Fred Ziwich

National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum

605 East 222nd Street
Euclid, OH 44123

USA

E-mail: Polkashop@aol.com

Phone: 216-261-3263

Toll Free: 1-800-66POLKA

Fax: 216-261-4134

Fred Ziwich is known as just about the most versatile rnusician ever on the Cleveland polka scene. He is a

virtuoso on several instruments, a prolific recording artist, and an expert music arranger. His band, the "lnternational Sound Machine" has mastered, performed and recorded all of the major polka styles. Fred also plays a large reperoire of popular music. There is no music he can't play and perform well.

As a yougster, it was obvious Fred was destined to become a musician. He started accordion lessons at age

five, and was able to read music bbefore reading English. He also learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. Fred taught himself to play the button accordion while in high school.

As a teenager, he formed the Fred Ziwich Trio. He joined the Hank Haller ensemble in 1973 and played for four years. After earning a music degree from lndiana University, Fred formed the "International Sound Machine," featuring the rnusic of all nationalities.

ln 1983. Fred made music his career and went on to record and perform with many Polka Bands of all styles. Fred released his first album in 1979 and has since been a leader, or studio musician on over 90 recordings, including albums by Hall of Famers Walter Ostanek, Joe Fedorchak and Hank Haller. World Renowned Sounds released twenty recordings with Fred playing all Off the instruments as the "lnternational Sound Machine".

Gary and Christopher Byndas have performed with Fred for more than 20 years.

Fred plays regularly at Slovenian Country House and the German Central Farm in Parma, Ohio. Since 1993, Fred has been the musical director of the German Music Society Brass Band (Deutscher Musik Verein.) He also directed the Jadran Slovcnian Chorus for 6 years.

Members of the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum have honored Fred as "Musician of

the Year' and "Button Box Player of the Year," as well as awards for "Best New Song" and "Recording of the Year."

In 2007, Fred married his biggest fan, Marilyn. He teaches the piano accordion. button box, clariret, sax, flute and trumpet. Fred hotst two polka shows on the internet at www.247polkaheaven.com.

Inducted in 2010