| PolkariOty BAND MEMBERS |
| Kathy "Princess" Konkol: Drums, vocals, saxophone. Her polka debut began at the age of 14. Some of her accomplishments include: Several high school musician awards both at the local and state level & 1st runner up in the Miss Teen Wisconsin pageant. She has recorded multiple albums and performed with several other WI polka bands, including an appearance with the Polka King himself, “Frankie Yankovic”. For the past several years she has been a performer in the “Richie Yurkovich Band.” She brings energy, a bright smile and musical talent to the stage! |
| Jeff "Cooter" Walker: Accordion, button box, guitar, banjo, keyboard, drums and anything else we ask him to play! In the Polkarioty band we feature Jeff in many ways to take advantage of his many musical talents. The northwoods ace musician has had his own band for many years and his musical versatility has him in demand as a sideman in a variety of musical groups. He has performed with a variety of well known artists. Jeff also hosts his own weekly polka radio show heard across northern Wisconsin, Michigan's U.P.and parts of northeastern Minnesota. |
| Scott "Humble Servant" Benson: Guitar, drums, banjo, vocals. He has a versatile music background having played and recorded with several polka bands including Richie Yurkovich and also the Frankie Bucar and Ray Ahlgren bands from Minnesota. He is a member of the popular Marshfield, WI based group “Whoz Playing” and was a founding member of the local 50’s-60’s group, the “Atomic Tailfins”. Scott also worked as a drummer-vocalist with Eau Claire based groups “Redwing” and country-rock act, “The Marshall` Star Band”. Most recently he has done studio recording for the “Mike McIntyre Band”. |
| Richie "The King" Yurkovich: Accordion, button box, vocals, midi effects. He has had his own band, for over 30 years, recorded 24 albums, owns his own recording studio, hosted many tours in the U.S. and abroad and has performed across the United States including more than 70 shows in Branson, MO. In 2001 he was inducted into the Ironworld Polka Hall of Fame. With his accordion, bass and midi effects, he gives the band the sound for which they are known. **Visit Rich's own website soon @ RYProductions.com** |
| Mitch "Prince Stich" Yurkovich: Whether rounding the group off with a 5th piece or emergency fill-in, Mitch brings even more youth, energy and charisma to the group. He has played either full or part-time with the Richie Yurkovich Band for the past several years. In high school he played trumpet, drums and percussion. At the UW-Stout he was a member of the concert band and played percussion. He has also performed with the Jeff Walker Band and the Mike McIntyre Band. Mitch helps give Polkarioty the versatility they are so well known for. |
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| Richie Yurkovich has been providing music for polka fans for over 30 years. From the very beginning, The "Richie Yurkovich" band has consisted of very talented musicians who have brought individualism, character and class to the band. In 2002, Rich, Kathy, Karl & Scott formed the band we know today as "Polkarioty." There was a new sound, a new look, and an energy that set this band "On Fire!" Polkarioty is looking forward to providing many more years of music for the every growing fans, bridging a gap between the eras & having a great time doing it! Meet the Band: |
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Karl "Mr. Ass" Wallin: Banjo, Guitar &
Vocals. Karl has performed with a variety of bands,
including country, 50's, rock, blue-grass and of course
polka showcasing his talents as a musician and
performer!!
Vocals. Karl has performed with a variety of bands,
including country, 50's, rock, blue-grass and of course
polka showcasing his talents as a musician and
performer!!
Scott "Kudatz" Koehn: Accordion, button box, keyboard, vocals.
Scott joined our band in 2007. Over the years he has appeared with many of the all
time greats in the polka field including Frankie Yankovic, Walter Ostanek, Vern &
Steve Meisner and more. His outstanding musical talent combined with his charming
personality make him a great fit in our band. Whether playing 2nd accordion, hot
licks on the piano keyboard, or sliding on the keys with his "pink" sock, he gets the
job done!!
Scott joined our band in 2007. Over the years he has appeared with many of the all
time greats in the polka field including Frankie Yankovic, Walter Ostanek, Vern &
Steve Meisner and more. His outstanding musical talent combined with his charming
personality make him a great fit in our band. Whether playing 2nd accordion, hot
licks on the piano keyboard, or sliding on the keys with his "pink" sock, he gets the
job done!!
Gabe "The Queen" Yurkovich. Drums, Vocals. Gabe (Gabrielle) has
been a member of our band since the 1970's as either the full time drummer or
filling in when needed. Her main instrument in high school was the saxophone and
played that many times in the early years of the band. Her out-going personality,
solid beat and pleasing vocals make her a crowd favorite whenever she performs.
She has also released her own CD titled "Beatin' It Up". It features some of
her favorite songs and is available on our orderform page.
been a member of our band since the 1970's as either the full time drummer or
filling in when needed. Her main instrument in high school was the saxophone and
played that many times in the early years of the band. Her out-going personality,
solid beat and pleasing vocals make her a crowd favorite whenever she performs.
She has also released her own CD titled "Beatin' It Up". It features some of
her favorite songs and is available on our orderform page.
| Other musicians who perform in the band on a part-time as needed basis include: Kevin Bixby / Drums Kevin Genrich / Sax, Clarinet, Vocals Austin Walker / Drums Lynne Proksch / Drums, Vocals Pamela Koehn / Percussion, Vocals, Sales & Promotion |