Roll out the barrel.
The International Polka Association will be holding its 26th annual International Polka Festival Thursday through next Sunday at the Ramada O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont.
“Polka & More in ’94” will feature such entertainers as Eddie Blazonczyk & His Versatones of Chicago-Blazonczyk, of course, is a Polka Hall of Famer and Grammy Award winner-and 8-year-old Ryan Ogrodny, who heads the McKeesport (Pa.) band called Ryan Ogrodny and Henny and the Versa J’s.
Three other Chicago groups will be appearing: the Ampol Aires, the Goodtimes and CMA (Chicago’s Milwaukee Avenue).
Also on hand will be Happy Richie’s Polka Band from Buffalo, N.Y.; Polish Connection from Schofield, Wis.; Jackie Libera’s Classix from Oxford, Mass.; and Orlando’s Polka Magic from Florida.
Among the events will be poolside polka parties, night-owl jam sessions, a pajama jam session, DJ Night and a polka “wake-up call” party. There will also be a three-hour broadcast on WPNA-AM (1490), featuring a mystery band; two casino nights; the annual Polka Music Hall of Fame and Music Awards presentation; and a polka mass.
Daily admission is $5 on Thursday, and $9 in advance ($10 after Monday) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (For more information, call the International Polka Association at 312-254-7771.)