A NOTE TO OUR FANS
In 1963 the Versatones recorded their first album titled “Polka Parade” on the Bel-Aire record label. Over the past forty-seven years, we have pleased people in over 6500 appearances, touring the USA, Canada, Europe & Mexico. We have recorded over 60 albums, won a Grammy, and received over 135 miscellaneous awards for the music we’ve played. We’ve been fortunate enough to make music for you, both live on stage and in the studio. It has always been our pleasure, our purpose and our passion! In 2011, we will play for the last time as Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones!
After 47 years of entertaining audiences worldwide, and more than $47,000 annually in tour bus repairs and maintenance, we have finally decided to retire the band, reacquaint ourselves with our families and pursue new interests! As we look forward to our final year, (as much as our mechanics do for economic reasons) we have mixed feelings. We can’t thank our families, friends, and fans enough for the love and support you’ve given us, not just in the past 47 years, but especially in the past 10 years since Eddie Sr’s retirement. His absence has left a huge void not only in the Versatones, but in the entire polka world. To have been able to accomplish what we have in the last ten years with the never ending support you’ve given us has been truly fulfilling.
We chose this year to end our reign in good company, Oprah….Retiring. Regis Philbin….Retiring. Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley….Retiring. Brett Favre…Retiring….? (ok maybe this isn’t such a good comparison) Keep in mind that real musicians never retire, they just de-compose!
Thank you for all the good times we’ve shared throughout the years, and in advance for the party to come in 2011! We look forward to seeing all of our friends and fans who have invited us into your homes, fed us, taken care of us, assisted with our mechanical problems, and been our surrogate family for the last 47 years, once more from the bandstand!
Now on the Highways and Dance Halls for our 2011 “THIS IS IT” Farewell Tour! Let the party begin!!!
20 comments
ken pienta says:
January 28, 2011 at 12:18 pm (UTC 0 )
Things have changed so much recently, but the hearing of the Versatones name, muxic and about Ed was one thing I always loved, and was loved since 1963 with our entire family. i wish well to everyone and a sincere thank you.
I opt in for the emails. I
Thanks
Love and Best wishes,
Ken/Peggy Pienta
Sandra Plummer Pfefferman says:
January 28, 2011 at 3:55 pm (UTC 0 )
Wishing you well in your future. You have shared your beautiful music with so many of us that we will truely miss you. But life goes on.
“When one door closes another door opens.” Looking forward to one more time in” Pluaski Polka Days” on your Farewell Tour. God Bless you Eddie Sr. and Eddie Jr and all the band members.
Love & Sincerely Yours,
Sandra & Richard Pfefferman
Go Pack Go
(formally from Crandon,WI)
Steve Novak says:
January 30, 2011 at 6:29 pm (UTC 0 )
I remeber you guys when you played at club Antoinette on richmond ave Eddies moms place. I delivered Hamm,s beer and would go on sunday nights for the dance what a great time. Mickey mouse polka, pultitski and all the good songs.
Wally Block says:
January 31, 2011 at 4:06 pm (UTC 0 )
Having been raised to have fun, the dance hall down the block ( Harmony Hall, Chicago) got me. Since we have 4 generations enjoying the Versatones and polka dancing. From Madison to Okemos to Chicagoland we have enjoyed the band at the Club Antoinette on thru to the Thanksgiving dances at Polonia with ages 3 thru 75 vying for the floor.As you have noted, ” let the party begin”. Wally and Sue Block
Judy Ciszewski says:
February 3, 2011 at 12:13 am (UTC 0 )
So sorry to hear about the retirement. Poor Ken is devastated. Because of Junior we met. I was teaching him at the time. As “Senior” would say, “One more time”
Greg says:
February 21, 2011 at 6:29 pm (UTC 0 )
In Jaunary, 2011, I informed my my brother in Tucson, (Air Force retired) to plan on seeing Blazonczyk’s Versatones at the Phoenix Polish Club on 19-20 February because it will be his last chance. I was told that a good time was had by one and all in Phoenix, Arizona.
Greg, H. L. drummer 1986 – 1988
Frank Kiefor says:
March 1, 2011 at 8:49 pm (UTC 0 )
All good things must come to an end. 47 years of musical bliss.
Thank you for the memories and the good times. Looking forward
to March 5th at St. Andrew’s in Calumet City and the “Paczkowy Bal”
and the rest of the happenings in 2011.
“Sto lat” & na zdrowie
joellen says:
March 3, 2011 at 12:52 am (UTC 0 )
I am daughter of Helen Dudek aka “ZOSIA”, singer of the recording of the same name. She is 91 and very alive and well. We live in San Diego California Does your farewell tour include any city on the west coast? If so, we’ll be there!
Joe Zabinsky says:
March 3, 2011 at 10:42 pm (UTC 0 )
Hey Junior,
I am sorry to hear the band is retiring. But in this day and age I can understand why. I have one concern though. What will happen to polkas? There are alot of fine bands out there, but I can’t help but wonder, what about 7 Springs and other events? I have enjoyed seeing your dad and you and The Versatone’s for many, many years. Esp. the concertina workshops at 7 springs. Will there be no more Polka Fireworks?
I wish you and all the guys in the band good luck and thank you for all the years of enjoyment. To Eddie Sr. I wish good health and thanks for 47 great years. Enjoy your families and good luck in the future. God bless you all.
Joe Zabinsky
Janice (Brass) Kowalkowski says:
March 19, 2011 at 3:17 pm (UTC 0 )
This message is for Eddie, Sr. I remember all the good old years back in Crandon High School, sitting across from you in Algebra class. We both did equally well in that class. From those times until now we have followed you, your son, and all the wonderful music you provided. I am so proud to have known you and to have had you a part of my life. Both my husband Frank and I wish you all the best now and forever. You have provided us with many good memories!
Jim Lacki says:
March 20, 2011 at 1:18 pm (UTC 0 )
You and your music will be missed. You have helped make polka music what it is today. From the Mckinley Park Inn, the Cheektowaga Polish Festival and all the other venues you have played in Buffalo, NY, there will never be another band with your sound. Godspeed.
Gary McNealis says:
March 22, 2011 at 12:46 am (UTC 0 )
To Eddie Sr. Jr. and all of the current and past Versatones,
Thank you for all the wonderful memories and the awesome music you’ve made for all of us in Northeastern PA. Me and my family always looked forward to seeing and hearing the band. There are none better!
You’ve been the inspiration for so many musicians. What a great group of people.
You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Best wishes for many years of good health and happiness.
Dale A Carl says:
April 17, 2011 at 11:01 pm (UTC 0 )
As long as I’m on the top side of the dirt, Mr. Blazonczyk will always be My Hero. Coming from Ford City, PA, as a trumpet player, Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones had a life-long positive influence on me that is difficult to put into words. To this day, I dream of being on stage in my version of a Polka Hero. Something to live for. Something I am grateful for. Thank-you Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones. Thank-you to all who support and honor you.
Doug Glon says:
April 20, 2011 at 7:46 pm (UTC 0 )
JR im sorry to here the band is breaking up we are all going to miss
you i will see you at crumtown on dengus day bye fore now
John Sabina says:
April 27, 2011 at 5:00 pm (UTC 0 )
Hi JR.
Jusr read about your retiring. In everyones life it does come as mine came in 2003. Keep yourself & your father well. You will always been in our thoughts!
John Sabina, Taunton, Mass.
Pat - Wyandotte, MI says:
May 1, 2011 at 8:06 am (UTC 0 )
Going to miss you. Mt. Carmel festival won’t be the same without you – you were the best! Best wishes for the future and hope to see you perform again. Will cherish the memories and fun.
George Symborski says:
July 31, 2011 at 2:31 am (UTC 0 )
Junior, we will miss you in Massachusetts. You kept the polka business going out here. We wish one more appearance in Mass. before you leave the business. God bless you and your band for the wonderful nights listening to your music
Thank You
john&donnabasia &me says:
August 12, 2011 at 8:10 pm (UTC 0 )
what agreat guy we have knowm eddie for many years polka cruises pahe never forget arties and last but not least 7 Springswhat a partyhe never forgot a face and would always play apolka for yougood luck big guyDI boza
Bob Zukowski says:
September 23, 2011 at 1:08 pm (UTC 0 )
In March of 1973 i began a weekly radio show in Central Massachusetts. Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones were part of that first Polka Program and they remain a constant on each program until today. The Versatones will be missed but their music will never die. A sincere thank you from the many Polka fans, DJs and musicians in Massachusetts.
Jacque Friday-Alldaffer says:
January 4, 2012 at 11:42 pm (UTC 0 )
Eddie Sr. You and the band will never be forgotten for all the good times we had with you here in Jackson, Mi. I remeber your bus driving to my house on a small little ST. in Jackson for a pre dance party, oh what fun-sure had my neighbors looking out their windows in wonder. I will never forget you for your jokes and your wonderful memory, you always called people by their name and that meant alot to all of us. Tony is stepping right in and he will never fill your shoes but he will create memories of his own as he has your same winning personality and he will go far with your inspiring words to him. Keeping you in my prayers for a happy,healthy 2012 and more.
Dziekuje Kolega
Jacque-Jackson Mi