John Frank Kinasewich

March 27th, 1919 - September 10th, 1996

John began his music at the age of 6 when his mother bought him a fiddle that he learned to play on his own. At 17, he played for a group of Ukrainian dancers. 

He took a break from music in 1941 - 1945 to join the Army, when he was discharged as a corporal in the forces. 

Upon his return home, he became a farmer, but his life was always surrounded by music. His home was always filled with the sound of John practicing, and wife Adeline and family singing and dancing to the happy sounds.

John was inspired to continue his music by family and friends. They played many weddings, anniversaries, house parties and parades.

John formed his own band, “The Five Gents”. He was known for his vast repertoire of music that had the most beautiful Ukrainian sound. As quoted “Sounds that are fine, free flowing and emitted on a violin mastered by a man whom people come to respect and appreciate”.

John was also known for enhancing music through generations. Some of his band members were very talented “Young” musicians who later went on to organize their own bands and featured John as special guest on their albums.

John retired from the band in 1984, and he continued doing his favorite hobby, building dulcimers. He became known as one of the finest dulcimer builders in the country. His dulcimers are still played today.

In 1983, John was honoured by CFCW for his contributions made to the field of Ukrainian Music and Culture.

Many times, you still hear John on the Zabava program on CFCW.