The New Tradition has it's roots in the small western Pennsylvania coal mining town of Smock. In the early 1930's, John "Mitzi" Volek started his Polish American orchestra fashioned in the then popular style of Frank Wojnarowski. After returning from W.W. II, he continued in the polka music field until shortly before his death in 1990.
Meanwhile, in 1963, his son Alan, began playing with Sil Martini and the Invictas and toured many cities in the late 60's with the Marion Lush band.
Time passes by, and now in 1998, Al's sons, Alan Jr., Jeff and Erik make up the nucleus of the band. Over the years, the boys watched as many fine musicians added their talents to polka music. Using the finest qualities of those musicians they ultimately developed their style.
Now is the time for the next generation to continue the Tradition. They have great talents, ideas, enthusiasm, and a never-ending love of polka music. This is just the beginning. Now is the time for rebirth, new ideas, and styles. the Tradition lives on...
The New Tradition has 2 releases, their first being "A Matter of Time", and the second is entitled "All Tuned Up". Both are available at Their Web Site
Definately not strangers to the polka world are Lenny Gomulka and The Chicago Push. Since the band originated in 1980, they have paved their own path in Polka Music's history, playing in over 3,000 towns across & beyond the country, from New York to Hawaii and from Canada to Mexico. From winning literally hundreds of awards, to being featured in Billboard Magazine and The New York Times, they continually prove to give their audiences innovative music of quality and originality. Their success has been built on a foundation of high standards. They have Eithteen releases, including the latest release, "Home Is Where The Heart Is". Visit their website.
During their constant travels and performances throughout the United States, chances are good that Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones will be playing your favorite polka music at an event near you. Since 1963, Eddie Blazonczyk has led his band in over 5,200 appearances, touring the USA, Canada, France, Austria and Poland.
Over the past thirty-three years, Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones have recorded 50 albums on the Bel-Aire label and received over 125 miscellaneous awards for Best Instrumental Band, Best Single Recording, Best Album, Best Polka Video, and Best Male Vocalist by the International Polka Association, the United States Polka Association, and the United Polka Boosters.
Eddie Blazonczyk's career highlights include his election into the I.P.A Polka Music Hall Of Fame in 1970, and in 1986 he received a Grammy from the National Academy Of Recording Arts and Sciences for the recording Polka Celebration. Overall, the Versatones have been nominated for a Grammy ten times.
John Góra's Band - The Górale (Mountaineers) also known as The Music Factory (T.M.F.), has been performing for many years at many different polka festivals, dances and special events throughout the USA and Canada. Six musicians, who are all friends, treat the band as a weekend hobby. The band is very versatile by playing a variety of music that includes polkas, pop, big band, country and international favorites catering to Italian, German, Polish and all Slavic audiences. To date the band has released a total of 3 CD's. The first one being "Ready for Takeoff" followed by "Take a Spin With John Gora and Gorale" and in 1997 the newest release "Duty Free Polkas." I only get to see John Gora & Gorale once or twice a year, and he puts on a GREAT show everytime without fail!
