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ConcertinaMusic.com has compiled a list of Concertina People; individuals who have made a contribution to the chemnitzer concertina through their efforts as bandleaders, composers, innovators, manufacturers, musicians, promoters, retailers, teachers, and technicians. Each person is listed by name with basic information about them and their contribution to the concertina.

You can browse the list of Concertina People by selecting one of the individual letters from the menu. Each page includes a list of last names that begin with only that letter. The Search feature may be helpful for finding specific people.

Bakowski, Al (Big Al)

  • Cheektowaga, New York
  • Musician
  • Bands: Buffalo Concertina All-Stars

Big Al Bakowski; 2003 Big Al Bakowski; 2004

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Bakowski, Eric

  • Cheektowaga, New York
  • Musician
  • Bands: Phocus


Eric Bakowski; 2006

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Ball, David

  • Rockville, Maryland
  • Musician
  • Bands: Kolegi


Christy Hengel and David Ball; 1989 David Ball; 1990 David Ball; 2004 Bob Mazurek and Dave Ball; 2005

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Band, Heinrich (1821 – 1890)

  • Krefeld on Rhine, Germany
  • Innovator (keyboard layout), Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2022)
  • Detailed Biography

Heinrich Band; undated

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Banks, Wally (Bonkowski, Walter)

  • Wisconsin
  • Musician
  • Bands: Wallie Banks and His Polka Stars

Wally Banks; 1991 Wally Banks; undated

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Bardon, Bill

  • New Prague, Minnesota
  • Musician
  • Bands: Billy Bob Trio, George’s Concertina Band

Bill Bardon; 2006 Bill Bardon; 2013

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Bartelt, Leo (1910-2004)

  • Springfield, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1990)
  • Detailed Biography

Leo Bartelt; undated

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Bartke, Jim

  • Illinois
  • Musician

Jim Bartke, Tony Bartke; 1991

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Baseler, Tim (1956 – 2010)

  • Muskego, Wisconsin
  • Musician

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Bator, Joe

  • Des Planes, Illinois
  • Musician

Joe Bator; 1991

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Beachly, Jack

  • Uniontown, Pennsylvania
  • Musician
  • Bands: Lenny Gomulka and The Chicago Push, Frankie Liszka and TBC, Trel Tones, Toledo Polkamotion, Dynasonics, John Gora and Gorale, Ethnic Jazz

Jack Beachly; unknown Jack Beachly; 2009

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Beelow, Albert (1914 – 2003)

  • Algonquin, Illinois
  • Composer, Musician, Teacher
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1992)
  • Detailed Biography

Albert Beelow; 1992

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Behrend, Ervin (1917 – 2002)

  • Coleman, Wisconsin
  • Musician, Promoter, Teacher
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2000)
  • Detailed Biography

Ervin Behrend; 2000

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Benesh, John (1912 – 2007)

  • Calumet City, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1991)
  • Detailed Biography

John Benesh; 1991 John Benesh; 1991

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Benkowski, Rich (1955 – )

  • East Palestine, Ohio
  • Composer, Musician
  • Bands: The Brass Connection, Bruno Mikos and The Harmony Stars, Polka-Aires
  • Honors: United States Polka Association – Favorite Song, International Polka Association – Favorite Song

Rich Benkowski; undated Rich Benkowski (Photo by Al Block); 2003 Rich Benkowski (Photo by Al Block); 2004

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Berendt, Frank Jr.

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Composer, Musician
  • Bands: Old Country Village Musicians

Frank Berendt Jr; 1991 Frank Berendt Jr.; undated

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Berendt, Frank Sr.

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1996)
  • Detailed Biography

Frank Berendt Sr.; undated Frank Berendt Sr.; undated

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Bernhardt, Barbara

  • Cicero, Illinois
  • Promoter
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1994)
  • Detailed Biography

Barbara Bernhardt; 2007

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Bernhardt, John (1938 – 2007)

  • Cicero, Illinois
  • Innovator (manufacturing methods), Manufacturer (Star Concertina), Musician
  • Bands: Bohemian American Concertina Association
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1994)
  • Detailed Biography

John Bernhardt; 2000 John Bernhardt; 2001 John Bernhardt; 2007

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Beyer, Alfred (1929 – 2023)

  • Texas, Wisconsin
  • Musician, Promoter (Central Wisconsin Concertina Club)

Alfred Beyer; 2008

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Beyers, Rodney

  • Freesoil, Michigan
  • Musician

Rodney Beyers; 2009

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Biegaj, Eddie (1962 – )

  • Toldeo, Ohio
  • Composer, Musician
  • Bands: Crusade, Twilighters, Polka Peddlers,The Troubadours, Barb Zielinski and The Holy Toledo Polka Stars, Toledo Polka Motion
  • Honors: United States Polka Association – Male Vocalist (1991), Grammy Nomination (1991), International Polka Association – Polka Music Hall of Fame (1996)

Eddie Biegaj (Photo by Al Block); 2003 Eddie Biegaj; 2005 Eddie Biegaj; 2006 Eddie Biegaj; unknown Eddie Biegaj; 2024

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Bierschbach, Jerry (1953 – )

  • Melrose, Minnesota
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: Jerry’s Dance Band
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2019)

Jerry Bierschbach; 2009

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Black, Ed-Vern

  • New London, Minnesota
  • Musician

Ed-Vern Black; 2005

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Blazonczyk, Eddie Jr. (1967 – )

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Bandleader, Composer, Musician
  • Bands: Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones, The Brass Works
  • Honors: United States Polka Association – Favorite Single: Bride and Groom (undated), United Polka Association – Favorite Concertina Player (undated), Grammy Nomination (undated)

Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. (Photo by Al Block); 2003 Eddie Blazonczyk Jr.; 2005 Eddie Blazonczyk Jr.; 2006

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Blazonczyk, Eddie Sr. (1940 – 2012)

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Bandleader, Composer, Musician
  • Bands: Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones, Eddie Bell and the Bel-Aires, Marion Lush
  • Honors: National Fellowship (1998), Grammy Nomination (undated), Grammy Winner (1987), International Polka Association – Polka Music Hall of Fame (1969)

Eddie Blazonczyk Sr. as 'Eddy Bell'; unknown Eddie Blazonczyk Sr; undated Eddie Blazonczyk Sr; unknown

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Blazonczyk, Tony (1972 – )

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Bands: Rusty Fingers, Chicago Knights, South Side Sounds, Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones, Midwest Sounds
  • Honors: United Polka Association – Accordion Player of the Year (1998)

Tony Blazonczyk; 1991 Tony Blazonczyk; unknown Tony Blazonczyk; 2006

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Blim, Charles (1893 – 1955)

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1978)
  • Detailed Biography

Charles Blim and Steve Antzak; 1932 Charles Blim and Rudy Patek; 1924

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Boehm, Frank Joseph (1888 – 1954)

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Composer, Musician
  • Bands: Vaudeville performer; Chicago Concertina Club

Frank Boehm and daughter; undated

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Bogdon, Christopher (1971 – )

  • Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
  • Musician
  • Bands: Li’l John and The ATM Band, Polka Jets, Double Shot, Energy, Rhythm and Sound
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2020)
  • Detailed Biography

Chris Bogdon; undated Chris Bogdon; undated Chris Bogdon; undated

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Bojan, Ed (1922 – 2014)

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Bands: The Top Hats Polka Band

Ed Bojan; 1991 Eddie Bojan and Casey Puzio; 2009

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Bondowski, John M. (1899 – 1978)

  • Oak Creek, Wisconsin
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1986)
  • Detailed Biography

John Bondowski; undated John Bondowski; 1940 John Bondowski; undated John Bondowski; 1944

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Bondowski, Lester (Les Bonde)

  • Shawano, Wisconsin
  • Musician, Teacher
  • Bands: The Melody Notes
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1984), Wisconsin Orchestra Leaders Association Orchestra Leader of the Year (2011)
  • Detailed Biography

Les Bonde; 1984 Cheri Wogsland, Jim Soufal, Les Bondowski; undated Les Bondowski; 2007 Cheri Wogsland and Les Bondowski; undated

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Borchardt, Ed

  • Athens, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Ed Borchardt; 2009

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Borzymowski, Ted

  • Fallston, Maryland
  • Musician
  • Bands: Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push, Jimmy Sturr, Boys From Baltimore, Charm City Sound, Polka Country Musicians

Ted Borzymowski; 2008

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Brandon, Helen (1922 – 2013)

  • Union, Michigan
  • Promoter
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1998)
  • Detailed Biography

Helen Brandon; 1998

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Branz, Del (1930 – 1998)

  • Hartville, Ohio
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1999)
  • Detailed Biography

Del Branz; 1999

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Breitenfeldt, Alan

  • Wausau, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Alan Breitenfeldt; 2009

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Brewczynski, Ted

  • Depere, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Tracy and Ted Brewczynski; undated Ted Brewczynski; undated

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Brewczynski, Tracy

  • Depere, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Tracy and Ted Brewczynski; undated

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Broskowski, Dave

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Dave Broskowski; 2009

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Brown, Bill

  • New Ulm, Minnesota
  • Manufacturer (Brown Concertina), Musician, Retailer (Stradivarius Concertina)
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1986)
  • Detailed Biography

Bill Brown and Steve Litwin; undated

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Brown, Richard

  • Cleveland, Wisconsin
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2011)

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Brueggen, Brian

  • Cashton, Wisconsin
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: Mississippi Valley Dutchmen
  • Honors: Minnesota Ballroom Operators Association – Band of the Year (1987), World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2009)

Brian Brueggen; undated

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Brueggen, Gary (Wisconsin’s Concertina Kid) (1972 – )

  • Ontario, Wisconsin
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: The Ridgeland Dutchmen, Karl’s Country Dutchmen, Brian’s Mississippi Valley Dutchmen, Jim Busta, Richie Yurkovich, Mike McIntyre, Ray Dorschner’s Rainbow Valley Dutchmen
  • Honors: Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame – New Band Upcoming Band (1998) and Band of the Year (2003, 2008), World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2008)

Gary Brueggen; undated Gary Brueggen; undated Gary Brueggen; 2009

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Bruzdzinski, Casey (1924 – 2007)

  • Calumet City, Illinois
  • Musician, Teacher
  • Bands: Casey Bruzdzinski Orchestra, Bohemian American Concertina Association, Chet Lasik Concertina Jamboree, Ed Nowak 4 Plus 1 Concertina Band, St. Joe Concertina Club
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2004)
  • Detailed Biography

Casey Bruzdzinski and David Bruzdzinski; 1975 David Bruzdzinski, Stanley Yagelski and Casey Bruzdzinski; 1975 Casey Bruzdzinski; 2004

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Bruzdzinski, David (1960 – 2012)

  • Calumet City, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Bands: Jerry Tarka and the Midwest Sounds, Chicago Push, Dominoes, Downtown Sound, The Good Times, Li’l Richard, Music Company, Pala Brothers, Paliga Polka Dots, St. Joe Concertina Club, Stas Golonka, Windy City Brass
  • Honors: United Polka Association – Outstanding Concertina Player of the Year (1987), World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2004)
  • Detailed Biography

Casey Bruzdzinski and David Bruzdzinski; 1975 David Bruzdzinski, Stanley Yagelski and Casey Bruzdzinski; 1975 David Bruzdzinski; 2004

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Brzeczkowski, Tammy

  • Pulaski, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Tammy Brzeczkowski; 2009

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Brzezinski, Joe

  • Sobieski, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Joe Brzezinski; 2009

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Brzeski, Carl (1934 – )

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Musician, Teacher

Carl Brzeski; 2007

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Bubula, Rick

  • Downer’s Grove, Illinois
  • Bandleader, Musician, Promoter
  • Bands: Concertina Trio, Cicero Concertina Circle, Joe Walega’s Happy Hearts, The Bula Boys

Rick Bubula; 2008 Rick Bubula and Stas Micek; 2008

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Buciur, Dan ( – 1975)

  • Boston, New York
  • Musician
  • Bands: Modernaires

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Buczko, Ronald (1937 – 2011)

  • Berwyn, Illinois
  • Musician, Promoter (Wednesday Night Polka Club)
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1994)
  • Detailed Biography

Ron Buczko; 1991 Ronald Buczko; 1994 George Hrica and Ron Buczko; undated Ron Buczko; undated

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Bulanda, Stas (1953 – 2010)

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Bandleader, Composer, Musician
  • Bands: Stas Bulanda’s Dyno Chicago, Windy City Brass, Dial-A-Tones, Average Polka Band
  • Honors: International Polka Association – Favorite Song (undated), United Polka Association – Songwriters Award (undated), United States Polka Association – Favorite Song (undated)

Stas Bulanda; undated Stas Bulanda; 1991

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Bulau, Marvin

  • Minnesota
  • Musician
  • Bands: Wally Pikal Band

Marvin Bulau; 2008

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Bulinski, Daniel (1951 – )

  • Red Lion, Pennsylvania
  • Musician
  • Bands: TKO, Musical Knights, Musicalaires

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Burclaw, Duane

  • Rosholt, Wisconsin
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: Duane Burclaw and The Golden Aces
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2011)

Duane Burclaw; 2007 Duane and Steve Burclaw; 2009

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Burclaw, Steve

  • Rosholt, Wisconsin
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: Duane Burclaw and The Golden Aces, Polish Soundz

Steve Burclaw; 2007 Steve Burclaw; 2009

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Burmeister, Art

  • Arlington Heights, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2010)

Art Burmeister; 2009

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Busse, Don

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Don Busse; 2006

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Busta, Jim (1947 – 2024)

  • Spring Grove, Minnesota
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: Jim Busta Band
  • Honors: Polka Club of Iowa – Musicians Hall of Fame

Jim Busta; 2004 Jim Busta; 2007

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Butalla, Jerry

  • Big Bend, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Jerry Butalla; 2006 Jerry Butalla; 2007 Jerry Butalla and Syl Janczak; 2008

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