DynaBrass

The DynaBrass Story

Paul Krywy - Drums 

Chase Mackiewicz - Trumpet, Vocals

Founded in 1988 by Jeff Mleczko, the DynaBrass is a Polish-American Polka Band. From the very beginning, DynaBrass made an impact on the polka industry with its recordings “Sneak Preview”, “The Dream Loves On” and “In the Heat of the Night”. The albums featured several Jeff Mleczko originals and established the unique DynaBrass sound. DynaBrass performed throughout the USA and Canada until taking a Hiatus in 1996. 

After several years of performing with Toledo Polkamotion (TPM), Jeff Mleczko and several past members reunited the DynaBrass in 2004. The band immediately hit it big with the release of the “Unfinished Business” album and received several United States Polka Association (USPA) awards.

2007 Male Vocalist of the Year – Jeff Mleczko – USPA
2005 Song of the Year Nominee – Call On Me - USPA
2005 Recording of the Year Nominee – Unfinished Business - USPA
2005 Male Vocalist of the Year – Jeff Mleczko – USPA

DynaBrass continued to make its’ mark with the release of the live album “Bay City Nights” in 2008. Recorded live at St. Stan’s Polish Festival in Bay City, MI the album captured the essence of the DynaBrass. Comprised of a collection of DynaBrass favorites and a new anthem in the title cut “Bay City Nights” which is still one of the most requested songs on the playlist.

In October 2015, Jeff Mleczko suffered a stroke and is not performing with the band due to health issues. Now based in Toledo, Ohio, the band continues to perform under the interim leadership of Joe Zalewski.

DynaBrass is one of the most acclaimed Polish-American Polka Bands in America over the last several years.  Since 2016, The DynaBrass has received or been nominated for eighteen (18) Polka Music Awards from the International Polka Association (IPA) and the United States Polka Association (USPA).

2024 Joe Zalewski inducted into the IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame

2024 Joe Zalewski received the USPA Lifetime Achievement Award

2023 Band of the Year Nominee – USPA

2022 Song of the Year – Some Nights - USPA

2022 Band of the Year Nominee – USPA
2022 Recording of the Year Nominee – ALL IN! - USPA

2021 Band of the Year Nominee – USPA
2021 Male Vocalist of the Year Nominee – Dale Kivinen – USPA
2020 Song of the Year – The Girls Just Wanna Dance - USPA
2020 Recording of the Year – 20/20 Polkas - USPA
2020 Polish Style Song of the Year – The Girls Just Wanna Dance – IPA
2020 Polish Style Album of the Year – 20/20 Polkas – IPA
2017 Polish Style Song of the Year – Dance All Night – IPA
2017 Polish Style Album of the Year – Dance All Night – IPA
2017 Song of the Year – Dance All Night - USPA
2017 Recording of the Year – Dance All Night - USPA
2017 Band of the Year Nominee - USPA
2016 Song of the Year Nominee - And the Road Begins – USPA

In 2024, the DynaBrass released an extended play album titled “Ten And Five” which was recorded at Peppermint Studios on TOPOMO Records. The 2024 tour schedule includes appearances at  Holy Toledo Polka Days, IPA Wisconsin Festival of Bands, USPA Convention and Festival,  TAPS Polish Summer Picnic, Milwaukee Polish Fest,  Ocean Beach Park Polka Days, Polka Fireworks at Seven Springs and Cedar Polka Fest. For the full DynaBrass schedule, visit the website at http://www.dynabrass.com/schedule.html

The DynaBrass Team

Bob Naessens – Trumpet, Vocals

AJ Zalewski – Drums, Vocals

Jim Mackiewicz Jr. - Trumpet, Clarinet, Sax

Joe Zalewski – Bass, Vocals

Chris Hedrich – Accordion, Trumpet, Vocals

Jack Beachly III – Concertina, Trumpet, Vocals

Bernie Gorak III - Concertina 

About