GRAMMYS 'Polka Pizzazz' nets Sinchak a nomination

The musician is up against some stiff competition.
By GUY D'ASTOLFO
VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Del Sinchak Band, mainstays on the region's polka scene, received a Grammy Award nomination Thursday for Best Polka Album for "Polka Pizzazz."
It's the second time for Sinchak. He was in the running for the Best Polka Album Grammy in 1997 for "Let the Sunshine In."
"It's just as big of a thrill the second time around," said Sinchak. "It's a real honor."
"Polka Pizzazz," released on Peppermint Records, is a different type of album, according to Sinchak.
"We used the Sardich Family Singers from Warren for backup vocals, and they sang one song by themselves," he said.
"Plus, there's more variety on this album. Several nationalities are represented. We did songs in the Polish, Slovak and Slovenian styles," Sinchak said. The songs aren't original but "were redone in our style."
The band includes Sinchak, on accordion; Bob Smrecansky, drums; Ron Austalosh, keyboards and accordion; Rich DeOnofrio, saxophone; and Alan Koss, bass. All are from Youngstown, except Koss, who lives in Hermitage, Pa.
Planning to celebrate
The Del Sinchak Band will celebrate the nomination Dec. 17 when it plays at Kuzman's on U.S. Route 422 in Girard. A send-off party will be held in February before the band heads for the Grammy ceremony, which will be Feb. 8 in Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The band faces stiff competition. Jimmy Sturr, who has 14 Grammys, is up for the award for his album, "Shake, Rattle and Polka!", as is Walter Ostanek, known as Canada's Polka King, with Ron Sluga, for "Time Out for Polkas and Waltzes."
Other nominees are Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones, "Under the Influence"; and Kevin Solecki, "Solecktions."
Even if Sinchak doesn't win, the nomination will bring some very real benefits. "Album sales get a boost," said Sinchak, who recalled selling albums to people who had never even heard of him after his 1997 nomination.