Tom Brusky, Webmaster    

• Classic polka music in the mainstream style of the late Frankie Yankovic
• Specialists for: fairs and festivals - wedding anniversaries - picnics - birthday parties - Octoberfests - special events
• Polka services (all denominations)
• A perfect gift for the polka lover who has everything - a live polka band for their special occasion!

2008 marks a milestone year for Jeff Winard, celebrating 40 years performing. The Jeff Winard Band has remained a favorite with crowds throughout the Greater Milwaukee Area, Midwest, and other parts of the United States where polka music is enjoyed. Jeff and his band known for their polka and waltz music in the popular "Yankovic Style" have remained a favorite at festivals, parties and other events where live music is desired. In 1971 after having the opportunity to meet Frank Yankovic, Jeff began performing with "America's Polka King" as an accordionist and continued to perform with his own band.  This association would last until Frank's retirement in 1998.  During those 27 years, Jeff had the opportunity to travel throughout the country covering thirty states with countless engagements ranging from Las Vegas casinos to New York's State Fair.  In later years, Jeff would book Frank as a special guest to perform with his band.  In 1992 Frank asked Jeff to organize and perform on the "ONE MORE TIME" video series that was taped in Milwaukee.  Jeff served as musical director of the project and produced a compact disc featuring twenty songs from the videos.

After Frank's passing, Jeff continued to perform many of the engagements that still wanted the Yankovic music for their events. The style greatly appeals to a broader market than some other polka styles and has a unique way of creating an excitement level with audiences, even those that may not be "polka fans" initially.  This is evident in the recent success Jeff has experienced performing at Conejito’s - Milwaukee’s landmark Mexican restaurant (s. 6th & Virginia St.) as well as college parties and bars.

Although polka and waltz music is what the band features, their repertoire does include other dance music. In addition to being a skilled accordionist, Jeff is also an accomplished performer on trumpet, drums, keyboards, and other brass instruments.

The Jeff Winard Band continues to be a favorite of young and old alike and has enjoyed much success over its many years of existence. The band has produced several recordings available on this webpage, the most recent in 2008 to commemorate Jeff's 40 years in the music business.

For a versatile band always able to draw good crowds with a strong reputation for showing the people a good time - contact Jeff for your next function where polka music is desired. Several options are available for size of the group and length of performance to accommodate all budgets. 

Appearances in recent years include Wisconsin State Fair, Summerfest, Polish Fest, Festa Italiana, German Fest, West Allis Western Days, Rainbow Summer, Humboldt Park Polkafest, and numerous other festivals, weddings, and events where quality, live music is desired.

Over the years, Jeff has performed on shows with the likes of Bob Hope, Danny Thomas, Rosemary Clooney, Myron Floren, Joey Miskulin, and Patti Page just to name a few, as well as performing for Vice-President Walter Mondale and also Sen. Ted Kennedy.

For booking information, contact Jeff Winard at (262) 695-6474.
     PO Box 14756
     Milwaukee, WI  53214
     USA
 

St. Francis Assisi Church, Manitowoc, WI