Vadnal Family Exhibition 2010
The Vadnals, The Cleveland-
Bandleaders Johnny Vadnal and Richie Vadnal brought national and international renown
to the Cleveland-
The exhibition features historic photographs and vintage video clips covering 70
years of the family band. Johnny's own accordion is featured, along with Richie's
Slovenian costume. The Vadnals first appeared together as youngsters, performing
with sister Valeria in 1938. In the polka heyday following World War II, the Johnny
Vadnal Orchestra was one of most popular of the nation's Cleveland-
All four brothers, plus mother Anna, have received lifetime recognition in the National
Cleveland-
JOHNNY VADNAL led one of the greatest Cleveland-
FRANK VADNAL was a virtuoso on the guitar and banjo and among the best sideman of
any Cleveland-
TONY VADNAL performed on the bass and led the vocals. His engaging smile, good looks
and smooth baritone brought class to the ensemble. He could yodel, too. Tony appeared
on more than 250 RCA Victor recordings and every Vadnal LP and TV show. He backed
up brother Richie on sell-
ANNA VADNAL instilled a passion for music and Slovenian culture in her five children
and helped them start the first Vadnal family band. She was very active in Cleveland's
Slovenian scene as a stage director, performer and drama and music coach, having
led the Slovenian Youth Chorus. Anna was a long-
RICHIE VADNAL brought charisma and new popularity to the Vadnal Orchestra. Young
Richie toured with Polka King Frank Yankovic as a teen to learn the business. In
1966 Johnny entrusted the band to his kid brother. Richie's boy-
After the exhibition opening, Richie presents his new CD showcasing some of the most beloved melodies recorded by the Vadnals. Few of Richie's recordings have been available on CD. Now Vadnal fans can listen to tunes Richie performed on TV's "Polka Varieties" and on polka tours around the world.
"This is really an honor for me and the whole family," said Richie. "It means so much to me when people tell me how they liked our band's music. With this new CD, they can enjoy our songs all over again." Richie will be available for questions and autographs.
Much of the exhibition was made possible through the donation of Johnny's archives and accordion by his wife Alice. A highlight of the show is a 1951 TV broadcast with Johnny and the band and Richie on "Polka Varieties" in 1968 with his mother. Other photos and mementos are from the Hall of Fame's extensive music and Slovenian archives maintained by the American Slovenian Polka Foundation.
The Polka Hall of Fame is located at 605 East 222nd Street in Euclid, Ohio. Museum
and gift shop hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5:00, and Saturdays, 10:00
to 3:00. Admission is free. For more information, call (216) 261-
www.clevelandstyle.com
February 17, 2010, the National Cleveland-
After the exhibition opening, Richie presents his new CD showcasing some of the most beloved melodies recorded by the Vadnals. Few of Richie's recordings have been available on CD. Now Vadnal fans can listen to tunes Richie performed on TV's "Polka Varieties" and on polka tours around the world.
"This is really an honor for me and the whole family," said Richie. "It means so much to me when people tell me how they liked our band's music. With this new CD, they can enjoy our songs all over again." Richie will be available for questions and autographs.
Much of the exhibition was made possible through the donation of Johnny's archives and accordion by his wife Alice. A highlight of the show is a 1951 TV broadcast with Johnny and the band and Richie on "Polka Varieties" in 1968 with his mother. Other photos and mementos are from the Hall of Fame's extensive music and Slovenian archives maintained by the American Slovenian Polka Foundation.
The Polka Hall of Fame is located at 605 East 222nd Street in Euclid, Ohio. Museum
and gift shop hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5:00, and Saturdays, 10:00
to 3:00. Admission is free. For more information, call (216) 261-
Richie Vadnal
Johnny Vadnal
The Polka Hall of Fame is located at 605 East 222nd Street in Euclid, Ohio. Museum
and gift shop hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5:00, and Saturdays, 10:00
to 3:00. Admission is free. For more information, call (216) 261-
Vadnal Family Tribute Exhibition, Cleveland-
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