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Began on Ch. 7 in 1962 and ran for 26-weeks. "America's Polka King" was not a native of Buffalo but of Cleveland, Ohio who would travel to Western New York weekly to perform on the program in front of a live audience. At the same time, Yankovic appeared on a television program in Chicago. Polka Time with Frankie Yankovic was hosted by WKBW-TV personality Bill Gregory who would later perfrom the same roll on another WKBW-TV polka show with the New Yorkers. The New Yorkers were frequently used as the "house" band for "Polka Time with Frankiw Yankovic."
WKBW's Polka Time with the New Yorkers
WKBW-TV: Polka Time with the New Yorkers
Premiere telecast took place at 5 pm on Sunday, April 4, 1965 from the studios of WKBW on Main Street in Buffalo. The hour long, weekly musical variety production featured the New Yorkers, a Buffalo band who were riding high off thier hit single, the "Hello Dolly Polka" which sold 250,000 copies that same year. The New Yorkers were comprised of John Banaszak, Henry Mazurek, Gene Martin, Edward (Whitey) Mazurek, Gino Kurdziel and Jimmy Grazanowski. The show's host was Bill Gregory, who performed similar duties on Ch. 7's "Frankie Yankovic Show." Guest stars on the first show included pianist Danny Kayne and the legendary drummer Gene Krupa. The New Yorkers were no strangers to TV as the band appeared for 26-weeks on the Frankie Yankovic Show and were featured in the television program "Easter in Poland" devised by Polka King Li'l Wally. Program sponsors included Wardynski Meats and Potts Furniture.
CHCH-TV Hamilton, Ontario, Canada - Walter Ostenak
CHCH-TV (Hamilton): Polka Party with Walter Ostanek
Just over the boarder in Canada, Walter Ostanek hosted "Polka Party" on CHCH TV, Channel 11, Hamilton, Ontario for four years begining in 1964. After 1968, this Hamilton-based variety show continued for an unpresidented 22 seasons on various stations in Ontario ranking among the longest-running series in the history of Canadian television. An outstanding award -winning accordionist, he has been inducted into two of North America's most renowned polka halls of fame. He has made many radio and television appearances, has recorded numerous albums and has appeared in concert with many well-known country artists. His steadfast and unwavering dedication to his music, to his fans and to his community has earned him the title of Canada's Polka King
Greg Chwojdak - Host of Polkamotion - Picture from 1978, International Cable
Greg Chwojdak - International Cable, WWOL, WXRL
MORE PICTURES - Click image for larger view
WGR-TV's Pic-A-Polka Show
WGR-TV's Pic-A-Polka Show
WKBW-TV's Polka Time with the New Yorkers
WKBW-TV's Polka Time with the New Yorkers
WGR-TV's Pic-A-Polka: Ticket to December 22, 1963 show
WXRL's Greg Chwojdak with Lil' Wally at the Pulaski Day Parade
