Matt Kuch
December 23, 1913 - April 14, 1988.
Matt Kuch played Cymbaly & recorded with Jim Gregrash, Melody Kings and The Interlake Polka Kings.
Matt was born in Seech, Manitoba and later settled in the Marco District and was well known for playing that Cymbaly.
From an early age, Matt played various functions which included weddings and dances. During this time, he had the opportunity to play with several self-taught musicians such as John Lebid, Steve Matiowsky, Peter Lamb, and Matt Stadnyk. Many weddings were held outdoors and guests that attended danced on a wooden platform.
The dances were held on Saturday nights in the Community Hall. Matt played in the communities of Oakburn, Seech, Marco and Olha.
In 1954, Matt moved to Winnipeg and continued to play with various bands. He had the opportunity to play with Jim, Gregorash. They played for weddings and anniversaries all over Manitoba and dances especially at Mateychuk’s Barn in Zhoda.
Matt enjoyed woodworking and constructed his own cymbaly. Rumour had it they were built so sturdy that you could dance on them. He also taught other people to play that cymbaly and had made a few sets of cymbaly for others.
From 1960 to 1966, Matt, together with Bill Woloshyn and Stan Kaskiw, spent many hours playing at the Merchant’s Hotel in the mixed parlour area. People would come out and enjoy an evening of music. During this time, he also spent time with John Konosky and the “Primrose Trio” when a cymbaly player was needed.
In 1961, Matt joined the “Interlake Polka Kings”. The “Interlake Polka Kings” were led by Bill Woloshyn and members included his wife Mary, Dennis Nykoliation, Stan Kaskiw and John Yaworski. Matt played with the band weekly at the Rainbow Dance Gardens, where the same crowd would come out faithfully every week for dancing enjoyment. They also played at weddings, anniversaries, stage shows and dances throughout Manitoba in areas such as Oakburn, Angusville, Elphinstone, Mountain Road and in addition, some Saskatchewan communities.
In 1964, the band recorded their first long-play album called The Ukrainian Festival of Folk Songs and Music. The Ukrainian music and humorous lyrics delighted many people. Later on, Matt was invited as a guest artist in a second album called The Ukrainian Samahonka, where he supplied the authentic Ukrainian sound. Today these records still bring much enjoyment into people’s homes even after all these years.
Matt eventually left the band to play more as a leisurely hobby. From 1966 to 1970, Matt also occasionally filled in with Morris Salamandyk and his Winnipeg Melody Kings which once again took him to many places. He also took great joy now in playing at his grandchildren's weddings.
In 1974 Matt's health began to deteriorate and on April 14th, 1988, he passed away, leaving many fond and treasured memories. Throughout his life and during his years of playing, Matt met many people and had gained special friendships with many, but his best friend was fellow musician Stan Kaskiw, who he shared a long history of music, laughter, stories, and memories.
We, Matt’s family are very thankful for the years of enjoyment he gave us, and we truly hope that the traditional Ukrainian music will be carried on for many years to come.
We thank the Ukrainian Musicians Association for giving Dad such a special honour.
