For over 100 years and through 6 generations, the Chmielewski family has been synonymous with polka music. Florian Chmielewski became the leader of the band in 1945 when he received his 1st accordion at age 18.
Born in Sturgeon Lake, MN on February 10, 1927, with 14 siblings, Florian went from a dairy farmer, to a County Commissioner, to a MN State Senator, never once, giving up his love for the accordion. He began weekly radio shows performing with his 4 brothers, before the broadcasting of the Chmielewski Funtime TV show for the next 35 years, seen Nationwide.