KLANCNIK AND FRIENDS
The Klancnik and Friends Band has become one of the most dynamic and energetic groups in all of polka music. Specializing in the “Cleveland-Style” of polkas, the band’s goal is not only to help preserve this genre, but to further evolve it’s distinctly American roots. The band’s sound can be very aggressive at times. It has been described as a “Polka Powerhouse” and as being a “Polka Inferno.” One critic wrote: “The band totally rocks, with a sound that I would call Neo-Slovenian.” In addition to their hard driving polkas, the group also performs several other styles of music that compliments their instrumentation and individual abilities.
Youtube Video
STEVE MEISNER LEGACY BAND
Steve Meisner was a multi-talented musician, entertainer, composer & arranger. He began playing the accordion at the age of 5 and began to earn a living in the music business starting at the age of 16 and continuing until his death in 2023. Steve’s brand of music was extremely versatile and appealing to a wide audience. He made a name for himself by taking the music he grew up with from his father and adding his own imagination and feeling. Today, long-time members of Steve’s band continue to keep the Meisner legacy alive by playing many of the songs and arrangements that Steve was famous for along with continuing to feature many different styles of music. The Steve Meisner Legacy Band will perform all weekend long and also continue to close out the Illinois Polkafest on Sunday afternoon.
Steve Meisner Website
Youtube Videos
EDDIE RODICK ORCHESTRA
Throughout more than 5 decades, Eddie Rodick has been a mainstay on the Cleveland-style polka scene. He has released nearly a dozen recordings and has performed at the most prestigious polka fests and events throughout the country, including the Illinois Polkafest. Eddie returns again with an outstanding lineup that is sure to entertain during all three days of the festival. After many years, Eddie still puts on a show like no other – a show you won’t want to miss at this year’s Illinois Polkafest.
Youtube Video
Youtube Video
GARRETT TATANO BAND
The Garrett Tatano Band is a young, high-energy group that specializes in Cleveland-style (Slovenian) polka music. Their drive and enthusiasm creates an environment that is sure to have the crowd on their feet and dancing all night long! Their style pays tribute to the legends that paved the way for polka music while adding their own spin, making them a must see group. If you’re looking for polka entertainment, look no further. The Garrett Tatano Band offers polka music for today and tomorrow – guaranteeing the future of polka music! We are excited for IPF fans to experience this exciting your band in person again this year throughout all 3 days of the festival.
Youtube Video
THE ZOLKAS
Polka fans will remember the Zolka Brothers Bob and Ernie. They burst onto the polka scene in the 1980s and helped to create the Youngstown polka sound. The band made many Illinois Polkafest performances over the years. Move forward multiple decades and the band is back with Bob’s son RJ taking the place of Ernie and blending old with the new while keeping that distinct Zolka sound. Today’s Zolkas are a high-energy band from Northeast Ohio, blending their polka roots with rock, pop, and party anthems to create an unforgettable live experience. Known for their crowd engagement and dynamic performances, they bring a fresh, modern twist to traditional sounds while keeping dance floors packed all night long. The Illinois Polkafest is thrilled to welcome The Zolkas back to Illinois.
ALEX MEIXNER
Alex Meixner is a nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of polka music. Formally trained in classical, jazz and ethnic music, Alex has cross-pollinated his versatile playing styles through pop music, funk, jazz and polka. He is an active ambassador for polka music, revitalizing interest coast to coast resulting in sold out shows, renewed cultural interest, and growing mainstream acceptance. For Alex, it’s more than playing energetic shows; it is a mission to provide a much needed positive experience that pulls communities together to celebrate history, culture and genuinely good times. The Illinois Polkafest will again feature Alex Meixner on Saturday for an exciting performance you won’t forget!
Alex Meixner Website
JOEY MISKULIN
Joey Miskulin returns to the Illinois Polkafest again this year to join in on all the music and fun. Joey has had a huge career as a producer, in-demand studio musician, and member of Grammy-award winning group Riders In The Sky. For over 5 decades, he has collaborated with a range of artists from U2 to Roy Rogers, from Paul McCartney to Frank Yankovic, and many more. He is also very well known from his many years in polka music including performing and recording with the Mis-Tre Band. This will be a very rare opportunity to hear Joey return to his polka roots along with the other Illinois Polkafest bands.
See the 2027 event flyer
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Illinois Polkafest 