Artist description Minnesota's premiere musician, Florian Chmielewski leads the Chmielewski Funtime Band in its five generations of performers. The five-generation legend began in the late 1800's with Florian's grandfather Frank, followed by Florian's father, Tony, a violinist and accordionist playing barn dances and weddings. Five Chmielewski brothers, Chester, Florian, Leonard, Donnie and Jerry represent the Third Generation of the orchestra. Florian's children, Florian Jr., Jeff, Mark and Patty are of the Fourth Generation and grandson Tony is the Fifth Generation.Florian's musical career began at the age of 18 when he picked up his first accordion and booked his first dance job three months later.He enlisted in the Army Air Force, in 1950. While being stationed in Shreveport, LA, Florian had the opportunity to appear with distinguished entertainers such as Hank Williams, Lawrence Welk, Myron Floren and Frankie Yankovic.In 1954, the Chmielewski band began a weekly television show. From that debut performance, the band began a syndicated television show. The show was broadcast in 40 markets, from Pennsylvania to California. It is currently the longest running polka television show in the United States.Florian was inducted in the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, at New Ulm, in 1994. In 1995, he was inducted in the Ironworld USA Hall of fame, at Chisholm, MN.The Chmielewski band has performed for 15 years at the Minnesota State Fair and at the nation's largest ethnic festival, the Hostefest at Minot, ND. They have also swept the Minnesota Music Awards in the three consecutive years of 1989-1991 by claiming nine out of eleven awards.After performing over 1,500 television shows and traveling over five million miles on the road, the Chmielewski band is still playing over 100 dates, annually. The band appears weekly on Channel 6 in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Music Style Polka

Musical Influences Lawrence Welk, Frankie Yankovic, Myron Floren

Similar Artists Whoopee John, Six Fat Dutchmen, Lawrence Welk, Frankie Yankovic, Myron Floren

Artist History This Polka Hall of Fame Band represents 50 years of accordion works and over five million miles on the road.

Group Members Five Chmielewski brothers - Chester, Florian, Leonard, Donnie and Jerry represent the Third Generation of the orchestra. Florian's children - Florian Jr., Jeff, Mark and Patty are of the Fourth Generation and grandson Tony is the Fifth Generation.

Albums Polka Hall of Fame, Across The Plains, Chmielewski's and Jolly Zuk's, plus over a dozen cassette and 8-track tapes.

Location Sturgeon Lake, MN - USA

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