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
Drummer John Gerl has backed up some of the best-known Cleveland polka bands since
the 1960s. He was also a founding trustee and past treasurer of the National Cleveland-Style
Polka Hall of Fame and Museum. John began at age 12 with the Rivieras, a trio with
Dave Wretschko and Mike Gazdek. He played with the Wretschko orchestra for 24 years
until Dave’s passing in 1991. John provided the rhythm for the Fairport Ensemble
in the 1980s, Mike Wojtila and the Entertainers, and, for 15 years, with Bob Kravos
and the Boys in the Band. He has accompanied the Mahoning Valley Button Box Club,
Ron Pivovar, Ron Likovic and Kathy Hlad, and Zeke and Charlie, among others. John
has played in more than a dozen polka tours and cruises and has appeared on 20 recordings.
Whenever the Polka Hall of Fame hosts a social event, John is likely to be on the
scene to assist. He’s a popular figure at polka jam sessions and fund-raisers.
Inducted in 2011
www.polkafame.com © National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum, 605
East 222nd Street, Euclid, OH 44123, USA.