The New Direction Band

Band Members

In Memory of Ron Urbanczyk

It is with great pride that the New Direction Band will continue to provide polka music to the community. Ron started and led the New Direction Band with the goal of providing polka music to fans across the U.S. and Canada. His passion for polka music inspired people of all ages, including aspiring musicians, to keep the music he loved alive. As the leader of the band, Ron guided New Direction band members to perform to their best.

Buffalo Music Hall of Famer, Concertina Hall of Famer, author, song writer, promoter, concertina instructor, and polka DJ, were Ron’s proudest accomplishments. We dedicate the future of the New Direction band in honor of our dear friend, fellow polka musician, and brother, Ron Urbanczyk.

In closing, Ron Urbanczyk, Rest in Peace.

Jim - the leader of The New Direction Band, does the announcing as our MC, sings some of your favorite songs, tells some jokes and plays drums. Jim spent almost 25 years with City Side and has been nominated for USPA and IPA male vocalist of the year and is featured on all three of our CD's. If you'd like to book the band for your next party or event give Jim a call at (716) 803-7890

Frank - a long time musician with many talents, he plays the clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, guitar, bass, accordion, drums and even does some singing. Frank also writes the musical arrangements for the band. Frank has recorded six CD's. A long time musician in the Buffalo area, sometimes called Country Frank because he grew up on a farm out in Arcade, NY. He's a college professor and a Baptist minister too. Frank also has a long resume playing with the Notes, Skylarks, Pole Cats, Honky Hoppers, Buffalo Concertina All-Stars and the Nickel City Notes before joining New Direction.

Paul - we are proud and excited to announce the addition of Paul on bass guitar as the newest member of the band. Paul is a veteran musician who brings to us his fine talent and many years of experience from his association with bands in the past such as KB Express, G-Notes, Bedrock Boys, Rare Vintage and Phocus. Welcome aboard Paul.

Ed (Edjzu) - we are excited to have found an experienced polka trumpet player like Ed. His powerful trumpet playing gives us the instrumentation to play more Push Style Polkas the polka people love. Eddie is a veteran musician who started playing in his father's band at the age of 12. He has also played for the Shaparells, The Steel City Brass, Buffalo Brass, My Two Sons Band and The Nickel City Notes.

Art - we are pleased to introduce this accomplished musician. Art and his accordion allows The New Direction Band to play the more popular Push Style of polkas. Art is a veteran polka musician who has played with the likes of The Pole Cats, The Bedrock Boys and The Buffalo Concertina All-Stars. His keyboard and vocals truly enhance the sound of the band.

THE NEW DIRECTION BAND