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This talented group of gentlemen together with Jan form the infamous Jan Lewan Orchestra. They may not be noted for the number of “Grammy Awards” they were nominated for; however they certainly will never be forgotten for all of the lives that they have touched with their musical talents.
They realize their climb to the top had a beginning, which was built on yard parties, small street carnivals and church picnics. These memorable events hold treasured friendships, continued supporters, and built the foundation for the success and many years.
The JLO Orchestra throughout the late 80s and 90's were famous for adding a "Big Show Band" type quality to traditional and original Polish Music. They were the band that lead the way performing at many prestigious showrooms throughout the United States and Europe. The springboard for the bands success was their sold out polka weekends at the Mount Airy Lodge Resort in the Poconos during the late 1980s. Much of the success of the Jan Lewan Orchestra is attributed to composer and arranger Stephen Kaminski www.stephenkaminskimusic.com who joined the band on the saxophone shortly after graduating from the Berkeley College of Music in 1987. Stephen has written and produced music for every major television network and continues to receive awards for his compositions. Just recently, Stephen’s orchestral composition, "Ten Emotions - A Tone Poem" was awarded 2nd place at the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic's Composition Competition. Stephen's talent for composing and arranging music, fused with his Polish heritage made for a winning combination.
The Jan Lewan Orchestra was catapulted into some of the best showrooms in the country. In 1988, the band took polka music to a new level when they performed a combined concert with the Wayne Newton Orchestra at the esteemed Hilton Hotel Showroom in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the years to follow highlights for the orchestra included; combining with the Princeton University Symphony Orchestra for a "Symphony with Polkas" concert at the Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, New York, A concert with the National Symphony Orchestra of Utica, New York., a concert with the "Radio Warsaw Orchestra" in Warsaw., Poland, performed as the main act in the showrooms of numerous cruise ships, Recorded a weekly television show on the Fox TV broadcast from Scranton,Pa. performed as back up musicians for Bobby Vinton, Al Albert's and the Four Aces, Myron Floren from the Lawrence Welk Show, and many more, entertained literally thousands of people throughout the years at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City, N.J. where Jan and the orchestra hosted their Polish Festivals, and many other events too numerous to mention. Tremendously popular were Jan Lewan's European Tours. As a Polish native, Jan was able to introduce tour groups to Poland like no one else could. Most groups were afforded the opportunity to meet the former President of Poland, Lech Walesa. Jan’s tour groups to Italy were truly astonishing. Each tour member was treated to a private audience and photo session with Pope John Paul II.
The band made many recordings but their biggest accomplishment was being nominated for a Grammy Award in 1995. The band was moving ahead with many new adventures when tragedy struck. In the early morning of January 26, 2001, the Jan Lewan Orchestra bus was making its way through Dillon, South Carolina en route to Florida when it drifted off the road and struck a concrete bridge. Tommy Karas, Accordion player, and John Stabinsky, Trombonist were killed instantly. Daniel Lewandowski, (son of Jan) trumpet player was seriously injured, and many other musicians suffered broken bones etc. The accident was a horrific tragedy which - combined with financial troubles, led to the demise of the orchestra.
The band has entertained around the world for many famous people; Pope John Paul II, Lech Walesa, President Reagan and President George W. Bush just to name a few. They were honored to play center stage at the Las Vegas Hilton, the Lincoln Center, Avery Fisher Hall, NYC and Trump’s Casinos in Atlantic City. They can play for any special occasion!
Accomplishments
◦The Jan Lewan Orchestra performs at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel and the Las Vegas Sands Convention Center,
Las Vegas, NV
◦The Jan Lewan Orchestra performs “Symphony with Polkas” with the Utica Symphony Orchestra in Utica, NY
◦For 15 years the Jan Lewan Orchestra performs at the Bethlehem Music Fest, PA.
◦Jan Lewan TV Show: For seven years the Jan Lewan Orchestra recorded TV Shows on FOX TV from Scranton, PA.
◦Jan Lewan and his Orchestra performs a special concert in Warsaw Poland
◦The Jan Lewan Orchestra performs “Symphony with Polkas” at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York, NY with Special guest Rafal Lewandowski ,a Chopin Piano Player from Poland.
◦The Jan Lewan Orchestra performs on the “Caribe One,” Atlantic, Bermuda Star and the Mediterranean Cruise Ship, Costa Allegra as well as many others
◦For seven years Jan Lewan Orchestra hosted the polka party weekend at the Mt. Airy Lodge, in the Pocono’s
◦The Jan Lewan Orchestra host polka weekends at Atlantis Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ
◦The Jan Lewan Orchestra organized special polish weekend and shows at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Hotel in
Atlantic City, NJ
◦The Jan Lewan Orchestra performed for the Pulaski Day Parade, New York City, NY at the Woldorf Astoria Hotel
◦1995 the Jan Lewan Orchestra was nominated for a Grammy award
The orchestra is not only noted for their polka talent, they also had an oldie rendition, Big Band Segment, a top 40 tribute, some easy listening favorites, and play most any song requested.
Jan Lewan arguably has one of the most interesting stories out there. It was first featured on Court TV and has become a complete movie. I have watched it and find it fascinating.
THE MAN WHO WOULD BE POLKA KING is an irreverent look at the rise and fall of Grammy-nominated polka music star Jan Lewan, whose defection from Poland to the West in the 1970’s led to fame, fortune and an international Polka Empire.
But when Lewan's empire collapsed under a cloud of scandal, the polka world was stunned to learn of the greatest polka-related financial crime in history.
Here is the movie's trailer:
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Jan Lewan's ~ "The Custom Collection"
$210.00
DVD's
Last Performance
Live in Atlantic City
Live in Atlantic City II
Polka Jamboree
Polkas with Symphony
Czestochowa Mass with Ryan Ogrodny
Sister Faustina Mass with Jan Lewan CD's
Remember Me My Love
Send Her Roses
A Polish Wedding
Jan Lewan's Greatest Hits
Our Lady Of Czestochowa
Alleluia
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas II
Jan Lewan and His Orchestra (Grammy Nominee)
Once More From The Top
Live From Atlantic City
Live From Atlantic City Vol. 2
Las Vegas Polka
Total Shipping $15 to US
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DVD - Jan Lewan and His Orchestra "Reunion Concert" 2010
$34.95
Videotaped Live on October 24, 2010 at J.J. Ferrara Performing Arts Center, Hazleton, PA
Jan "Lewan" Lewandowski and his original 14-piece orchestra plus many more musicians, Special appearances from Ania Piwowarczyk , Stephen Kaminski – Music Director , Peter Danielczuk – MC and Amber Lewandowski.
This DVD has behind the scene footage and interviews with the Band Members, the total concert and more.
It is a 2 DVD set.
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DVD - Jan Lewan's Last Performance at Trump's Taj Mahal
$19.95
This 2 hr video/DVD includes Jan and his Orchestra featuring Ania Piwowwarczyk in their last appearance before officially retiring in 2003.
It consists of such memorable polka hits as the "Happy Louie Medley", "Cyganeczka", "Hej Goral Polka", along with a number by the Jan Lewan Orchestra collaborating all of their hits over the years entitled "The Lewan Collection", also The Orchestra performing big band hits such as "In the Mood", and As Time Goes By". Jan Lewan takes us on an emotional journey through such songs as "My Way", Goodbye My Love Goodbye", and "I Thank You Jesus".
Now is the time to buy this marvelous production that may one day become a collectible in the polka industry.
DVD - Jan Lewan and his Orchestra Live at Trump's Taj Mahal
$19.95
Join Jan Lewan and his Orchestra with special guests and be prepared to polka the night away! Come and celebrate the harvest at a two-day festival, Polish Style! Plus, reap loads of fun with the Wesoly Lud Polish Folk Dance Ensemble and the Polish American String Band. Re-live this exciting weekend with over 20,000 Polka fans in 1995 at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City!
DVD - Jan Lewan and his Orchestra Live II at Trump's Taj Mahal
$19.95
See Jan Lewan and His Orchestra Live at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on June 21, 1998. Polka Celebration, Mrs. Pennsylvania, Holiday in Poland, 40’s Medley, Jumping Johnny, Hej Hej Cavalier Polka, Happy Tappy Polka and more!
DVD - Jan Lewan and His Orchestra - Polka Jamboree 2001
$19.95
Polka Jamboree 2001 with Jan Lewan & His Orchestra, The Polka Family, Ania Piwowarczyk, Polish American Folk Dance Company, and The Polish American String Band. Filmed LIVE at Trump's Taj Mahal Casino-Resort, June 2nd & 3rd, 2001. 2 hours of Polka fun!
Experience the excitement with Jan Lewan and his orchestra. You'll feel like you're there when you hear the guides' explanations of each city that they visited - Warsaw, Krakow, Zakopane, Czestochowa, Gdansk. Also featured on this video is our meeting with the Primate of Poland 1981-2009, Cardinal Glemp. This video is an Actual Tour and NOT a Documentary. 1 1/2 hour video. Also available as VHS at the same price.
Experience the excitement with Jan Lewan and Henny & The Versa J's. You'll feel like you're there when you hear the guides' explanations of each city that they visited - Warsaw, Krakow, Zakopane, Czestochowa, Gdansk, Poznan and Gniezno. You will also see the 5 different Folklore Groups that entertained them on this tour, along with the Polka Parties by Henny & the Versa J's. Also featured on this video are The Wieliczka Salt Mines, the Mass at Czestochowa, the visit to the Covent of Sister Falstina, and their meeting with the Primate of Poland 1981-2009, Cardinal Glemp. 4 hour video. Also available as VHS at the same price.
The entire Holy Mass at the Jasna Gora Monastery in Poland. You will see breathtaking close-up footage of the Holy Icon. See and hear Jan Lewan singing "Czarna Madonna" and "Boze Cos Polski." Featuring Ryan Ogrodny on his violin, and his moving rendition of "Ave Maria." This video also comes with 2 prayer cards from the Jasna Gora Monastery. Also available as VHS at the same price.
This tour and Holy Mass at the Convent of Sisters of Mercy in Lagiewniki where Saint Sister Faustina lived and died. See her grave and relic along with other beautiful decorations in the chapel. Hear about the history and life of Saint Faustina, and then we take you to Vilinus, Lithuania to see the original miraculous image of the Divine Mercy painting. *Each video comes with a beautiful Divine Mercy Prayer Card. Also available as VHS at the same price.
Jan Lewan CD - "Remember Me My Love" ( With The National Radio Orchestra of Warsaw Poland)
Digitally Re-Mastered
11 Songs: To Find True Happiness, Nobody Knows Why You Chase That Dream, To Be In Love Is Beautiful, Looking Back, The World Keeps Spinning 'Round, Remember M e My Love, Never Ever Leave Me, Don't You Ever, So Much Sunshine In The City, The Hardest Step Is Always First, and Try To Write Again
BUY NOW $12.95 All CD's will include $2.05 for Shipping - Total $15.00ea. CD. Shipped by Lightning Videos
10 Songs: Send Her Roses, Polka Bubbles, More Is My Love, Fire Bucket Oberck, Pierogi Baby Polka, Clarineter's Polka, Beverly's Polka, Polka Geist, 5th Avenue Medley, and One More Time
BUY NOW $12.95 All CD's will include $2.05 for Shipping - Total $15.00ea. CD. Shipped by Lightning Videos.
12 Songs: Wisi Na Krzyzu, Jezu Chryste, Rozmyslajmy, Tryptyk Oswiecimski, O Jak Sa Mile Twe Przybytki Panie, Kiedy Ranne Wstaja Zorze, Alleluja, Wesoly Nam Dzien, Otrzyjcie Juz Lzy Placzace, Wesel Sie Ludu Strapiony, Chrystus Zmartwychwstal, and Let There Be Peace On Earth
BUY NOW $12.95 . All CD's will include $2.05 for Shipping - Total $15.00ea. CD. Shipped by Lightning Videos
Jan Lewan CD - "Jan Lewan-Lewandowski's Greatest Hits"
$12.95
Jan Lewan CD - "Jan Lewan-Lewandowski's Greatest Hits"
10 Songs: Rhonda My Girl, Kosil Ojciec Siano, Wiazanka Ludowa, Czemu Ty Dziewczyno, Goralu Czy Ci Nie Zal, I Thank You Jesus, Plynie Wisla, Jeszcze Jeden Mazur Dzisiaj, Kto Handluje Ten Zyje, and My Melody Of Love
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13 Songs: Czarna Madonna, One Day At A Time, Matka, Boze Cos Polske, Pojdz Do Jezusa, Licze Na Ciebie Ojcze, How Great Thou Art, Szejset Lat, Serdeczna Matka, Jeszcze Polska, God Bless America, Czarna Madonna, and Barka (Peter's Song)
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Jan Lewan CD - "Merry Christmas, Wesolych Swiat" #1
$12.95
Jan Lewan CD - "Merry Christmas, Wesolych Swiat" #1 (Your Favorite Polish "Koledy")
10 Songs: W Dzien Bozie Go Narodzenia, Bog Sie Rodzi, Gdy Dliczna Panienka, Do Szopy Hej Pasterze, Hymn Bozego Narodzenia, Lulaj Ze Jezuniu, Cicha Noc, Sliczna Panieka, Wsrod Nocej Ciszy, Gdy Sie Chrystus Rodza
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Jan Lewan CD - "Merry Christmas, Wesolych Swiat" #2 (
$12.95
Jan Lewan CD - "Merry Christmas, Wesolych Swiat" #2 (1999)
15 Songs: 'Twas the Night, Bog Sie Rodzi/Lulaj Ze Jezuniu Medley, Przybiezeli Do Betlejem, Do Szopy Hej Pasterze, Silczna Panienka, Holiday Medley, Silent Night, Gdy Silczna Panna, No One Told Her, Pojdzmy Wszyscy Do Stajenki/Medrcy Swiata Medley, O Holy Night, Nasze Boze Narodzenie, Christmas Medley, Czarna Madonna, and Barka (Peter's Song)
BUY NOW $12.95 All CD's will include $2.05 for Shipping - Total $15.00ea. CD. Shipped by Lightning Videos.
Jan Lewan CD - "Jan Lewan and His Orchestra" Grammy Award Nominee
$12.95
Jan Lewan CD - "Jan Lewan and His Orchestra" Grammy Award Nominee
11 Songs: The Lewan Collection Medley, Ole,Ole Polka, 'til We Meet In Chicago Waltz, Amber Polka, North Shore Polka, Maryska Polka, The Bridal Dance Polka, Tylko We Lwowie Oberek, Krakowiak, Luksusowa Polka, and Cry Baby Polka
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13 Songs: Jescze Po Kropelce Polka, Bubliczki Polka, Miala Baba Koguta Polka, Jarzebina Czerwona Waltz, Our Gang Oberek, If I Knew Polka, Midnight Train Polka, Dla Ciebie Polka, Trumpeter's Waltz, 9 O'clock Tango, Babei's Polka, Watch over Them Polka, and Bugler's Holiday
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Jan Lewan CD - Jan Lewan and His Orchestra - "Live From Atlantic City"
$12.95
Jan Lewan CD - Jan Lewan and His Orchestra - "Live From Atlantic City"
17 Songs: Fanfare Intro, If It's Love, Polsh Medley, Cyganeczka, Goralka Medley, Milwaukee Jam, In The Moonlight, Cala Sala, Spanish Rain, The Killer Bees, Your Wish Is My Command, What Do You Say, Tatus I Mamusia, Poinciana, 50's Medley, Going Down The River, and Hej, Tam Pod Lasem
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Jan Lewan CD - Jan Lewan and His Orchestra - "Live From Atlantic City" Vol 2
$12.95
Jan Lewan CD - Jan Lewan and His Orchestra - "Live From Atlantic City" Vol 2
16 Songs: Polka Celebration, Goral Polka, My Favorite Dish Polka, Just Do It Polka, Mrs. Pennsylvannia, Herky's Polka, My Polka Boyfriend Polka, Hoilday In Poland Polka, Happy Tappy Polka, Under Paris Skies Waltz, 40's Medley, Red Apple Oberek, Pytala Sie Pani, Funfest, Jumpin' Johnny Polka, and Hej, Hej, Cavalier Polka
BUY NOW $12.95 All CD's will include $2.05 for Shipping - Total $15.00ea. CD. Shipped by Lightning Videos.
My dreams of a better life first led me to Canada from Poland. I came here with “two suitcases full of dreams” in 1972. There I performed for Canadian Pacific Chain Hotels from Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Banff Spring to Vancouver, BC. During that time I began using the stage name Jan Lewan.
I believed that dreams of a better life would not be complete until I became a United States citizen. So in 1981 I went to the US. I became a US citizen on October 30, 1986.
In 1988 I formed JRD Production, Inc., Jan Lewan Show Gifts, Inc. and the Jan Lewan Orchestra. I attended many trade shows, from Chicago to Las Vegas with Amber jewelry and gifts from Poland during 1988 to 2001.
During the years 1983 to 2001 my orchestra filled large venues such as Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City to Las Vegas Hilton Hotel with our famous recording of Jan Lewan and His Orchestra OLE! OLE! and being nominated for a Grammy Award, a great honor.
I do have a great story to tell so look for my new book titled,
“Two Suitcases Full of Dreams: The Life Story of Jan Lewan/Lewandowski”
A Tragic Story Of The American Dream...................................Coming Soon
Through the years Jan Lewan introduced more than 2500 tourists to his Holiness Pope John Paul II. The memories from these private meetings were priceless and were captured in the following video:
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