Ken Machelski

Kenneth “Ken” Stanley Machelski was born on August 20, 1950, on the east side of Buffalo, New York. At the time, this area was a predominantly Polish neighborhood, which led him to begin accordion lessons at the age of seven, followed later by drums and eventually the trumpet. His true love for ethnic music developed from listening to Stan Stas Jasinski and Dan Lesniak’s polka radio programs.

Ken’s musical journey began with his father, Joseph “Joe” Machelski, who played in the U.S. Army Band during World War II and continued performing after returning home in 1945. Joe played with several local bands, including one called The Variety Three. Ken regularly sat in on his father’s rehearsals in their living room, where being immersed among accordions, concertinas, and horn players further refined his love of music. His older brother, Ed, also studied the saxophone and clarinet.

Ken was an avid fan of polka musicians Eddie Blazonczyk and Marion Lush. Ken loved their sound and frequently performed their music. Marion Lush’s golden voice was especially evident when Ken sang his songs. He soon joined the Buffalo Happy Hi Notes, performing at local dances, traveling throughout the eastern United States and Canada, and appearing on radio and television programs, as well as recordings.

In 1971, Ken was a founding member of the Goral Boys band. Within three years, the group recorded 45 rpm singles and their album Make Room for Another Polka Giant”.
The band also organized bus trips for fans to the 1972 International Polka Association (IPA) Convention in Milwaukee and to other polka venues. While performing with the Goral Boys, Ken was featured on vocals and earned the nickname “Ma?y Lush” due to the similarity of his voice to that of Marion Lush.

Ken formed the band the New York Six, in 1974, which later became the New York Transfer. The group quickly rose to become one of Buffalo and Western New York’s most popular party bands, performing three to four nights a week at weddings, clubs, and private functions, including the most high-profile events in the region.

Ken began performing with the Honky Hoppers in 1993, playing trumpet and concertina. On occasion, backing up Lil Wally and performed at conventions.

In 1995, Jerry Darlak and the Buffalo Touch was created and Ken became lead vocalist along with trumpet duties. The band included Mike Nowakowski on accordion, Mike Kurdziel on drums, Ray Barszukiewicz on saxophone, trumpet, and clarinet, Tom Miniszewski on saxophone, Steve Michaels on piano, and eventually BMHoF member Tadj Szymczak on bass.

The group achieved immediate success, traveling throughout the United States and Canada.
The Buffalo Touch also introduced polka music to many Western New York clubs, including the Sportsman’s, the Tralf Nightclub, the Lafayette Tap Room, and the River Grill—venues that had never previously hosted polka bands.

With The Buffalo Touch, he recorded thirteen CDs, three of which were nominated for Grammy Awards for Best Polka Album in 2003, 2004, and 2009. They also recorded a live DVD, appeared on the Polka Joe television program, and recorded performances for the Polka Buzz TV show. The band received numerous national honors, including three Erie County Proclamations, multiple Best Polka Band awards, and a Citizen of the Year Award from the Am-Pol Eagle, among other accolades.

Following the passing of Jerry Darlak, Ken assumed leadership of the Buffalo Touch continuing to perform primarily in the Western New York area, including appearances at charity events, senior centers, and the annual Kol?dy Polish Christmas Carol shows, as well as occasional out of-town performances.

Ken hosted the WXRL Goral Boys Polka Show during the 1970s and later hosted a Facebook page titled “Brothers of the Note,” which was dedicated to honoring musicians who had passed.
Professionally, Ken retired from Erie County Public Works after more than 33 years as an architect. Ken was also a proud graduate of Hutchinson Central Technical High School and the University at Buffalo.

He served as President of the Hamburg Hawks Hockey Association for over 25 years and coached youth hockey for both the Hawks and the Frontier Junior Varsity High School hockey teams. Additionally, he coached Little Loop football, Little League baseball, and softball for his children over the years. Along with being a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.

Ken passed away while on vacation with his wife Carolyn in Florida on March 6, 2024.
He was survived by his Loving wife Carolyn of 53 yrs., his daughter JulieAnn & Matt Zdyb, his sons Kenneth J. Machelski and the (late Nicholas A.) & Kimberly Machelski & his Cherished grandchildren Alexandria, Natalia, Nicholas A. Jr., Katelyn, Kendyl, Witney & sister Karen & Mike Mattoon.

Ken was always an entertainer who played and sang from the heart. He often said, “Polka is happy music,” and with his trademark smile, he would proudly invite everyone with a heartfelt, “Let’s have a toast—NA ZDROWIE!”