Richie Yurkovich and polkarioty

Richie Yurkovich and his band have been playing professionally for almost 50 years. Their performances have taken them throughout the United States where they have performed at numerous festivals, Oktoberfests, clubs, personal engagements, TV and radio shows and other events. Among those being several appearances in Branson, MO. They have also performed in Europe and have hosted many bus trips in the mid-west. The band members are composed of veteran musicians who bring their best to each performance.

Richie is also owner and recording engineer at his recording studio, RY Productions. More than 375 projects have been recorded and released from his studio. Many on his own RY Productions label.

Richie was elected to the Ironworld Polka Hall of Fame in 2001.

They have recorded more than 30 albums and Richie has written almost 100 songs. They play a variety of music including polkas, waltzes, big band, country, older rock, latin and many specialty songs. The band always has a fun time performing to give the dancer and listener an enjoyable experience.

Band Members:

Richie Yurkovich: Accordion, button box, vocals, midi effects.  He has had his own band, for over 50 years, recorded 30 albums, owns his own recording studio, hosted many tours in the U.S. and abroad and has performed across the United States including more than 70 shows in Branson, MO.  In 2001 he was inducted into the Ironworld Polka Hall of Fame.  With his accordion, bass and midi effects, he gives the band the sound for which they are known.

Gabe Yurkovich.  Drums, Vocals.  Gabe (Gabrielle) has been a member of our band since the 1970's as either the full time drummer or filling in when needed.  Her main instrument in high school was the saxophone and played that many times in the early years of the band.  Her out-going personality, solid beat and pleasing vocals make her a crowd favorite whenever she performs.She has also released her own CD titled "Beatin' It Up".  It features some of her favorite songs and is available on our orderform page.

Scott Benson: Guitar, banjo, drums, vocals. 2021 marks Scott's 44th year as a performing musician and he has been performing with Rich since 1977. He has a versatile music background and has played with several polka bands including Richie Yurkovich, Scott Koehn, Frankie Bucar, Ray Ahlgren, and Mike McIntyre. Scott's played with show bands, roots- and rock bands, country-rock bands, and variety bands such as Whoz Playing?, The Atomic Tailfins, Redwing, The Marshall Star Band, TravAce & The Generators, Chevy Van, The Kristmas Kookies, and The Tinglers. Scott's performed with Chuck Berry, Greg Koch, multi-Grammy winner Bill Miller, and Minneapolis-based musician/songwriter Javier Trejo.

Our band books as the three piece group as pictured, as a two piece with drums and accordion and Richie also performs as a solo musician for smaller events.