Tony Blazonczyk - Leader, Vocals, Bass & Drums
Tony Blazonczyk son of polka hero Eddie Blazonczyk has grown up in the polka industry from day one. Idolizing the living my father made for himself pushed me more to learn this great music. I started my first band the South Side Sounds in 1987, recording one cassette with that band in 1992 that was the start of many great things especially having my dad surprise me by singing harmony to me on that recording. Ever since then I had the chance to sing on two other recordings always asking my dad to join me with singing back-up vocals to mine. Through my years in the polka field I've had great opportunity to play and record with some on the great bands like my father Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones, Rusty Fingers, Freeze Dried, Stephanie and her Honky Band, Gerry Tarka and the Midwest Sounds, Music Company, EZ-Tones, and also being apart of the Polish Carolers. Polka music runs in my blood and I love playing this great music, I'm looking forward to many years to come with this band New Phaze and the great friends I get to stand next to on stage every time we play.
Tim "TJ" Jagodzinski - Concertina, Vocals
My name is Tim Jagodzinski. I was born and raised in Brighton Park, in the heart of Chicago, where there was always a lot of Polka music going on. I became interested in Polka Music and concertina's at a very young age. My father, Roman Jagodzinski, played a Star Concertina and was quite a musician. After his concertina sat idle for about 4 years, I decided it was my time to learn and play the squeezebox. I started playing when I was 18. My first claim to fame was when I was 22. I played with Chet Lasik's Concertina Jamboree. Following after that, I played with Eddie Novak's 4 plus 1, Joe Walega's Happy Hearts, Rusty Fingers, Just for Kicks, to the present band "NEW PHAZE"
George "Jorge" Borsuk - Trumpet & Vocals
I'm originally from the Great White North --> Canada. Now I reside in Florida where I find the weather just perfect (ie no snow!). Listening to polkas was always what I did growing up. Some even said I have polkas on all the time that I have no clue whats on popular radio anymore! I'm fluent in Polish and I add to the flavor of the band with great Polish vocals. Prior to joining New Phaze I was part of a group called The Florida Honky Polka Band and prior to that Jan Cyman and the Musicalaires. Going way back while I was living in Canada, I played in my brother's group, TANEW, which had the original Winiarz Clan in it and there was even a stint on my own with a group named The Brass Sounds. I've had the great pleasure to be part of the last group of guys who played for L'il Wally's final performace back in 2006. I've also enjoyed fililng in with Jeresey Polka Richie and Stephanie.
Brian Lesiewicz - Drums & Vocals
My name is Brian Lesiewicz. I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. After graduating high school I have had the opportunity to live in the cities of Midland, MI, Akron and Cincinnati, OH and now currently Milwaukee, WI. I look forward to Milwaukee becoming my hometown for many years to come. Up until a few months ago, I thought the highlight of my career of being a Polka Drummer would consist of filling in with Gerry Kaminski and the Merry Makers every year at Grand Rapids Pulaski Days for 3 songs. Thanks to Mr. Tony B, I now have the privilege of being a member in his orchestra and performing at the great Polish venues all across the country. Prior to joining New Phaze, I was officially brought in to the polka scene through CJ Lackowski and the Krue. Believe it or not, both Matt Lewandowski and I's first polka bands were led by CJ. I was in the Krue for a total of 7 years. Some of my other highlights in my polka past include performing with the Detroit Jax, The Brass Express, Gerry Kaminski's Merry Makers, Ricky Kluka's Polka Pals, Chris Hedrich's Polka Posse, Jersey Polka Richie, Jimmy K's Ethnic Jazz, Eddie Beigaj's Crusade, Detroit Polka Authority, Freeze Dried and Lenny Gomulka's Chicago Push and you can't forget my Dad's bands Friendship and the East Side Sound. I list all of these bands to say a sincere thank you to everyone for giving me those opportunities to play in the polka spotlight. It has always been a dream and a goal of mine to perform at a lot of the great Polish Venues all across the country. I have to thank my Mom and Dad for always encouraging me to do well (and putting up with the noise in the basement) for all of those years. Also, I have to thank my best friend for life, and soon-to-be wife Erica, for her support in joining Tony B's New Phaze. Last, but not least, I have to thank Tony and the members of New Phaze for allowing me to become a part of this great group. I am looking forward to seeing everyone down the polka road and creating a lot of great memories. If anybody is hungry, I know a great place we can get a burrito!
John "Foo" Furmaniak - Accordion & Vocals
John "Foo" Furmaniak has been performing professionally since 1971. John was the leader of the "Dial-a-Tones" and "One More Tyme" and recorded two Albums with "Dial-A-Tones" and one CD with "One More Tyme". John has performed on over 25 Albums and CD's with the likes of "Windy City Brass", "Marion Lush & The White Eagles", Jimmy Mieszala, Li'l Richard", Stas Bulanda and The Average Polka Band", "Stas Bulanda & Dyno Chicago", "Genie O & The Next Step" and "Stas Bulanda & Old School Review". Besides the Accordian John Plays the Piano. John was on the recording "Lets Have A Party" with "Stas Bulanda & Average Polka Band" that was nominated for a GRAMMY in 1989.
Teddy Okrzesik, JR - Trumpet & Vocals
I'm Ted Okrzesik Jr, and I've been playing and loving Polka music for most of my life. I grew up on Chicago's South Side with my parents Ted and Gennie O., long time polka performers and promoters. I got my start playing trumpet and singing in the early 70s at Mom & Dad's Polka restaurant and Lounge, The Omen. I was an original member of the Windy City Brass with my musician brothers Danny and later Johnny that toured the country in the 70s and 80s. Since then I have performed and recorded with many bands, including Chi-Town Express, Jerry Zahara's Happy Stars, Li'l Richard, Stas Golunka, and many others. I've spent the last ten-plus years leading and performing with FreezeDried, and most recently have started to work with New Phaze. I continue to enjoy the great sounds of Polka music in its many forms, and hope to be doing this for many years to come!
