Wally Raczkowski

Wally Raczkowski

Early days:

Wally grew up in Kronenwetter, a small town in Central Wisconsin. He was exposed to polka music at a young age, with his father and brothers band, “ The Music Aires”. Wally’s father taught him accordion at age 10, and at 12, took trumpet in school.

Two years later Wally joined the Music Aires playing trumpet and got a start. When Wally was 17 he joined “Dave’s Polkatones” from Hatley Wisconsin. He alternated between both bands and high school Jazz and symphonic band until he graduated in 1986. He started the Polish Connection Band in 1988.

Big influences were the other polka bands in central Wis. Such as “The Versatile Polka Knights, Polka Sonics, Polish Edition and others. Also national bands such as Eddie Blazonczyk, Lenny Gomulka, The Sounds, and The Brass Connection.

School: 

After high school, Wally took a year off to work and to plan his future. In 1987 he enrolled in an Automotive Mechanics course at The North Central Technical College in Wausau Wisconsin and has been in the automotive field since. He presently is an Automotive Service Technician at the Saturn dealership in Wausau Wis.  

In 1994 Wally married his wife, Maryann and started a family in Kronenwetter, where he grew up.

Present:

These days Wally leads the Polish Connection, entertaining polka fans for fests and weddings throughout Wisconsin. He also enjoys writing and arranging new music. Wally also host’s “The Wonderful World of Polkas” internet  polka show on “The Polka Jammer  Network” every Wednesday nights with his wife Maryann.

Wally and Maryann have 2 children, Emmitt and Alena and another child due in July 2009.

Besides the family and Polka’s, Wally is active with the Boy Scouts, also enjoys the outdoors. His lifetime passion of bow and rifle hunting for deer give an escape from everyday life and the fast paced world.

Accomplishments:

Played trumpet with Eddie Blazonczyk Jr. 2004 Poland Tour,  2007 Cabo San Lucas Trip

Polish Connection Recordings: “Shot in the Dark”, “Go Ahead Make Us Play”, “It’s A Happy Life”, “Good Clean Fun”