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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.

Kadlubowski, Walter Sr. (1891 – 1937)

Walter Kadlubowski Sr.; undated Walter Kadlubowski Sr.; undated

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Kadlubowski, Walter Jr. (1927 – 1991)

Walter Kadlubowski Jr.; undated Walter Kadlubowski Jr.; undated

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Kaminski, James

  • Lackawanna, New York
  • Musician
  • Bands: Steel City Brass, Buffalo Brass, Nickel City Boys

Jim Kaminski; 2011

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Kaminski, Mildred (Concertina Millie) (1925 – 2017)

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1982)
  • Detailed Biography

Al Gostomski / Roberts and Millie Kaminski; 1959 Concertina Millie; 1964 Concertina Millie; 2003 Concertina Millie; 2006 Syl Janczak, Bryan O'Donnell and Concertina Millie; 2008

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Kamont, Dick (1933 – 2015)

  • Michigan City, Indiana
  • Musician, Promoter (Polka DJ – WIMS and WEFM)
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2024)
  • Detailed Biography

Dick Kamont; undated Dick Kamont, Clarence Tylisz, Stanley Yagelski, Rick Yagelski; 1975 Dick Kamont, Clarence Tylisz, Stanley Yagelski, Rick Yagelski; 1975 Dick Kamont; 1975 Dick Kamont; undated

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Karmasian, Joe (Polka Joe)

  • LaGrange, Illinois
  • Musician

Joe Karmasian; 1990 Joe Karmasian; 1991

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Karpek, Andrew (1894 – 1942)

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Manufacturer (Karpek Concertina), Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1976)
  • Detailed Biography

Andrew Karpek; undated

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Karpek, George (1918 – 1988)

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Innovator, Manufacturer (Karpek Concertina), Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1982)
  • Detailed Biography

George Karpek; undated

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Karwowski, Chris (1958 – )

  • Ridgewood, New York
  • Musician
  • Bands: Mike Niemiec’s Variety Band, The Hitmen, Jolly Rich

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Katelan, George

  • Pennsylvania
  • Musician

George Katelan; 1920 George Katelan; undated George Katelan; undated

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Kath, Clarence (Ben) (1916 – 2017)

  • Arlington Heights, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2006)

Tom Sandel, Ben Kath; 2006 John Rakoski, Ben Kath, John Schnittker; undated

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Kay, Sal

  • Hammond, Indiana
  • Musician

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Kazlauskas, Stanley (1927 – 2016)

  • Scottville, Michigan
  • Musician

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Kehl, Wally

  • Wisconsin
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: Wally Kehl Orchestra

Wally Kehl; undated

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Keltgen, Kris

  • Mankato, Minnesota
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: Kris and the Riverbend Dutchmen; Plum Krazy; Double Shot

Kris Keltgen; 2010

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Kempinski, Mitch

  • Dearborn Heights, Michigan
  • Musician
  • Bands: DynaBrass

Mitch Kempinski; 2009

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Kenderes, Roger (1938 – )

  • Fountain Valley, California
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: Roger and The Villagers

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Kensy, Walter (Wally) (1926 – 2013)

  • Arden Hills, Minnesota
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: The Jolly Coppersmiths, Caps Oldtimers, The Doug Dickover Band, The Zen Zens, The Wally Kensy Concertina Band
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2012)

Wally Kensy and Doug Dickover; 2007

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Kerschke, Earl (1929 – 2019)

  • Waukesha, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Earl Kerschke; 2006 Earl Kerschke; 2008

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Kiewicz, Ted (Tadziu) (1942 – )

  • Las Vega, Nevada
  • Musician
  • Bands: Jimmie Mieszala’s Music Explosion, 47th Street Concertina Club, Chet Lasik’s Concertina Jamboree, Dial-A-Tones, Chicago’s Milwaukee Ave, Little Richard Towalski, Chicago Polka Gents, Stas Bulanda’s All-Stars, Joe Walega’s Happy Hearts, Ed Klish and the Midnighters, Chet Kowalkowski’s Polish Carolers
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2021)
  • Detailed Biography

Tadziu Kiewicz; 1965 Tadziu Kiewicz; 1982 Tadziu Kiewicz; 1982 Tadziu Kiewicz; 1982 Tadziu Kiewicz; undated Tadziu Kiewicz; undated

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Kijek, Stanley

  • Naperville, Illinois
  • Musician

Stan Kijek; 1991 Stan Kijek; 2006 John Rakoski and Stan Kijek; 2008

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King, Barney (1925 – 2001)

  • Schofield, Wisconsin
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1987)
  • Detailed Biography

Barney King; 1987 Barney King and Bernie King; undated

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King, Bernie (1925 – 2020)

  • Schofield, Wisconsin
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1987)
  • Detailed Biography

Bernie King; 1987 Barney King and Bernie King; undated Bernie King; undated Bernie King; undated

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King, Larry

  • Byron, Georgia
  • Musician


Larry King; 2009

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Klaman, Frank (1920 – 2013)

  • Jackson, Wisconsin
  • Composer, Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1985)
  • Detailed Biography

Frank Klaman; 1985

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Klinkosh, John

  • Muskego, Wisconsin
  • Musician

John Klinkosh; 2006 John Klinkosh; 2009

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Kliszak, Casey

  • Depew, New York
  • Musician
  • Bands: Happy Richie’s Polka Band, Ampol Tones, Sunshine
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2017)

Al Tucholski, Frank Stanczewski, Joe Spila, Joe Noworyta, Casey Kliszak and Len Jaskowiak; 1970 Casey Kliszak; 1992 Casey Kliszak (Photo by Al Block); 2003 Casey Kliszak (Photo by Al Block); 2004

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Kloba, Ted

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Musician, Promoter (The Concertina Novice)

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Klossner, Donnie

  • New Ulm, Minnesota
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Bands: Donnie Klossner Band (Musik mit herz), Babe Wagner Band
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2005)

Donnie Klossner; 2005

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Knapczyk, Joyce

  • Sun City Center, Florida
  • Musician

Joyce Knapczyk; 2009

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Kniess, Tom

  • Stratford, Wisconsin
  • Bandleader, Composer, Musician
  • Bands: Tom Kniess Orchestra, Tuba Dan Polka Band
  • Honors: Wisconsin Band Leader of the Year (1996)

Tom Kniess; 2016

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Knoll, Paul (1934 – 2012)

  • Sarasota, Florida
  • Bandleader, Musician, Promoter
  • Honors: Wisconsin Band Leader of the Year (2004)
  • Detailed Biography

Paul Knoll; undated

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Knoll, Robert

  • Harvard, Illinois
  • Musician

Robert Knoll; 1992 Robert Knoll; 2007

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Kochanski, Andy

Andy Kochanski; 2008

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Kocon, Ed (1937 – 2018)

  • Hammond, Indiana
  • Musician, Promoter (Cicero Concertina Circle)

Ed Kocon; undated

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Kocon, Mike

  • Griffith, Indiana
  • Musician, Promoter (Cicero Concertina Circle)

Mike Kocon; undated

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Kocon, Peter

  • Hammond, Indiana
  • Musician, Promoter (Cicero Concertina Circle), Teacher

Pete Kocon; 2006

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Kocon, Stanley

  • Hammond, Indiana
  • Bandleader, Musician

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Kodet, Ambrose (1934 – 2022)

  • Mankato, Minnesota
  • Musician, Technician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2004)
  • Detailed Biography

Ambrose Kodet; 2007

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Kohan, Mark (1960 – )

  • Orchard Park, New York
  • Musician, Promoter (Author, Editor Polish American Journal)
  • Bands: Steel City Brass
  • Honors: Buffalo Music Hall of Fame (2003)

Mark Kohan; 1994 Steve Litwin and Mark Kohan; unknown Mark Kohan and Randy Krajewski; unknown Mark Kohan and Casey Kliszak; unknown

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Kolpacki, LeRoy

  • Wausau, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Leroy Kolpacki; undated

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Kondziella (Kay), Francis (1914 – 1956)

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Composer, Musician

Francis Kondziella; undated

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Konkol, Ray

  • Stevens Point, Wisconsin
  • Bandleader, Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2003)
  • Detailed Biography

Ray Konkol; 2003 Ray Konkol; 2005 Ray Konkol; 2006

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Konrath, Lloyd (1938 – 2022)

  • Germantown, Wisconsin
  • Musician, Promoter (World Concertina Congress)
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1999)
  • Detailed Biography

Lloyd Konrath; 2006 Lloyd Konrath; 2007 Lloyd Konrath; 2008

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Kops, Earl (1930 – 2007)

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

Earl Kops; 1998 Earl Kops, Jack Zimmerman, Tom Sandel; 2006

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Koryluk, Nick (1987 – )

  • Hicksville, Long Island, New York
  • Bandleader, Musician, Promoter (Internet Jockey: Polka Madness, Polka Jammer Network)
  • Bands: DynaVersaStickToneAires, Lenny Gomulka and The Chicago Push, also performed with: Polka Country Musicians, Eddie Biegaj and Crusade, Dennis Polisky and The Maestro’s Men, Jolly Rich, John Steven’s Doubleshot, Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones, and Jimmy Sturr
  • Honors: Freddy “K” Kendzierski Memorial Scholarship (2005)

Nick Koryluk; 2005 Nick Koryluk; 2006 Nick Koryluk; unknown Nick Koryluk; 2019

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Kostek, Tom (1951 – )

  • Hadley, Massachusetts
  • Musician
  • Bands: Billy Belina and Bay State, Sounds Unlimited, Heavy Chicago

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Kotkiewicz, Leo (1937 – 2006)

  • Allison Park, Pennsylvania
  • Musician

Leo Kotkiewicz; 2003 Leo Kotkiewicz; 2004 Leo and Irene Kotkiewicz; 2006

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Kowalkowski, Chet

  • Lockport, Illinois
  • Band Leader, Musician
  • Bands: Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones, Ampol Aires, Happy Hearts, Dial-a-Tones, Music Explosion, Paliga Polka Dots, Vibrasounds and numerous others.
  • Honors: Stan Wozniak Jr. Memorial Award (1987); United Polka Association – Best Trumpet Player (1988), International Polka Association – Hall of Fame (1991)

Chet Kowalkowski; undated Eddie Blazonczyk and Chet Kowalkowski; 1965 Chet Kowalkowski; 1968 Chet Kowalkowski; 1974

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Krafjack, Mike

  • Janesville, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Mike Krafjack; 2008

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Krajewski, Randy

  • Toledo, Ohio
  • Musician
  • Bands: Crusade, Holy Toledo

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Kramarczyk, Jerry (1937 – 2015)

  • Harvard, Illinois
  • Musician, Teacher
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1994)
  • Detailed Biography

Jerry Kramarczyk and Ted Kiewicz; 1973 Jerry Kramarczyk; 1975 Jerry Kramarczyk; 1994

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Kramas, Paul (1919 – 2011)

  • Greenwood, Wisconsin
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2003)
  • Detailed Biography

Paul Kramas; 2003 Paul Kramas; 2006

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Krawczyk, Ray

  • New Berlin, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Ray Krawczyk; 2011

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Krawiec, Greg Jr.

  • Niles, Michigan
  • Musician

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Krawiec, Greg Sr. (1951 – 2014)

  • South Bend, Indiana
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2003)
  • Detailed Biography

Greg Krawiec; 2003 Greg Krawiec; 2006

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Kreis, Ed

  • West Bend, Wisconsin
  • Musician, Technician (Kreis Concertina)

Ed Kreis; 2006

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Krengiel, Tom

  • Elk Grove Village, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Bands: Chicago Image, Downtown Sound, Chicago Push, Chicago Masters, Li’l Richard, Marion Lush

Tom Krengiel; undated Tom Krengiel; undated

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Krueger, Roy

  • Illinois
  • Musician

Rick Zarek, Dick Zarek, Roy Krueger; 2007

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Krukowski, Erv (1924 – 2020)

  • Wausaukee, Wisconsin
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (2006)

Erv Krukowski; undated

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Krystopolski, Andrew

  • New Jersey
  • Musician
  • Bands: The Alliance

Andrew Krystopolski; undated

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Krzebiot, Edward (Slats) (1914 – 1992)

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Musician
  • Bands: 47th Street Concertina Club
  • Honors: United Polka Association – Special Rcognition Award (1982), Mother Theresa Home – Appreciation Award (1980)

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Krzmarzick, Jerry

  • Rochester, Minnesota
  • Musician

Jerry Krzmarzick; 2008

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Kubowski, Marie

  • Stevens Point, Wisconsin
  • Musician
  • Bands: Norm Dombrowski and the Happy Notes

Marie Kubowski; 2009

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Kucera, Emil (Kutch)

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Musician

Ed Pavlik, Emil Kucera and Ted Kush; undated

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Kucera, Frank (1898-1982)

  • El Monte, California
  • Musician, Promoter
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1983)
  • Detailed Biography

Frank Kucera; 1991

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Kucera, Sonny (The Professor)

  • Arizona
  • Musician, Teacher

Sonny Kucera; 1991

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Kuczynski, Ervin (Max King) (1920 – 2010)

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1983)
  • Detailed Biography

Max King; undated Max King; 1991

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Kujanik, Joseph (1926 – 2014)

  • Gary, Indiana
  • Musician
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1998)
  • Detailed Biography

Joseph Kujanik; 1998

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Kuklinski, Edwin

  • Rosholt, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Edwin Kuklinski; 2009

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Kula, Tom (1936 – 2018)

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Composer, Musician
  • Bands: Ampol-Aires, Chicago Concertina All-Stars

Tom Kula; undated Tom Kula; undated

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Kulinski, Edwin (1936 – 2023)

  • Rosholt, Wisconsin
  • Musician

Edwin Kulinski; undated

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Kunke, Rick (1956 – )

  • Minooka, Illinois
  • Musician

Rick Kunke; 2014

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Kurdziel, Kevin J.

  • Bloomfield, New Jersey
  • Musician
  • Bands: Variety, Jolly Rich and the Polka Stars, Freddy K Band, Dynatones, Chicago Push, Brass Works, Chuck Pendrak, Rhythm and Sound
  • Honors: Grammy Nominee (1990)

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Kurdziel, Richard (Richie) Jr.

  • Buffalo, New York
  • Musician

Richie Kurdziel; 2013

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Kurdziel, Richard (Richie) Sr. (1946 – )

  • Tonawanda, New York
  • Musician
  • Bands: Honky Hoppers, Buffalo Hi-Notes, Mix n Match

Richie Kurdziel; 2003 Richie Kurdziel; 2004

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Kurszewski, Nicholas (1911 – 1989)

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

Nicholas Kurszewski; 1990

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Kush, Ted

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Musician

Ted Kush; 1991 Ed Pavlik, Emil Kucera and Ted Kush; undated

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Kwas, Irvin (1918 – 1990)

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

Irwin Kwas; undated

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Kwiatkowski, Leon (Flowers, Leo)

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Bandleader, Musician, Teacher
  • Honors: World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame (1987)
  • Detailed Biography

Leo Flowers; 1987

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