Ron Smolen Polka Band Trio
Ron Smolen returns to Taste of Polonia in 2025 with his Polka Band.
Ron Smolen performed for Taste of Polonia for over 12 years with his 10 Piece Big Band Ballroom Orchestra, performing Nostalgic Memories of the 1940’s and Jefferson Park’s Historic — Holiday Ballroom.
Ron began Accordion lessons in 1960 right here in Jefferson Park at the Wilkins School of Music, once located on the site of the CTA Jefferson Park Terminal.
Ron Smolens’ history with polka music includes performing with many Local Polka bands including Jolly Stan Lee (Wesoly Stas),
Brighton Park Connection, Joe Walega and his Happy Hearts, Don Lucki Polka Band and others.
For over 30 years he was also the Accordionist (Cordovox) and Voice (Emcee) of The JOE PAT Orchestra.
Over the last 50 years along with playing with the above-mentioned bands, The Ron Smolen Polka Band has also played for Hundreds of
Weddings and Parties and performed at many Club locations including VI’s Yellow Bird – Antioch, IL, Club 505 – Hegewisch, IL,
Lone Tree Inn – Niles, IL, The Golder Earing, Calumet City, IL, Baby Doll Polka Club – Chicago, IL, Pierogi Fest – Whiting, Indiana and for events and dances hosted by The International Polka Association, Lets Polka USA, Senior Polka Association and others.