Johnny, Ted, Kyle, John, Rob, Greg and Jack in Cleveland 2008

Johnny Winiarz, Richie Kois, Greg Winiarz, Tommy Wanderlich & JG

John, Richie, Tommy, Johnny, Greg & Ted in Buffalo on Feb. 19/05

Photo by John Matyjas

At IV Stallions in Cheektowaga

Robbie, Tommy and Johnny

Rick Malkiewicz - 1956 - 2007

See you in Polka Heaven.  You will be missed by all of us.

        WE ARE YOUR PARTY BAND

From Classic Rock to a variety of ethnic music, MC-ing and coordinating the entire event.  We can also provide easy listening music (single, duo or trio) for your cocktail hour and the best of DJ music when required. You can choose ALL the music selections. Remember, our band is: LIVE MUSIC not sequenced/prerecorded.

A little bit about John and the Band:

Born in Poland, John Gora emigrated to Hamilton, Ontario with his family in 1974.  He was exposed to music right from birth as all of his family was very musically inclined and  his mother lead a folk choir in Poland. He began playing the clarinet and saxophone in high school.

In 1979, Gora formed a trio which expanded to a combo, playing local at Canadian Legion halls and catering to "continental" music crowds.
Since 1989 John Gora and Gorale (Mountaineers) performs as a  six or seven piece band with instruments such as:  saxophone, clarinet, trumpets, drums, bass, guitar, concertina, keyboards and of course vocals.

In 1990 the band  released their first polka CD, READY FOR TAKEOFF with a polka version of "Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" becoming their first hit. The band has released an additional 6 recordings: TAKE A SPIN in 1994, DUTY FREE POLKAS in 1998 (Grammy Nominated), FOLLOW ME in 2000 (Grammy Nominated), CAN AM POLKAS in 2002, PANGORA'S BOX in 2004 (Grammy Nominated) and BULLETPROOF POLKAS in 2007 also Grammy Nominated.  In August of 2008 John and the band were recognized by the  IPA (International Polka Association and won awards for the “CD of the Year” for their recording BULLETPROOF POLKAS and IPA “ Song of the Year” for the song “Kiss of Fire”.  "Bulletproof Polkas" CD is also nominated for the JUST PLAIN FOLKS MUSIC AWARDS - the ceremony takes place in Nashville, TN on August 29, 2009

On June 25, 2009 the eigth and most current recording was released "POLKA PLAYIN' FOOL"

The band has performed throughout Canada,  the USA , Europe and even cruised through the Caribbean performing  at various festivals, dances and special events. 

The band will adapt to almost any musical style that is called for at a specific venue. Although, John Gora Band records only polka CD's – they are very well known as being a VARIETY BAND  playing multiple musical genres that include classic R & R, Country & Western, Big Band, Swing, Cajun, Tex-Mex influences and a flare of many ethnic hits for music lovers who enjoy Polish, Ukrainian, Czech, Slovak, Slovenian, Croatian, Italian, German and Latin music.

 The John Gora Band: "Dynamic, crowd-pleasing stage performances have become a trademark of this group" - S.L.

John Gora is a member of AFM (America Federation of Musicians)   Local #293 Hamilton, Ontario and a voting member of USPA (United States Polka Association), IPA (International Polka Association), NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences) and CARAS (Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences).  Plus a member of Midwest Polka Association MPA. Wisconsin Polka Boosters Club and Buffalo Polka Boosters Club.

For further information about the band please contact John Gora. We will travel to your event to entertain everyone no matter where the destination!

Thank you and remember that "LIVE" music is best.

..........................................................................................................
John Gora by E-Mail john@johngora.com, or (905) 336-3055, or mobile: 905-902-1345

by snail mail at:                                or in USA:

2178 Ferencich Court                        P.O. Box 196
Burlington, ON L7M 3N1                    Buffalo, NY 14225
Tel/Fax: 905-336-3055                     Cell: 905-902-1345

To buy a CD or for band bookings, contact John at (905) 336-3055 or email john@johngora.com