Joseph Michael Hrycyk

1932-2016

In 1954 Joe formed his band “Joe Hrycyk and the Starlites”.

First members of his band were Paul Ewsiuk, Bill Serink, Bill Strutensky and Peter Serink.

At age 6 Joe was asked to play drums for the Samborsky Orchestra, but it was the Violin that interested Joe most. 

His Dad bought him a violin and later a mandolin.

Joe began lessons via correspondence through Paramount Conservatory of Music in Vancouver BC.  The lessons were paid for with family allowance cheques.  The rate was $5 per month so it took six months to pay for the $30 annual cost.

At age 13, Joe received some lessons from Lloyd Bahry, a teacher at the local school.

Joe also learned to play Saxophone. 

At 15 Joe started playing at wedding and dances regularly.They would make $2.50 - $3.00 each. He played with Sunset Serenades, Twilight Serenaders, Weleschuk Bros.,  Andrew Jamborees and many other groups.  

In 1954 Joe formed his own band "The Starlites".

In 1957 Joe competed at Northern Alberta Old Timer Fiddlers Championship at the Lakeview Pavilion finishing in 3rd place.  The following year he won the Championship. 

Joe was invited to perform with Gabby Haas and the Barn Dance Gang as a special guest on CFRN TV.

Joe discovered a young talented singer Gloria Kolmatyski  from Grassland.  In 1963 Joe recorded his first album featuring Gloria.

Joe also performed at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton, AB and in Yellowknife NWT for New Year's celebration.

Larry Bucholz wrote a song in Joe's honour titled “Old Joe's Fiddle”.  In the song it's apply states:

“Now Old Joe's fiddle" brings a smile to every face, every toe is tapping throughout the darn place; old Joe's fiddle is just a piece of wood, but there must be some part made of his heart that's why he plays so good...”

The following newspaper clipping is about Joe.