV, including the Johnny Carson Show with Yankovic, with a myriad of Cleveland-Style orchestras. Major stints in his forty-year career included Frankie Kramer, Kenny Bass, and twenty-two years with Dick Sodja. Presenting Kenny Bass’ legacy, Jack formed the Polka Poppers in 1993 and reprised Bass’ stylings with the Don Wojtila Show Band in 1994. A past president of the Polkats Social Club, Porky was one of Cleveland-Style’s most colorful figures, bringing out the best in fellow musicians and making polkas fun for everyone with his warm smile and magnetic personality.

ROSE SLOGAR

1938

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2010

The Slogars, Don and Rose, are a husband and wife duo, with Don playing the accordion, and Rose on the bass, violin, and vocals.  Both attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, where Don earned a Bachelor degree in Music Theory, and Rose was a violin major.  Don started his band in the 1960s, with his late brother Ron. He also played with Eddie Platt and Jeff Pecon. In 1969, the Slogars became the back-up band for singer Eddie Kenik, at live concerts and recording sessions. The musical association with Kenik spanned nearly 30 years.  The Slogars also have recorded on their own, and continue to play in Cleveland.

HERMAN SPERO

1924 – 1979

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2001

Herman Spero produced the longest-running polka television show, “Polka Varieties,” broadcast from WEWS, the ABC affiliate in Cleveland. He was at the helm of the show from 1956 to 1975. Thanks to Herman, polka-lovers could welcome their favorite bands into their homes every Sunday afternoon.

America’s Polka King Frankie Yankovic was the original band to perform on the one-hour show. Bands such as Richie Vadnal, George Staiduhar, Markic-Zagger, and Hank Haller took regular turns on “PolkaVarieties,” introduced in the early years by host Tom Fletcher and by Paul Wilcox for most of the show’s run.

Every prominent Cleveland-style polka band at one time performed on “Polka Varieties,” as well as popular Polish, Italian and Bohemian-style bands. The show was also the only television showcase for the area’s many nationality choruses and folk dance ensembles.

Herman eventually syndicated the show and”Polka Varieties” was enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of viewers in 30 major television markets.

FRANK STERLE

1924 – 1986

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1989

Realizing his dream of building a Slovenian chalet, Frank Sterle created one of the finest restaurants in Cleveland. Four years after arriving from Slovenia in 1956, Frank purchased a small corner cafe in Cleveland’s old Slovenian neighborhood. With expansion after expansion, Frank Sterle’s Slovenian Country House grew to occupy a substantial part of the block. One of Slovenian music’s greatest promoters, Frank featured Cleveland-style orchestras three nights a week and would sponsor a visiting ensemble from Slovenia each year-–donating all of the profits to charity. Frank’s crowning achievement came in 1985 when he brought his friend, Slavko Avsenik, and the world-renowned Avsenik Ensemble to the U.S., culrminating the Country House’s 25th anniversary celebration with a sold-out concert at Cleveland’s Music Hall.

FRANK SVET

1946 – 2024

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2019

Frank Svet has been playing accordion since age 7. Born of a Slovenian father and Croatian mother, Frank began performing Slovenian and Croatian music in public at age 12 in Upstate New York. His first steady musical performances began at age 15, at the Cornfield Hall, a Slovenian Club near Cooperstown, NY. From this beginning he expanded his entertainment venues throughout Upstate New York, playing every weekend at Lake Resorts in the Adirondack Region, and a variety of taverns, and Country Clubs throughout the region.

Enamored by the Cleveland-Style Polka sound, Frank studied and emulated the styles of performers such as Frank Yankovic, Johnny Pecon, Lou Trebar, Ray Champa, Eddie Habat, Walter Ostanek and others. Moving several times with his day job across country, Frank had the opportunity to meet and play with a number of Cleveland-Style performers in Chicago, St. Louis, Pennsylvania, Florida and Washingon state.

In 2011, Frank with help from Walter Ostanek, released his first CD, followed by 2 more CD releases, both of which were nominated for album of the year by the Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame. Frank is a Lifetime Member of the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and a High Note Society Patron. Frank performs and promotes Cleveland-Style Polkas and Waltzes regularly throughout Ohio, Florida and Upstate New York.

BOB TURCOLA

1939 – 2020

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2008

Accordionist and bandleader, Bob Turcola, better know as “Turk,” has been on the polka scene in the Youngstown areafor almost six decades.  He started playing piano accordion at age five, and studied with Hank Racich. Bob joined the Al Hreno Band in 1960.  Since 1964, Bob has led the Bob Turcola orchestra.  Bob has six Cleveland style albums to his credit and one Slovak album.  Bob feels his greatest achievement as a musician is the sponsorship of an annual dance to benefit Tod’s Children’s Hospital in Youngstown.  Over the past 30 years, he has donated over $100,000 to the Hospital. Bob enjoys polka jam sessions during the summer at his trailer at the SNPJ Campsite in Enon Valley, Pennsylvania.

JOE TROLLI

1907 – 1989

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1989

Playing an important role behind the scenes, Joe Trolli realized his greatest accomplishments through others. Drawn to music as a child, Joe learned to play the accordion as a teen in Eveleth, Minnesota. He continued his studies in Cleveland under Joe Sedlon, and began teaching and playing professionally in the 1930s. In 1948, Joe established the Collinwood Music Center where he personally tutored some of Cleveland’s finest accordionists and produced students that perforrned throughout the nation. After World War II, Joe collaborated with Frank Yankovic and Johnny Pecon to create some of the most famous Cleveland-style music ever recorded, including ‘The Milwaukee Polka,” “Three Yanks Polka,” “Linda’s Lullaby” and ‘The Whirlaway Waltz” – melodies that continue to entertain listeners and dancers the world over.

JOSEPHINE TURKMAN

1911 – 1999

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1992

Josephine Turkman has played a key role in perpetuating the musical roots of Cleveland-style polkas. A member of Zarja Singing Society since 1932, Jo directed the group for more than 20 years, leading her singers to success with tours of the homeland, recordings and engaging concerts at the Slovenian Society Home in Euclid. With a grant from the Ohio Arts Council, Jo documented Slovenian musical traditions with Zarja. Slovenia bestowed the Gallus Award upon her and the chorus for their cultural endeavors. She has served on the boards of many organizations, including the Progressive Slovene Women, the Slovenian-American National Art Guild, the United Slovenian Society and the Ivan Cankar Drama Society. For years, Andy and Jo Turkman’s Tivoli Imports was the leading source for new recordings and sheet music from Slovenia that revitalized the Cleveland sound in the 1960s.

RUDI “VINCENT” UJCICH

1911 – 1993

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1993

With his dual Slovenian-Croatian heritage, Rudy Vincent Ujcich bridged the gap between traditional Croatian melodies and Cleveland-Style Polkas. Best known for his rich Croatian vocals, Rudy was also a talented guitarist, leading his own Cleveland-Style orchestra for nearly 20 years and working with many of Cleveland’s finest. Comfortable in either musical setting, Rudy recorded one vocal album backed by Tamburitzans and two with Cleveland-Style bands. Immortalizing his most popular hit, Rudy sang “Blues Eyes Crying in the Rain” on a 1965 Columbia recording with Frank Yankovic. An accomplished classical musician, Rudy won a scholarship to the Cleveland Institute of Music and performed with the Men’s Singing Club at Severance Hall, the Cleveland Tamburitza Symphony at Blossom Music Center, the Cleveland 500, and the company at Karamu House.

EDDIE “ZEKE” VRTOVSNIK

1932 – 2004

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2012

Brothers Zeke and Charlie brought music and fun wherever they would go, with Zeke playing the button box, Charlie on the banjo, and both on the vocals.  The duo would sing Slovenian songs or parody polka songs and the folks songs with their own humorous lyrics. The band started out in the 1960s playing for friends and relatives and called themselves “The Unknowns.” As Zeke and Charlie, they soon attracted dedicated followers and were invited to jam sessions, festivals and parties. They were center stage at the North American Folk Music Alliance conference in 2000 in Cleveland’s Music Hall. Zeke and Charlie released one album and guested on a recording with the SNPJ Slovenian Junior Chorus.

BOBBY ZGONC

1941 – 2018

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2018

“Slovenian Soul” best describes Bobby’s original playing style. Born of Slovenian parents in Westmoreland City, Pa., he always was surrounded by Slovenian button-box music since his grandfather, father and three uncles also played. At age 11, he picked up a borrowed accordion and taught himself. With heavy influence from his uncle John Adamic, Frank Baloh and the Johnny Pecon/Lou Trebar recordings, he went on to perform as a child and teen at countless polka events in the Pittsburgh area. During this time, not owning an accordion, he would borrow accordions until he won money on an SNPJ raffle ticket. At 17, he drove straight to Trebar’s home and they went shopping for his first accordion. Another uncle, in ill health, then sold him a 1928 Mervar that he plays to this day. Bobby’s heartfelt style brings a tear to the eyes of old-timers just as it brings a tapping of the feet from the youngsters.

In 1960, he joined the legendary Al Morouse Orchestra, also playing the chromatic accordion, delivered their first hit, “SNPJ Polka.” Many recordings followed, most recently recording with the famed Bob Timko.

His contributions to Slovenian culture extend well beyond recordings. He performed at concerts, picnics, festivals and funerals, most often for free, often at events that had nothing to do with Slovenes, simply to spread the music. He was president of his SNPJ Lodge and Slovenian Home at 19 and was past president of the American Slovenes of Western Pennsylvania and the “Slovene Radio Program.” He was one of the original directors involved in the purchase, building and development of the Westmoreland SNPJ Picnic Grove in Evanstown-Herminie, Pa. In 1973, Bobby initiated the Grape Festival, which continues to be the largest cultural event of the year.  For 20 years he did the Slovenian segmant , co-hosting with his wife, Vlatka, the “Sounds of Yugoslavia” radio program.

Bobby has also been a driving force within the Slovenian community, helping and encouraging others to do as he has done. He has instituted several testimonials and benefits for deserving Slovenes.

It remains easy to find Bobby and his button box at festivals and charitable functions. Each year, too, he teams up with old friends Frank and Daryl Valencic at Slovenefest.  

JACKIE ZORC

1908 – 2007

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2006

Jackie Zorc was one of the most popular bandleaders from the late 1920s to the late 1930s, in Cleveland.  He was known for his smile and showmanship. His pleasing demeanor is said to have inspired Frankie Yankovic to adopt a crowd-pleasing personality. The by-word of the time was ‘I’m going wherever Jackie Zorc is playing.’  He is said to be one of the first to expand the polka band from a trio by adding a saxophone player to play more American pop tunes.  Jackie excelled on the chromatic accordion, and his Carro accordion is in the collection of the Polka Hall of Fame.

Heinie Martin Antoncic

 1903 – 1991

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1991

The Dean of Slovenian Broadcasters, Heinie Martin Antoncic ushered an era of Cleveland-style radio beginning in 1937 and continuing through 1975 on stations WGAR, WDOK and WXEN. In conjunction with Cleveland Recording, Heinie Martin innovated special transcriptions of local artists which were featured along with live performances and commercial recordings on his immensely popular shows. Polka lovers of all nationalities listened religiously to his “Oldest Slovenian Radio Show in America” every Sunday morning and eagerly anticipated his Thursday evening “707 Polka Show.” Deeply involved in community service, Heinie Martin Antoncic was honored as the Federation of Slovenian Homes’ very first “Slovenian Man of the Year” in 1962.

ADAM BARTHALT

1935 – 2021

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2005

Adam was born in New York City. He has been playing the accordion since age 7. Since 1957 he has had his own polka band. His Adam Barthalt Musical Productions has produced 60 Polka-Fest Weekends in four states, featuring top polka bands in the country. His weekly radio show, Adam’s Polka Party, was on the air for 26 years, and was heard in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Adam has released nine albums with his band. He has brought polka music to the high seas, personally performing on 58 cruises. Adam, who is of German descent, is a great promoter of Cleveland-style polka music.

CHESTER BUDNY

1921 – 1975

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2010

Chester Budny is one of Cleveland’s great southside polka musicians of the 1940s and 1950s.  He recorded from 1949 to 1953 on Bravo, Dart, and Columbia records. His hit song was “Sweetheart of Mine” in 1949, also “Fleet Avenue Polka.” He was known as the singing drummer. In his golden years he did some Polish numbers, but musically he was in tune with the Slovenian style polka. His accordionist was Eddy Stampfl, with whom he recorded Skipper’s Polka and Darling, Oh, My Darling. His saxophone player was Eddie Slejko and Tony May on bass. He had 24, 78recordings, 10, 45’s, and one LP album for Normandy records.

FRANK CHAMPA

1908 – 1993

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1992

Frank Champa is one of the few musicians who can boast of a career lasting eight decades. Starting with the button box at age five, Frank went on to teach himself the chromatic accordion and was soon making the musical rounds throughout Cleveland. The distinctive Slovenian-style polka sound he brought to weddings and parties was later captured on records he made with his son, Ray. For nearly 30 years, Frank’s tavern was a lively meetingplace for dancers and polka personalities, with live music every weekend. Frank and Ray were honored as 1977 Musicians of the Year at their neighborhood Collinwood Slovenian Home.

DAN COPPENS

1940 – 2013

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1999

Dan was born April 11, 1940 in Merrill, the son of the late Frank and Viola (Stryker) Coppens. He attended the old Fleming “country school” then Sacred Heart Catholic School in Merrill, His last year of high school and first two years of college were spent in the Catholic Seminary, he then transferred to Aquinas College in Grand Rapids to complete his education. His career in accounting spanned many years in many capacities, but his most important life long work was done promoting Polka Music, the love of his life. He was instrumental in forming a number of polka booster clubs and Polka Hall of Fame groups in Michigan and Ohio served as both co-founder and officer in these organizations. He helped the late Carl Rohwetter with organizing and starting the first polka newspaper in Michigan. In 1991 he was inducted into the Michigan Polka Music Hall of Fame for his endless work promoting polka music. He was also honored by the Cleveland Style Polka Music Hall of Fame by receiving their “Trustee’s Award” in 2005. He was especially proud of his “Sunday Polka Party” radio show on WNZK 690 AM, for over 40 years he would broadcast his show either from the studio or sometime doing live remote broadcasts.

Mikey Dee

BOB DOSZAK

1946-2023

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2017

Bob Doszak was one of the best-known Cleveland-Style Polka bandleaders in the Chicago area. The Joliet native led his own orchestra at the age of fourteen and performed on television. An expert accordionist, he shared the stage with stars like America’s Polka King Frank Yankovic. Bob brought both his sons into the band and travelled the Midwest and Western states with them. As host of the Illinois Polka Festival, for 26 years, he drew dancers and music-lovers from around the country to Chicagoland and often entertained polka talents in his home. In later years in Arizona, Bob shared his love of the music of his Slovenian and Polish heritage and won over new fans.

TONY FORTUNA

1943

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2008

Accordionist and bandleader,Tony Fortuna did not have to look very far for inspiration to be a polka musician.  His mother Valerie was the only sister of the legendary Vadnal brothers Johnny, Frankie, Tony, and Richie.  But it was Tony’s father Tony who brought home two button accordions from a visit to Slovenia in the 1970s. Tony, his father, and brother learned to play the accordions and the bass.  The three men joined the Holmes Hall Buttonaires in Cleveland.  In 1984, Tony joined Al Markic’s band.  After a four-year stint, Tony put together his own orchestra, and performed until 2004.  Tony is a founder of the National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame.  His major contributions were designing the former Museum and the interior design of the Museum at its present location. Tony also designed the stage sets for the initial Awards Shows.

STEVE GARCHAR

1928 – 2020

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1994

When Cleveland-Style polkas were at their peak after World War II, Steve Garchar was the standard-bearer in the Penn-Ohio arena, leading his orchestra virtually every night of the week and performing live on area radio stations. Playing the accordion since age ten, Steve formed his first band in high school and, pursuing music full-time, came to dominate the Youngstown/Sharon polka scene. The Steve Garchar Orchestra recorded for Coral records, releasing hit singles including “Jolly Time Polka,” “Blue Mountain Waltz,” “Highland Polka” and “Bridge Street Waltz.” Steve continued performing during his stint in the service and reorganized his band for a short time afterward during the 1950s. Active in the promotion of Cleveland-Style polkas ever since, Steve again regrouped his orchestra in 1991 and has returned to the recording studio.

Haughville Slickers

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

Al Hreno

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

JOHN “EVIE” KOVACIC

1907 – 1942

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1996

John Kovacic was among the pioneers of Cleveland-Style polkas in the Penn-Ohio area before a tragic accident cut his career short at the age of thirty-four. Standing before a mirror as a teenager, the right-handed John learned to play button box left-handed (i.e. upside down) by watching his fingers on the keyboard. Mastering Croatian, Italian, polish and popular American standards to bolster his Cleveland-Style repetoire, John was soon playing for weddings, dances and parties. John was the first accordionist to play over the airwaves of Youngstown’s WKBN in 1931, and later had his own program. Using the stage name of Evie Kovac, John performed six nights a week with his trio in the Penn-Ohio area and traveled to Cleveland, Akron, Detroit and Pennsylvania emulating Matt Hoyer on his Mervar diatonic accordions.

Lipa Park Button Box Club

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

LOUIE “BARON” LUZAR

1927 – 2007

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2001

Joe Luzar and his brother Louie grew up in Euclid, Ohio in a family of eleven children. Joe started his

own band as a teen-ager, with Louie on second accordion. Joe’s talent as an accordion player was tapped by Kenny Bass. He teamed up with accordionists Frank Mauer, Bob Timko, and Dick Sodja, in 1948, in Bass’ Polka Poppers band. Joe wrote several popular polkas, such as Payroll Polka, Luzar’s Polka, Gornik’s Polka, and El Gusto. In 1954, Joe and Louie launched the Luzar band which played for 37 years, in the 1990s.  Eddie Bucar on upright bass was a key member of the “Aggregation.” The Luzar Brothers have one more goal to achieve to produce their first album.

DENNIS MAROLD

1937

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2018

Denny has set the beat with his bass for nearly 70 years. The Clevelander first appeared on the upright bass in his teens. He performed with such Cleveland-Style polka talents as Bob Kravos, Milan Racanovic, Ken Zalar’s Captain’s Crew and Hall of Famers Stan Blout and Frankie Spetich. Denny often accompanied these bands on TV’s popular Polka Varieties show, which was syndicated around the country. Denny also recorded with many polka groups. He can be heard on Stan Blout’s classic album, “Polka Sounds of the ‘70s,” featuring the all-time hit “Waltz of Love.” He was a long-time member of Local No. 4 of the Cleveland Musicians Union.

HANK PAWLAK

1923 – 2005

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1999

Hank Pawlak never ventured from the realm of music after learning to play polkas and waltzes at the direction of his mother . Broadening his horizons, Hank embraced jazz, country-western, and rock while playing and associating with such artists as Sha Na Na, Johnny Cash, and the Eagles. Hank rekindled his love for polkas in the 1970’s collaborating with Hank Haller on television and in the recording studio. Rounding out his experience as a composer, music store operator, disc jockey, booking agent, and promoter, Hank assumed leadership roles with the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Akron and Europe America United. Among Hank’s 300 compositions are many Cleveland-Style selections as well as many Cleveland-Style selections as well as customized themes like the “Woolly Bear March,” written for Cleveland’s Dick Goddard and recorded by Haller.

JUNE PRICE

1925 – 2005

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1998

June Price and Dolores Mihelich each had stellar singing careers before joining forces in 1969. Dolores, a soprano, studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music and performed as a soloist, with the St. Vitus Church Choir, and with the Glasbena Matica Singing Society beginning in 1955. June, an alto, sang solo and in ensembles, personal concerts, and starring opera roles with Glasbena for over fifty years. As a Cleveland-Style duet, June and Dolores presented three concerts backed by the Johnny Pecon-Lou Trebar Orchestra, appeared regularly with Frank Yankovic on “Polka Varieties,” toured Slovenia with Pecon-Trebar in 1972, and recorded two albums. Teaming with tenor Eddie Kenik and the Don Slogar Orchestra, June and Dolores gave concerts in Ohio, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, including a benefit for the St. Clair Slovenian National Home which was recorded and produced as a double album.

GARY RHAMY

1944

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2023

As owner of Peppermint Productions, Gary Rhamy has been the recording engineer for five Grammy award-winning polka albums. He has produced more than 600 albums in his studio, including 200 polka artists. He formed Peppermint Recording studio in 1970. Gary received the Lifetime Achievement award of the United States Polka Association in 2004, and was inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame in 2006.

VIOLET RUPARCICH

1935 – 2014

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2008

Singer, Radio Host, Record Producer and Promoter, Violet Ruparcich is known for her deep, rich, contralto singing voice, and as a recording artist of Slovenian folk songs.  Violet has been heard on her weekly radio program “Songs and Melodies from Beautiful Slovenia” for 23 years, on WEDO-810AM, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  Violet was born in Chisholm, Minnesota to Slovenian immigrant parents, who introduced her to Slovenian music on the Iron Range by attending concerts and dances.  Violet joined Greyko Records in Pittsburgh in 1957.  She sang on her own recording in 1961, the first of ten.  At Greyko, Violet released albums by Bob Timko, Ray Champa, Dick Tady, Jack Tady, Martin Serro, Tony Grandovic, and Al Morouse. As a concert organizer, Violet has hosted the Slovenski Oktet and various musical ensembles from Slovenia.

JOE SAMSA

1924 – 2018

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2015

Joe Samsa always enjoyed a jam session with his tenor sax. He began his career in 1946 with the Al Strukel Orchestra, a popular Cleveland-Style polka band noted for two saxophones. The group performed on live national radio broadcasts from Cleveland’s Bowl Ballroom and the Green Darby, plus Sunday shows on WSRS. Joe’s own band was a regular at the Nottingham Tavern. He played with Champa’s Old-Timers and the Joe Novak Orchestra, among others. In the 1980s, Joe accompanied the Euclid Squeezeboxers and the West Park Button Box Club. He served as President of the Euclid Chromatic Club. He was a frequent entertainer at the Slovene Home for the Aged.

ANTON SCHUBEL

1899 – 1965

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1989

A generation of Cleveland-style performers was inspired by Anton Schubel’s interpretations of the homeland’s musical heritage. In 1928, Tonè left the Ljubljana Opera for a concert tour of Slovenian communities in the U.S. His recordings with Columbia favorites like “Gor’ Cez Jezero” and “Mamica Moja”-–endeared him to Slovenian families across the country. Before settling in Cleveland, Tonè was a member of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus and scouted new talent for programs at Carnegie Hall. Under his baton, Glasbena Matica Chorus achieved new heights with its concerts of classical and traditional melodies and operas performed in Slovenian with an orchestra. Tonè also directed Slovan, Triglav, Adria, SNPJ Circle 2, and Serbian and Slovak choruses. He sang the first Slovenian songs on television for an experimental CBS broadcast in 1931.

STEVE & ROZ SILBER

1928 – 2021
1935 – 2021

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1993

Steve and Roz Silber turned Milwaukee’s Mellody Bar into Wisconsin’s premiere Cleveland-Style Polka spot. When they first heard Bob Timko play in Waukegan in 1973, Steve and Roz fell in love with Cleveland-Style music and chose to showcase the happy sound at the Mellody. Beginning in 1978, the Silbers brought busloads of dancers to Cleveland for Tony Petkovsek’s annual Thanksgiving Polka Weekend. They even earned a commendation from the City of Cleveland in 1981 for promoting polka music and Slovenian heritage.

Steve and Roz made the Mellody Bar a regular stop for Cleveland-Style orchestras on the road. Among the bands they featured were Eddie Buehner, Frankie Kramer, John Tasz and Polka Hall of Famers Bob Timko, Richie Vadnal, Hank Thunander, Joe Fedorchak, Dave Wretschko and Eddie Rodick. The Silbers sponsored and hosted a weekly polka radio show on WYLO-AM featuring Fritz the Plumber.

STAN SLEJKO

1921 – 1996

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1996

Rising to the highest levels of musical achievement, Stan Slejko never lost touch with his Cleveland-Style roots. Rated the nation’s sixth best bassist by “Downbeat” magazine, Stan won a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music from Paramount. In the Navy, Stan survived the bombing of the U.S.S. Franklin to wind up in Ray Anthony’s band in the South Pacific. Returning to a local career in 1947, Stan performed with the Cleveland Philharmonic, Suburban Symphony, and Lakeland Community Orchestras; jazz gigs at the Alpine Village; behind stars such as Roger Williams, John Denver, and Carol Channing; with the New York Metropolitan Opera Company; and before four U.S. Presidents with the Johnny Singer Orchestra, Interspersing doses of Cleveland-Style music, Stan cut the “Blue Skirt Waltz” with Frank Yankovic; appeared and recorded with Bob Timko, Georgie Cook, Johnny Pecon, Kenny Bass, and Eddie Platt, among others; repaired and restored bass viols; and taught.

SNPJ YOUTH CIRCLE 2

1938

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1999

Founded in 1938, Youth Circle No. 2 of SNPJ is the oldest Slovenian youth organization in the United States. Primarily a choral group , Circle No. 2 has provided the youngest generation of American-Slovenians the opportunity to learn and promote the Slovenian culture. Under the dynamic leadership of Cecilia Dolgan beginning in 1965, Circle 2 expanded its horizons beyond its base in Euclid, Ohio to perform in Slovenia, across the U.S., and in Canada including appearances at Disney’s EPCOT Center and the Ohio State Fair. Youth Circle No. 2 has recorded two albums and sponsored the annual Super Button Box since 1983. A mark of Youth Circle 2’s success is the large number of its members who went on to become prominent Cleveland-Style musicians.

RON SETNIKER

1939 – 2018

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2019

Ron was known as the Iron Range Button Box King for his skill on the diatonic and chromatic accordions. He was one of the leaders of the button box revival in the Upper Midwest in the 1980s. He grew up with Slovenian music in Biwabik, Minnesota, and played trumpet in local bands. Ray Podboy of the Chicago Slovene Button Box Club helped Ron perfect his style. In 1982, Ron organized the Polka Chimes Orchestra and later led the Button Box Showcase. His albums include his original songs. Ron’s final release featured daughters Shelby and Susan. Chisholm’s Ironworld Polka Hall of Fame inducted Ron in 1999.

SLOVAN MEN’S CHORUS

1936 – 1991

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1992

Throughout its 55-year history, Slovan Men’s Chorus perpetuated the Slovenian musical tradition of male ensembles on this side of the Atlantic. Slovan attracted some of the best voices in the community and grew to more than 30 singers, directed by Anton Schubel and Frank Vauter, among others. The singers often performed together with mixed choruses, such as Adria, Glasbena Matica and Toronto’s Fantje Na Vasi. The men of Slovan were frequent guests at wakes and benefits, often outside Ohio. In the 1950s, Slovan was the first Cleveland Slovenian chorus to record. In 1976, the Smithsonian Institute chose to sponsor the Slovan Quartet to represent America’s Slovenians at the Bicentennial celebration in Washington D.C.

BILL RANDLE

1923 – 2004

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2004

Bill Randle was the top opular music disc jockey in the United States in the 1950s. He is credited with discovering Elvis Presley and Johnny Ray, among others. He identified many rising stars and introduced their music to radio audiences. Bill admired polka music and knew most of the city’s Cleveland-Style musicians. He was a good friend of Al Tercek, and aired Al’s “Annabelle Waltz” constantly when it was released. Later, Bill introduced Avsenik’s “Wind Song” on the air and featured it for weeks. He hired polkas bands to play on his show, “Swap and Shop.” He co-hosted a couple of tours to Slovenia with Tony Petkovsek. He was an expert on popular music, earned six different college degrees, and was a practicing lawyer. Bill once said, “I want to come back as a Slovenian.”

DAVE SKRAJNER

AL BAMBIC – 1953

DAVE SKRAJNER – 1954

DAN WOJTILA – 1953

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2019

Al, Dave and Dan have performed in Cleveland-Style polka bands together since the 1970s. They played in two of the first groups to feature bold, young Baby Boom musicians raised on rock and roll. The three teamed with Don Wojtila in the dynamic, original Eddie Rodick Orchestra, where they perfected their close, three-part vocalizing. When Don started his own band, they helped him create the lively and versatile Don Wojtila polka sound. They still go strong with Dan on sax and clarinet, Dave on bass and vocals, and Al on drums.

LOUIS SPEHEK

1882 – 1966

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2008

Pioneer accordionist, Slovenian-born Louis Spehek embraced his new home in the United States by entertaining on the button accordion, and becoming the first Slovenian-American recording artist.  Louis arrived in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1902, but soon moved to Cleveland (1905) where he could play for larger audiences. Louis first recorded on Victor Records in 1924,in Cleveland, Ohio, teaming with Math. Arko (Matt Hoyer) on two 78s. During the same session he recorded another recording with singer-actress Augusta Danilova. Louis signed with Columbia Recording  and recorded six 78s, in 1928.Both of Louis’ sons, Louis and Frank, learned to play the accordion and joined him in playing for weddings, baptisms, and lodge events. Louis, who owned a fencebuildingcompany, introduced the “Pillow Dance” (Povster Tanc) to American-Slovenians.

RAY STERLE

1933

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2011

Art Perko Orchestra Side Musicians.

For 32 years, Art Perko’s orchestra had a distinctive, cohesive sound, due to the fact that three of his sidemen, Bill Tomsick (sax and clarinet), Mike Dragas (bass) and Ray Sterle (drums) were members of the band all those years. Each musician played in polka bands previously. Bill, Mike, and Ray first met as members of the Joe Luzar band.  Soon after the break-up of the band Bill approached Art Perko in behalf of himself, Mike and Ray. The Art Perko Orchestra made its television debut on Cleveland’s syndicated “Polka Varieties” in January 1960, and was featured for 25 years, including the last telecast in 1985.  The group made appearances with Buck Owens, Dottie West, Gene Krupa, Bob Hope, Charlie Price, the Temptations, and Roy Clark. The band’s first album had a hit recording of the “Peanuts Polka” in 1965. Five more albums followed. The trio later joined Tony Fortuna’s band until they retired in 2005.

FRANCES SYLVESTER

1924 – 2007

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1999

Frances “Franca” Rosenberger Sylvester spent her life at the forefront promoting American-Slovenian culture in Western Pennsylvania. Singing as a child at the Slovenian Home on Ambridge, Pennsylvania, Frances advanced to the Rosmarin Singing Society as a teen before finding her niche singing with Stella Petz for over twenty years as the featured vocal duet with Fred Gregorich and the Del-Fi’s as well as other Cleveland-Style orchestras. After Stella’s passing, Franca carried on the tradition with Millie Smolkovitch and as a prominent member of the Hermine Button Box Club. Giving back to the community, Franca taught Slovenian at a local community college, served as the director of the Junior Reveliers Children’s Chorus, and co-hosted the Slovene Radio Hour on Pittsburgh’s WPIT beginning in the mid-1980’s.

Wayne Tomsic

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

MARY UDOVICH

1897 – 1965

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1991

Together with Dr. William J. “Doc” Lausche, Josephine Lausche Welf and Mary Udovich advanced the transition of Slovenian folk music into the Cleveland-style polka. With Dr. Lausche on piano, Josephine and Mary made their first recording around 1919 for the Victor Talking Machine Company. Performing on John Grdina’s and Heinie Martin Antoncic’s Slovenian radio programs beginning in the 1920s, Josephine, Mary and the Doc Lausche Orchestra added excitement to Slovenian music with a new beat that presaged the Cleveland-style polkas that would follow. Between 1927 and 1932, Josephine and Mary sang with Dr. Lausche as he recorded some 60 selections for the Columbia Gramophone Company with a large studio orchestra. In 1942, Josephine and Mary recorded for Continental with the Lausche Trio, featuring Johnny Pecon.

KATHY ZAMEJC VOGT

1965

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2010

Kathy Zamejc Vogt lives in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, where she started playing the button accordion in 1982.  Her love for Slovenian music and mastering of the button accordion led to being a founding member and music director of the Lipa Park Button Box Club in St. Catharines.  With Kathy as the leader, the group performed and traveled to polka festivals from 1985 to 2004.  She has performed and recorded with Nashville-based polka artist LynnMarie. Kathy recorded an album of her own as well, “The Girl Next Door.”  In 2010, Kathy was featured as a guest performer with Jimmy Sturr’s orchestra on PBS-TV.  She has hosted bus tours  with her polka fun-loving friends from Canada, and polka tours to Europe, especially Slovenia.

JOE WOJTILA

1924 – 2001

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2007

Joe and Millie Wojtila raised a family of popular Cleveland musicians. Millie introduced music to each of her seven children, by teaching them to play the piano. She was a piano teacher for 50 years and an organist at St. Paul’s Church for 35 years. She directed the Wojtila family musicians in Polka Hall of Fame Award Show numbers. Joe was a member and officer of many Slovenian organizations, including SNPJ Farm, Slovenian Workmen’s Home, Slovenian Men’s Club, and SNPJ Lodge Loyalites. He volunteered for the United Slovenian Society Band, the Polka Hall of Fame, and East 185th Street Festivals. He assisted and promoted his sons’ Wojtila polka bands.

IVAN ZORMAN SR.

1858 – 1912

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1997

Ivan Zorman, Sr. was the “Johnny Apple (strudel) seed” of Slovenian music. Born in Slovenia and a student at the Conservatory of Music in Vienna, Ivan played in the orchestra of Johann Strauss, Jr., the world-famous Waltz King. Coming to America in 1883, Ivan founded the first Slovenian orchestras in the U.S. (Calumet, Michigan –1895; the “Austrian Cornet Band,” Cleveland – 1897) and served as an organist, choir director, teacher, and bandmaster in Slovenian-American communities around the country, including Leadville, Colorado, and fly, Minnesota, before finally settling in Cleveland circa 1903. Based primarily at St. Paul’s Church, Ivan composed religious and secular music, founded several Slovenian singing societies, organized a brass band, and taught vocal and instrumental music. A major thread in the fabric of Slovenian-American culture, Ivan Zorman, Sr. nurtured the music that would become the basis for Cleveland-Style Polkas.

Louie Bajc

1932 – 1985

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1989

With love and happiness emanating from his accordion, Louie Bajc carried a torch for Cleveland-style music throughout his life. As a youth, Louie sang and danced in native Slovenian garb and mastered the button box, accordion and bass. The Louie Bajc Orchestra had its own weekly radio show in Ashtabula. Louie predominated and inspired Slovenian culture in the Painesville/Fairport area. He was the “resident musician” of the American-Slovenian Club in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, and accompanied The Geneva Grape Dancers as musical director. For a time he was the featured accordionist and singer with the Frankie Kramer Orchestra. Louie composed several songs including “Little Lou’s Polka” and was best known for his rendition of “Al’ Me Bos Kaj Rada ‘Mela”.

Chris Byndas

RAY CHAMPA

1928 – 2008

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2000

Ray Champa has been playing the German chromatic accordion and leading orchestras for more than 50 years. He joins his father, Frank, on the Trustees Honor roll. Ray Champa and the Polka Champs were the house band, playing each weekend from 1943 to 1960 at the familly’s Glen Park Cafe in Cleveland. In 1949, Ray hosted a weekly, half-hour polka radio show – one of the first – performing live music with his band. The Champa band featured Ray and his father on chromatic accordions backed by a bass and a banjo. Both were named Musicians of the Year by the Collinwood Slovenian Home. Ray’s recorded compositions include “Sweet Dreams” and “The Penguin Polka.” The orchestra appeared at ballrooms and nightclubs such as the Aragon, the Green Darby, the Twilight Gardens, Euclid Beach Park and Youngstown’s Avon Oaks. Ray and his musician friends formed a close association, the Pol-Kats Social Club, for which he served as the first treasurer.

RAY GAY

1929 – 2006

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2006

Ray composed polkas and waltzes throughout his life. He started Normandy Records and published two songbooks of his music. His music is featured on the album “Polka Music Oooh Boy” recorded by the Frank Moravcik band, and “Polka-Re, Polka-Ra” by Richie Vadnal and his orchestra. While serving in the U.S. Army, he formed the “Gil-Rays” band, and played American Slovenian style polka music on JOCR radio station in Kobe, Japan. Other tunes that Ray released were played by Chester Budny, Joe Kusar, Joe Sodja, Frankie Spetich, and Dick Tady. Some of his songs are: “Are You the Girl?” “My Nancy Polka”, and “Go Around Polka.” Ray passed away at age 77.

JOHN HABAT

1920 – 2009

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2003

John Habat comes from a family that always has been involved in Slovenian culture and music in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland. His brother Eddie Habat is in the Polka Hall of Fame, and his father John was president of the Collinwood Slovenian Home. As a founding trustee of the National Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame, John devoted many hours and served 12 years on the board, and as the curator for the Polka Museum. A teacher for 36 years in Euclid schools, John is enshrined in the Euclid Sports Hall of Fame.

In the community, he has been recognized for his leadership roles as president of the Federation of Slovenian Homes, the Collinwood Slovenian Home, and the Holmes Hall Pensioners Club. John was named Slovenian Man of the Year in 1989, by the Cleveland Federation of Slovenian Homes.  

FRANK KALIK

1943 – 1995

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1994

Frank Kalik has devoted his life to Slovenian culture and Clevland-Style music, leading his own orchestra from 1961 to 1981, producing “Frank Kalik’s World Showcase of Music” on radio since 1973, and forming the Slovenian Heritage Association of Western Pennsylvania in 1984. Under his direction, the Kalik Orchestra made the “Steeler Fight Song” the biggest-selling polka recording in Pennsylvania. The Kalik Fan Club evolved “Polka Fun Day” into “Kalikfest,” one of Western Pennsylvania’s major polka entertainment weekends. Kalik and Company Travel also became a leader in polka tours. Recreating authentic music, costume and dance, the Slovenian Heritage Association has toured the continent, performing at the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986, the Constitution’s Bicentennial in 1987, and at Folklorama in Canada. The impact of Frank’s multi-faceted career is encapsulated in his trademark: “Music, Memories and Fun.”

MIKE DRAGAS

1935

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2011

Art Perko Orchestra Side Musicians.

For 32 years, Art Perko’s orchestra had a distinctive, cohesive sound, due to the fact that three of his sidemen, Bill Tomsick (sax and clarinet), Mike Dragas (bass) and Ray Sterle (drums) were members of the band all those years. Each musician played in polka bands previously. Bill, Mike, and Ray first met as members of the Joe Luzar band.  Soon after the break-up of the band Bill approached Art Perko in behalf of himself, Mike and Ray. The Art Perko Orchestra made its television debut on Cleveland’s syndicated “Polka Varieties” in January 1960, and was featured for 25 years, including the last telecast in 1985.  The group made appearances with Buck Owens, Dottie West, Gene Krupa, Bob Hope, Charlie Price, the Temptations, and Roy Clark. The band’s first album had a hit recording of the “Peanuts Polka” in 1965. Five more albums followed. The trio later joined Tony Fortuna’s band until they retired in 2005.

Eddie Korosa Jr.

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

MARGOT GLINSKI

1946

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2001

Mike Longo, owner, and Margot Glinski, manager, of the Slovenian Country House restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio, know the keys to success are with the accordion. For the past thirteen years, Mike and Margot have continued the format of original owner Frank Sterle, by offering good food and good polka music.

Polka fans know they can count on hearing the best Cleveland-Style polka bands live at the establishment each weekend. On Friday nights it is “six to nine while you dine,” by individual polka virtuosos, and on Saturday nights polka bands take the stage at the chalet-themed Country House. What is particularly notable is the fact that the polka hot spot is under  the auspices of Mike, who was born in Italy, and Margot, who hails from Germany. The pair have maintained a high quality restaurant, and polka fans are grateful the polka tradition is still a mainstay at the Slovenian Country House.

JOHN GERL

1954

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2011

Drummer John Gerl has backed up some of the best-known Cleveland polka bands since the 1960s. He was also a founding trustee and past treasurer of the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum. John began at age 12 with the Rivieras, a trio with Dave Wretschko and Mike Gazdek.  He played with the Wretschko orchestra for 24 years until Dave’s passing in 1991. John provided the rhythm for the Fairport Ensemble in the 1980s, Mike Wojtila and the Entertainers, and, for 15 years, with Bob Kravos and the Boys in the Band. He has accompanied the Mahoning Valley Button Box Club, Ron Pivovar,  Ron Likovic and Kathy Hlad, and Zeke and Charlie, among others. John has played in more than a dozen polka tours and cruises and has appeared on 20 recordings. Whenever the Polka Hall of Fame hosts a social event, John is likely to be on the scene to assist. He’s a popular figure at polka jam sessions and fund-raisers.

ARTHUR “BUDDY” GRIEBEL

1918 – 2021

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2012

Frank Yankovic Show Band Sidemen.

Tops Cardone, Carl Paradiso, Al Leslie, and Buddy Griebel were the regular players in Frankie Yankovic’s popular tour band in the early 1950s.  This Yankovic band played in Hollywood, Las Vegas, and top nightclubs in the United States.  Tops was the accordionist, Carl played banjo and guitar, and sang, Al Leslie played the bass, and Buddy Griebel was on piano and harmony solovox.  The Show band also appeared in several movie short films with Yankovic.  Buddy Griebel is the last living members of the Show Band.

JOHN KOROSA

1920 – 1996

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1998

John Korosa advanced Cleveland-Style music on many fronts. John strummed his banjo on record and in person with his Melody Boys orchestra, guested with Cleveland-Style stalwarts including Frank Yankovic, Walter Ostanek, and Louie Bashell, and starred in 20th Century Fox’s 1990 movie, “Men Don’t Leave.” With his wife, Irene, John operated Club Irene Lounge and Cheryl Lynn Lounge, two Chicago area polka spots that featured a heavy dose of Cleveland-Style Polkas in their four day per week schedule. John promoted polkas with on location radio broadcasts and his TV show, “Hoya Hoya Polka Party” on WGN in Chicago. Also accomplished on the button box, accordion, guitar, piano, harmonica and violin, John and his wife Irene were awarded the Frank Duda award from the United Polka Association in 1985.

JOE LASICKY

1924 – 1988

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1990

Not long after his parents presented him with his first accordion at age 4, Joe Lasicky was heard playing “Ramona.” Thus a musical career was born. Joe formed his own orchestra in 1947 and cut four records on the Mercury label in 1951. A frequent guest on local radio and television broadcasts, Joe often volunteered his talents at the Crile Veterans’ Hospital and, later, at the Slovene Home for the Aged.

MAHONING VALLEY BUTTON BOX CLUB

1979

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2013

The Mahoning Valley Button Box Club was one of the first diatonic accordion ensembles. The club has had as many as 30 musicians, with women and children performing on the same stage with men. The club first met at the Slovenian Home in Girard, Ohio, and drew its members from the Penn-Ohio area. The players were inspired by the button box revival led by Frank Novak, Lou Trebar and Lojze Slak, among others. They have taken their happy music on tours across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and twice to Slovenia. The group has released four albums and won annual awards from the Polka Hall of Fame. Players practice every week and appear in parades, concerts, fairs and festivals.

BILL MILLER

1935

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1999

William F. “Bill” Miller, columnist, reporter, and assistant editor of The Plain Dealer, Ohio’s largest newspaper, pounded Cleveland’s nationality beat with zest and style over four decades beginning in 1961. Bill personally covered the fall of the Berlin Wall, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and has been the recipient of countless awards for service within and without Cleveland’s seventy-odd ethnic communities. Throughout his career, Cleveland-Style Polkas and the American-Slovenian community have been staples on Bill’s menu. A multilingual tenor, Bill belonged to Alt Bad Wildunger Maennerchor and Cleveland Maennerchor, German men’s choirs on both sides of the Atlantic. And as Wolfgang Muller, Bill made Harry West’s “If You Can’t Do the Polka, Don’t Mary My Daughter” a polka classic.

AL PESTOTNIK

1927

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2006

“Big Al” of Willoughby Hills has been the go-to guy in the American Slovenian community for more than 40 years. Wherever someone is needed, Al is ready to lend a hand, as a ticket-taker, chauffeur, bartender or bodyguard. He is a charter member of the Polka Hall of Fame. For 26 years he volunteered at the Old World Festival on East 185th Street in Cleveland, and served as co-chairman of the Polka Hall of Fame beer booth for many years. Al has been a member of the Cleveland Slovenian Radio Club for 45 years, working as a volunteer each Thanksgiving and for special fund-raising events.

DON KRANCE

1933 – 2007

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2003

Don Krance is a rare craftsman. He builds, repairs, and tunes accordions. He learned his trade from a master accordion-maker, John Mikus, his wife’s uncle, when he moved to Cleveland in 1952, from Yukon, Pennsylvania.  Don has tuned the accordions of most of the polka accordion maestros, such as Joey Miskulin, Walter Ostanek, Johnny and Jeff Pecon. He became in deman after tuning Bob Timko’s accordion to what is the genuine Cleveland-Style polka sound. For 16 years, Don was the leader of a group of accordion players who played each year at the Colorado Polka Festival. He also lead the Euclid Slovenian Chromatic Accordion Club for a decade. Don credits accordion builder Tony Vardian with helping him to hone his skills in accordion craftsmanship, and Don’s brother Ernie for his help.

AL LESLIE

1922 – 2003

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2012

Frank Yankovic Show Band Sidemen.

When Frank Yankovic, America’s Polka King, got his first offer to entertain in Hollywood in 1950, he assembled a touring band of top-notch Cleveland musicians. Anthony “Tops” Cardone performed on the accordion; Arthur “Buddy” Griebel played piano and harmony solovox; Al Leslie appeared on the bass; and Carl Paradiso took over the banjo and vocals. Frank Yankovic and His Yanks headlined in nightclubs in Hollywood and Las Vegas in the early 1950s. They also filmed music shorts and recorded with stars like Doris Day.   

DICK “KING” KUCIEMBA

1932

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1992

An effective sideman is more than a good instrumentalist-–he’s a musical mindreader, endowed with an inner sense that can pick up on any band’s style. That’s what’s made Dick “King” Kuciemba one of the most versatile team-players in Cleveland-style bands. Dick formed his own band in high school and soon became one of Cleveland’s experienced and reliable sidemen, doing stints with Eddie Buehner, Chuck Smith, Ernie Benedict, Eddie Stampfl and other greats. He recorded with Ray Budzilek and Johnny Pecon. Moving to Michigan in 1972, Dick joined the Andy Nester Band and, later, the Eddie Adamic Orchestra, recording with both and touring Europe. Dick is also at home with mainstream dancebands and the Polish polka sound. He has backed up the nationally-known Jimmy Sturr as well as Ray Budzilek.

DOLORES MIHELICH

1935

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1998

June Price and Dolores Mihelich each had stellar singing careers before joining forces in 1969. Dolores, a soprano, studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music and performed as a soloist, with the St. Vitus Church Choir, and with the Glasbena Matica Singing Society beginning in 1955. June, an alto, sang solo and in ensembles, personal concerts, and starring opera roles with Glasbena for over fifty years. As a Cleveland-Style duet, June and Dolores presented three concerts backed by the Johnny Pecon-Lou Trebar Orchestra, appeared regularly with Frank Yankovic on “Polka Varieties,” toured Slovenia with Pecon-Trebar in 1972, and recorded two albums. Teaming with tenor Eddie Kenik and the Don Slogar Orchestra, June and Dolores gave concerts in Ohio, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, including a benefit for the St. Clair Slovenian National Home which was recorded and produced as a double album.

MIKE LONGO

1928 – 2009

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2001

Mike Longo, owner, and Margot Glinski, manager, of the Slovenian Country House restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio, know the keys to success are with the accordion. For the past thirteen years, Mike and Margot have continued the format of original owner Frank Sterle, by offering good food and good polka music. Polka fans can count on hearing the best Cleveland-Style polka bands live at the establishment each  Friday night, “six to nine while you dine,” by individual polka virtuosos, and on Saturday nights polka bands take the stage at the chalet-themed Country House. What is particularly notable is the fact that the polka hot spot is under the auspices of Mike, who was born in Italy, and Margot, who hails from Germany. The polka tradition is a mainstay at the Slovenian Country House.

MARY SKERLONG

1905 – 1993

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1996

Mary Skerlong, “the first lady of ethnic radio,” was considered the “Slovenian matriarch of Western Pennsylvania.” Broadcasting from Pittsburgh’s Keystone Hotel in 1938, Mary featured live musicians when turntables were not readily available. Elected for thirty consecutive years to host the “American- Slovene Radio Program,” Mary built an audience approaching 50,000 across four states on Pittsburgh’s WPIT, and defied the experts by returning to her post just eight weeks after a heart attack in 1980. Maintaining a Slovenian focus, Mary disdained the support of politicians and sponsors, instead relying on voluntary contributions from her listeners. Mary regularly traveled to Slovenia to keep her repertoire current and featured the recordings of Cleveland-Style orchestras. Mary organized and taught Slovenian language classes, was active throughout the Slovenian community, oversaw Slovenian participation in the Pittsburgh Folk Festival, and was named “Slovenian Woman of the Year” by the American-Slovenes of Western Pennsylvania in 1985.

DON SOSNOSKI

1940

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1991

Drawn by an early fascination with radio, victrolas and 78 rpm records, Don Sosnoski has made a lifelong quest of building one of the most comprehensive ethnic music archives in the world, encompassing the folk music of Slovenia, Poland, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Scandinavia and Austria, and polka music dating from 1910 forward. In amassing nearly 100,000 recordings and broadcasts, Don has taken great care to research, analyze, document, catalog and preserve these materials, complete with biographical files, newspaper articles and pictures. Don’s “Down Polka Memory Lane” was a weekly feature on Tony Petkovsek’s WXEN and WBOE radio shows from 1969 through 1983, along with periodic 60- and 90-minute mini-polka documentaries. Don has also contributed articles of historical interest to various polka publications.

Fritz Scherz Jr.

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

MARTY SINTIC

1932 – 2024

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2015

Marty Sintic led one of the Cleveland area’s top polka bands in the 1970s and 1980s and continued to be in demand as an accordionist. Like many teens raised in the polka heyday following World War II, Marty picked up the accordion. His first band, the Polka Chips, was on local television and toured with TV host Gene Carroll. Marty performed with Polka Hall of Famers Dick Sodja, Dick Flaisman and Art Perko. The Marty Sintic Orchestra featured polka legends, such as Al Markic, Lefty Belle, Bill and Church Srnick, and cousin Jerry Jasinski. Marty often subbed at Frank Yankovic’s Steak House when the Polka King was on the road. Al Markic and Joe Godina produced Marty’s 1971 album, “Project: Polka,” for the Spotlight label. Marty’s original songs include “One Wish,” a waltz recorded by many groups.

SNPJ FARM

1939

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2009

The Cleveland Federation of SNPJ Lodges started looking in 1929 for property suitable for their Slovenski Dom. Finally the Federation had money to purchase property on Heath Road in Kirtland, Ohio. The SNPJ Recreation Grounds was founded in 1939 and the Founders Farm Board consisted of twenty-four men representing six Lodges. The Ladies Auxiliary Founders consisted of eighteen women in 1949. The 1999 Recognition Plaque on the dining-side wall of the kitchen memorializes about fifteen dozen dedicated SNPJ women and men who worked hard to promote activities at the Farm and to continue our Slovenian heritage. The Recreation Grounds consists of the Pavilion, a Clubroom in the caretaker’s house, three auxiliary buildings, picnic tables, balina courts, playground equipment, an outdoor stage, horseshoe pits, walking areas, a soccer field, basketball courts, softball field, and a defunct putt-putt golf course. This complex was built in a rural area as our Slovenski Dom out in the country or on the Farm. These Recreation Grounds are for the enjoyment of SNPJ Members and their families and the friends of SNPJ. There is a Slovenian drying rack or kozolec, one Linden or Lipa tree which was planted in 2004 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the founding of SNPJ, and other Slovenian memorabilia to promote our Slovenian heritage. The Farm or Recreation Grounds provides enjoyment by activities such as, but not limited to, dinners, dances, banquets, pancake breakfasts to begin and end the SNPJ season, the annual Grape Festival in the fall, singing, Slovenian activities, balina, horseshoes, walking, children playground, hay rides, softball, and soccer. From May through October, SNPJ Lodges and Federation groups have dinner/dances each Sunday featuring delicious dinners and sandwiches and bands favoring the Cleveland style polkas.

LOU ROSENBERGER

1928 – 1976

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1993

Before a tragic accident prematurely ended his career, Lou Rosenberger was one of Western Pennsylvania’s most talented and best-loved Cleveland-Style musicians. Playing professionally since high school, Lou joined Fred Gregorich and the Del Fi’s Orchestra in 1964, helping them become one of Western Pennsylvania’s most popular and musically-respected orchestras. Fred cites Lou as the driving force behind the Del Fi’s recordings and credits him with inspiring the musical ideas that made “Cheeze and Crackers” one of their greatest hits. Touring Slovenia in 1971 with Gregorich, Father George Balasko, Millie Smolkovich and sister Francka Sylvester, Lou conceived many of the elements that evolved into the Polka Mass. Colorful, creative and always dependable, Lou threw himself totally into Cleveland-Style music.

Singing Slovenes

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in

PETE SOKACH

1914 – 1966

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1995

At the top of his form at the peak of Cleveland- Style Polka popularity, Pete Sokach teamed with Eddie Habat to lead the Sokach-Habat Tunemixers, one of Cleveland’s hottest bands. Picking up his older brother’s discarded accordion, Pete learned to play and became a bandleader in 1935. Along with Habat, Kenny Bass, and Al Tercek, Pete formed the Tunemixers in 1948, signed with Decca, and landed a weekly radio show with Howie Lund. The Tunemixers’ 1949 recording of “Blue Skirt Waltz” sold over 700,000 copies, dueling valiantly with Frank Yankovic’s Columbia version. Other hit Sokach-Habat recordings include “Tell Me a Story,” “Uncle Nick’s Polka,” and “Socialaires Polka.” Leading his own orchestra through the mid-1960s, Pete appeared on radio and television and remained a major Cleveland-Style figure coast to coast.

JOHNNY SPETICH

1923 – 2000

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2009

A band leader can not make good music without good sidemen, and Lifetime Achievement Winner, Frankie Spetich, had a great saxophone and clarinet player, his brother, Johnny Spetich. Johnny played in the Spetich band from 1946 until he retired in 1994. In fact, the last six years after developing a lung illness, Johnny played piano in the Spetich Orchestra. Throughout the years with his brother Frankie, Johnny could be heard vocalizing, playing sax, clarinet, bass, piano and drums. When full-time drummer Frankie Zupec would play button box, Johnny would put down the sax and clarinet, and slide behind the drums and play along. Johnny was featured along with the orchestra as they made their way through the 1960’s and 1970’s at the polka hot spots in Ohio and Pennsylvania, along with trips to Europe. They also were a favorite on “Polka Varieties” and at the Slovene Center in Barberton, Ohio. Johnny also was a part of over 20 recordings with his brother Frankie and the band and also composed lyrics to a few songs including “Half and Half Polka”. He was also the saxophone player that many other polka bands wanted as a sub, but he didn’t have the time to help them out because of his commitment to his brother and his band. As the band slowed down a bit, he enjoyed playing piano with the Magic City Button Box Showcase and was featured in that role on their first LP in the 1980’s. Johnny was a versatile musician who also loved to play jazz and big band music, something that many polka fans and promoters did not know. Johnny was never one who wanted to be in the spotlight. He enjoyed being sideman for his brother and enjoyed the Cleveland-Style Polka for almost 50 years on the bandstand.

JOE STRADIOT

1926 – 2008

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1998

Joe Stradiot was at the forefront of Cleveland- Style Polkas’ architecture, helping to shape the important role drums would play in this music. Determined to be a drummer since age five, Joey got his first break from Pete Sokach at age fourteen. Irrepressible, Joey cajoled an invitation to join the Johnny Vadnal Orchestra. For nine years, Joey provid excellent vocals and the rhythmic spark that took the Vadnals to the top of Cleveland-Style charts, recording for RCA, touring the nation, and appearing weekly on their “Polka Party” TV show. Joey spent twenty-five years with the Eddie Stampfl Orchestra, regulars on “Polka Varieties” and the “Old Dutch Revue,” and backed Dottie West for three years on “Landmark Jamboree” before finally rejoining Vadnal in 1991. A dramatic vocalist, Joey recorded “Green Valley,” his signature tune, with Eddie Rodick in 1991.

JOEY TOMSICK

1965

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2007

Joey Tomsick is a popular bandleader, accordionist, radio polka disc jockey, and travel host. Joey has performed Cleveland Style polkas for 25 years, since he was a teenager. He has recorded several albums including the award-winning “Smile.” He has received annual Polka Hall of Fame awards for Musician of the Year, Band of the Year, and Button Box Player of the Year. Joey is the editor of the Polka Hall of Fame’s Quarterly Newsletter, and is a founding trustee, serving the past 20 years.

BILL TOMSICK

1935 – 2020

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2011

Art Perko Orchestra Side Musicians.

For 32 years, Art Perko’s orchestra had a distinctive, cohesive sound, due to the fact that three of his sidemen, Bill Tomsick (sax and clarinet), Mike Dragas (bass) and Ray Sterle (drums) were members of the band all those years. Each musician played in polka bands previously. Bill, Mike, and Ray first met as members of the Joe Luzar band.  Soon after the break-up of the band Bill approached Art Perko in behalf of himself, Mike and Ray. The Art Perko Orchestra made its television debut on Cleveland’s syndicated “Polka Varieties” in January 1960, and was featured for 25 years, including the last telecast in 1985.  The group made appearances with Buck Owens, Dottie West, Gene Krupa, Bob Hope, Charlie Price, the Temptations, and Roy Clark. The band’s first album had a hit recording of the “Peanuts Polka” in 1965. Five more albums followed. The trio later joined Tony Fortuna’s band until they retired in 2005.

PAUL WILCOX

1925 – 2010

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2003

Every Sunday afternoon, Paul Wilcox introduced polka music into living rooms in Northeast Ohio on the one hour, television show “Polka Varieties.” He hosted the popular weekly show for 27 years, from 1956 to 1983. Paul, who was a distinguished flyer in the United States Air Force in the Korean War and World War II, had a broadcasting career that spanned five decades. He began on radio in 1947, and retired from radio in 1990, in Florida, where he now resides.His radio career included, the Paul Wilcox Polka Radio Show, which he hosted from 1973 to 1988 on various stations in Cleveland. Paul and America’s Polka King Frankie Yankovic teamed up as escorts on more than sixty polka tours worldwide.

JOE WHITE, SR.

1922 – 1977

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 1994

Joe White’s life revolved around Cleveland-Style music and making people happy. Working with the Al Strukel, Ray Champa and Frankie Kramer Orchestras from the early 1950s, Joe relocated from his native Western Pennsylvania to Cleveland’s Collinwood area in 1959 before forming his own band in 1964. The Joe White Orchestra quickly became one of Cleveland’s most popular groups, recording for Delta Inter-national and appearing regularly on TV. Later, under the leadership of accordionist Stan Blout, the band recorded memorable Cleveland-Style hits, such as “Kirk’s Polka,” “You Don’t Wanna,” “Burgettstown Polka,” and Joe’s composition, “Waltz of Love.” Playing banjo, guitar and bass, as well as vocalizing, Joe performed with Cleveland’s name bands through the 1970s and traveled with Frank Yankovic until his untimely passing in 1977. Also accomplished on the violin, mandolin, harmonica and accordion, Joe White was honored as Collinwood Slovenian Home’s Man of the Year in 1973.

DAN WOJTILA

DAN WOJTILA – 1953

AL BAMBIC – 1953

DAVE SKRAJNER – 1954

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame
Trustees Honor Roll Recipient

Inducted in 2019

Al, Dave and Dan have performed in Cleveland-Style polka bands together since the 1970s. They played in two of the first groups to feature bold, young Baby Boom musicians raised on rock and roll. The three teamed with Don Wojtila in the dynamic, original Eddie Rodick Orchestra, where they perfected their close, three-part vocalizing. When Don started his own band, they helped him create the lively and versatile Don Wojtila polka sound. They still go strong with Dan on sax and clarinet, Dave on bass and vocals, and Al on drums.