Sunshine Diversified Ent. / Sunshine Records - Polka Music

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Sunshine Diversified Ent. / Sunshine Records - Polka Music

Sunshine Diversified Ent. (or, Sunshine Records) founded in Buffalo, NY in 1984, is one of the large

Sunshine Records was founded in Buffalo, NY in 1984, and - thanks to the many great fans who buy our products - has since grown to become one of the largest distributors of polka music in the United States! To date we have over 150 recordings available, 16 of which are Grammy Award Nominated albums from some of the best bands in the industry including Walter Ostanek and his band (9 Grammy nominate

d albums), John Gora & Gorale (4 Grammy nominated albums), Jerry Darlak & the Buffalo Touch (3 Grammy nominated albums) and Dennis Polisky and the Maestro's Men (1 Grammy nominated album). Other bands on the Sunshine label are among polka music's elite, bands like The Dynatones, The Knewz, Stas Golonka & his Chicago Masters, Toledo Polkamotion, Prime Drive, Steel City Brass, Happy Richie’s Polka Band, Wanda & Stephanie, Dave Gawronski, Crusade, Bob Zielinski Orchestra, The Beat, Cityside, Bedrock Boys, Imperials, Steve Kaminski, the Sunshine Band and many others. Multiple IPA Hall of Fame polka musicians have recorded albums for Sunshine Records over the years. The Sunshine label also became home to several specialty recordings, including the ever-popular Polkas for Children series and several CDs and cassettes produced for Christmas and other holidays. Since its founding, Sunshine has been a major label in the polka music industry. Its promotional mailings reach over 350 radio stations, promoters and music reviewers across the United States and Canada. Many of the bands on the label have gone on to national prominence with the help of Sunshine’s promotion. President and Executive Producer of the Sunshine label, Mike Nowakowski is himself a member of the IPA Hall of Fame, inducted in 2004, and continues his involvement in the production and promoter of polka music to this day.

02/12/2020

Here’s a song featuring a fantastic lyricist (and musician) - who played this past Saturday with a brand new band, Top Shelf - Frankie Liszka. Listen as his smooth vocals seem to flow effortlessly, in both English & Polish.

Enjoy listening to this tune, as performed by a gaggle of super polka musicians...

Song: Wake up Katie
Band: Frankie Liszka & TBC
Album: This Time (1998)

Musicians heard on this recording include:
Frankie Liszka, IPA Hall of Famer - Trumpet, vocals;
Stephen Binkiewicz - Trumpet;
David Walter - Accordion;
Paul Fudalla - Concertina;
Chris Yanetsky - Bass;
Matt Lewandowski - Drums;
Randy Kozlosky, IPA Hall of Famer - Piano.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii5b3lUh2ME&list=OLAK5uy_k3qnM88rpQbF8sTEjicEIXyqQ66Il1vhM&index=2

Link to Frankie Liszka & TBC on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1RDr8cjueNC8dqeuahDIUK?si=AOY6P24mS2GZlU3TklyFhA

Link to the band on Apple Music / iTunes:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/frankie-liszka/1068183286

Also available digitally at: Amazon Music, Google Play Music and many others.

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Wake up Katie · Frankie Liszka · TBC This Time ℗ 1998 Ethnic World Records / Sunshine Digital Distribution Released on: 1998-10...

02/10/2020

Subliminal messaging in polka music?

Many know that popular bands have included secret words/phrasing in their recordings over the years - like The Beatles (Revolution #9) & Queen (Another One Bites the Dust). But polka music?

Well LISTEN UP - I’ll share a longtime secret (now that I’m in charge lol, jk) that it’s happened at least once!!

Back in the early-mid 1980s while recording a Scrubby favorite for release on 45 records, Scrubby & Sunshine decided to test this concept out...hoping to get rich! And thus, when playing “Happy Birthday Johnny”, if you listen carefully you can hear the shady, “get rich quick” scheme-type message...

“Happy Birthday, buy this record” repeated from about the 14 second mark until the 20 second mark!

Listen for yourself & see if you can hear it.

And so, here’s the rest of this story: it didn’t work (obviously), as polka people are much too smart to fall for it! Thus, record sales did not spike, and everyone had to keep their day jobs haha. Oh well, good try...

Song: Happy Birthday Johnny Polka
Band: Scrubby & Sunshine
Album: Polka Heat (re-released version)

Musicians on the Polka Heat album include:
David "Scrubby" Seweryniak, IPA Hall of Famer - Concertina, vocals;
Hank Marzuchowski - Drums;
Dave "Nigel" Kurdziel - Bass, piano, vocals;
Dennis Paner - Trumpet;
Tom Picciano - Trumpet, clarinet;
Mike Nowakowski, IPA Hall of Famer - Accordion, vocals.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E14m5vBg9CU

Link to Scrubby & Sunshine on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5dHRrv43cSHgxktLo1Esip?si=TSinss1AS3GoHY60iQj1_A

Link to Scrubby & Sunshine on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/scrubby-sunshine/1047410962

Also available digitally at: Amazon, Google Play Music, Apple ITunes and others.

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Happy Birthday Johnny Polka · Scrubby & Sunshine Polka Heat ℗ 1985 Sunshine Diversified Ent. Released on: 1985-06-01 Auto-gener...

01/14/2020

Here’s a classic tune, sung over the years by many of polka music’s elite vocalists, including (but no limited to):

Eddie Blazonczyk;
Larry Trojak; and
Wally Dombrowski.

And now here it is sung by another classic polka music vocalist: Jan Cyman. Enjoy!

Song: Crazy About You (Oberek)
Band: Jan Cyman’s Musicalaires
Album: Cyman Says... (2005)

Musicians heard on this recording include:
Jan Cyman, IPA Hall of Famer - Leader, trumpet, vocals;
Mike Kurdziel - Drums;
Larry Chadwick - Bass, guitar, vocals;
Bob “Chaz” Wroblewski - Trumpet, superbone, bass, vocals;
Michael Melymuka - Accordion, sax, clarinet, piano, vocals.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CHl5Cpq8ir8&list=OLAK5uy_lpAbWDsibfGnxMIlkwU-VksSmMpvJwOm0&index=6

Cyman Says... by Jan Cyman's Musicalaires on iTunes/Apple Music:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cyman-says/1434721827

Jan Cyman’s Musicalaires on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KV7n6BMqAfw36SzCDgSdl?si=vC3SRqmnTMqwZFEq1ddT_w

Also available digitally at: Amazon, Google Play Music, Apple Music, and others.

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Crazy About You (Oberek) · Jan Cyman's Musicalaires Cyman Says... ℗ 2005 Sunshine Diversified Ent. Released on: 2005-02-01 Auto...

01/10/2020

THE NEXT Crusade IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!

IT’S THE RETURN OF : CRUSADE featuring EDDIE BIEGAJ!

SATURDAY MARCH 28, 2020

POTTS BANQUET HALL
41 S Rossler Ave. (Valu Plaza), Cheektowaga, NY 14206

Phone:716-826-6575

Music and Dancing: 7 PM to Midnight

Alternating with "Buffalo's Party Polka Band" The Buffalo Touch

ADMISSION: $15 AT THE DOOR - NO ADVANCE SALES

FOR OUT OF TOWN VISITORS:
SPECIAL ROOM RATE AVAILABLE:
Best Western Plus
Galleria Inn & Suites

601 Dingens St, Cheektowaga, NY 14206

Phone: (716) 896-2900

ROOM RATE: $80.00 per night

PLEASE MENTION "POTTS" when booking.

FOR ANY NEEDED INFO & TABLE RESERVATIONS:
ANDREW @ 716-598-8466
or
Potts Deli and Grille @ 716-826-6575

01/07/2020

In tribute to the recent passing of another fantastic polka musician: Stas Golonka, the “King of H***y”

Song: Our Break up Polka
Band: Stas Golonka & the Chicago Masters
Album: Horn if you're H***y / Welcome to Polkamotion, Vol. 1

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Our Break up Polka · Stas Golonka & the Chicago Masters Welcome to Polkamotion, Vol. 1 ℗ 2000 Sunshine Diversified Ent. Release...

12/12/2019

Very nice article on the recent passing of Sunshine Records President & co-founder Mike Nowakowski.

The polka music community has lost someone truly special.

May 17, 1953 – Dec. 6, 2019 Mike Nowakowski played with prominent polka bands for 50 years, but he enjoyed even greater success with his ...

12/04/2019

For polka fans that use Spotify here is a “Polish Polka Christmas”-themed playlist for your listening pleasure.

Christmas songs from many of the most popular polka bands (that have music available digitally) are included, as well as many beloved Koledy carols.

Take the time to enjoy the music with friends and family this holiday season!

https://open.spotify.com/user/cnowakowski/playlist/5hy2jnFJDFFjMdefolVJd0?si=dff2iRvuTti0vAHHt-9DUg

Polish and Proud - Good playlist here!

Craig Nowakowski · Playlist · 100 songs · 240 likes

09/20/2019

A video of a truly underrated Polka Band; one that helped popularize the “H***y Style” that you may hear today: Happy Ritchie’s Polka Band.

I believe this song was an original for the band - one that was well received by polka audiences. Enjoy!

Song: Nickels & Dimes Polka
Band: Happy Richie’s Polka Band
Album: (Not sure if recorded?)

Happy Richie’s Polka Band on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2CwxCI6pkzxnFl28XICjm0?si=CZGC9EgCTnODKBxnDQNRbA

Happy Richie’s Polka Band Pandora Internet Radio Station:

https://pdora.co/31AMV4O

09/18/2019

As Oktoberfest “season” is now underway, I am pleased to say that multiple Polkas from Walter Ostanek have been added to Pandora Internet Radio’s “Oktoberfest” station! Please see the below link:

https://www.pandora.com/genre/oktoberfest?part=nbs&corr=1300637_cs_pdne

Let’s play a song from “Canada’s Polka King” & Oktoberfest legend, Walter Ostanek now...Prost!! 🍺

Song: Sweetheart I’m in Love with You Polka
Band: Walter Ostanek & His Band
Album: Carefree Polkas & Waltzes (2011)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mE6ofVp6xx8&list=OLAK5uy_keYl2Qq4ewNZ8q4fprcUZlLfc2KyY-1DA&index=16&t=0s

Walter Ostanek on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6PhytUcxJkwpRp4waYBHAL?si=kyICT3v7TBeUfwzoR7NPlw

Walter Ostanek & His Band on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vmSfbrqjUeqLO4X9CBUi7?si=dmTQoCAlQrqNw5FcRTmSyQ

Walter Ostanek Radio on Pandora:

https://pdora.co/31tLHIy

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby Sweetheart I'm in Love with You Polka · Walter Ostanek & His Band Carefree Polkas and Waltzes ℗ 2011 Sunshine Diversified Ent. ...

09/17/2019

Song: La De Da Oberek
Band: A Touch of Brass
Album: Polish & Proud (1995)

Musicians heard on this album include:
Jim Rutkowski - Leader, Trumpet;
Stas Rutkowski - Trumpet;
John Owczarzak - Accordion, Concertina, piano;
Jim Earl - Bass;
Bob Earl, Jr. - Drums.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7MpgwnuqNZo&list=OLAK5uy_mo-MF-9HLnM6xOsDFp5PLIvD85fx34XVg&index=11&t=0s

Polish & Proud by A Touch of Brass on iTunes/Apple Music:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/polish-proud/1440387102

A Touch of Brass on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6SLEI1l0REb0yS55fb5Fsu?si=KLb7B_RzS6SpdxN3y0bXHQ

Also available digitally at: Amazon, Google Play Music, Apple Music, and others.

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby La De da Oberek · A Touch of Brass Polish & Proud ℗ 1995 Sunshine Diversified Ent. Released on: 1995-02-01 Auto-generated by Yo...

09/13/2019

The 2019 Roncesvalles Polish Festival (Toronto, CA) takes place this weekend, with a “Polka Party” dance happening tonight. Ed Guca & the Polish Canadians play this each year along with another great band.

The Buffalo Touch will be that band this year, playing to a large crowd to kick off this year’s festival!

Other bands scheduled to appear at the Roncesvalles Polish Festival this weekend:

Saturday - Ed Guca & the Polish Canadians; John Gora & Gorale; Box On; and Phocus.

Sunday - John Gora & Gorale; and Box On.

Below is another video of The Touch, from the 2019 IPA Convention a few weeks ago. Kenny & Steve’s vocals here are top notch, as always...enjoy!

Song: Swir, Swir Oberek
Band: The Buffalo Touch featuring Robin Pegg on bass.

Musicians heard in this video include:
Steve Michaels - Piano, vocals;
Ray Barsukiewicz - Trumpet, clarinet;
Mike Nowakowski, IPA Hall of Famer - (Jerry Darlak’s) Concertina;
Michael Melymuka - Accordion;
Kenneth Machelski - Trumpet, vocals;
Ricky Pijanowski - Drums, vocals.
Special Guest Alumnus Robin Pegg - Bass

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IjwnFtB9Jmc

The Buffalo Touch on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5renlif4pX7wokDQ8XX7H6?si=FwZ6A8-qR96U_4Yb-i627g

The Buffalo Touch on Pandora Internet Radio:

https://pdora.co/2AiEGOY

Jerry Darlak & the Touch on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1iw1BLjQ9V1mLZ7hzzRyGD?si=HoY0mf4SRz-Lgt17MUk9xA

The Buffalo Touch performs the Swir Swir Oberek at the 2019 IPA Convention at the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo NY.

09/04/2019

The 2019 International Polka Association took place this past weekend at the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo, NY & from all accounts a great time was had by all.

The Sat afternoon pool party is usually played by a lively & fun band - this year was no exception as The Buffalo Touch entertained a nice crowd of Polka fans.

The spirit of the crowd is captured nicely by this video of The Buffalo Touch’s last few songs (which includes two “encore” performances).

Especially noteworthy is the special guest alumnus that rejoined the band during its’ set...none other than fantastic veteran polka musician Robin Pegg!

Robin is recruited to sing vocals for the second song, and then magic occurs when Robin takes over the drum set for the third & final song. Enjoy!

First song: Goralsku / Mountaineers Polka
Featuring: Vocals by Steve & Kenny

Second song: When We Met Polka
Featuring: Robin Pegg on vocals

Third song: In the USA Polka
Featuring: Robin Pegg on drums, Ray on both clarinet & sax, and Ricky as entertainer/vocals/performer

Musicians heard in this video include:
Steve Michaels - Piano, vocals;
Ray Barsukiewicz - Trumpet, Sax, clarinet, vocals;
Mike Nowakowski, IPA Hall of Famer - (Jerry Darlak’s) Concertina;
Tadj - Bass;
Kenneth Machelski - Trumpet, vocals;
Ricky Pijanowski - Drums, vocals.
Special Guest Alumnus Robin Pegg - Vocals, Drums.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l-nj1NOtmLQ&persist_app=1&app=m

The Buffalo Touch on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5renlif4pX7wokDQ8XX7H6?si=FwZ6A8-qR96U_4Yb-i627g

Jerry Darlak & the Touch on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1iw1BLjQ9V1mLZ7hzzRyGD?si=HoY0mf4SRz-Lgt17MUk9xA

Address

P. O. Box 652
West Seneca, NY
14224

Website

http://www.polkacd.com/

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