The Ukrainian Musicians Association is proud to induct Nestor Shydlowsky into the Ukrainian Musicians Hall of Fame. 

Nestor was born on November 14, 1946 and grew up on the family farm in Tolstoi Manitoba. One could tell that from a very early age, singing and playing Ukrainain music was his passion, so he learned to play the accordion and to sing traditional Ukrainian songs. In 1968 at age 21, he formed his first band called the Royal Polka Kings who played in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and recorded 6 albums. It was during this time that he met Linda Salamandyk, a musician in her own right. they did indeed make beautiful music together and were married in 1972. 

In 1974, Nestor and Linda established their own recording studio and their own record labels – Sunshine Records and Baba’s Records. Many different artists from various genres recorded their music at the studio during the 45 years that they were in operation. 

In the late 1970’s, Nestor formed a new group called Family Love but it was in 1990 that Nestor and Linda formed a 5 piece band called the Ukrainian Old Timers, and that is where they would make their mark and solidify their musical legacy in the Ukrainian music field. It was Nestor’s vision, along with his outstanding creative abilities that identified and branded the band. The choreography and costumes on stage, along with their unique interpretation of song compositions, made them a one of a kind group in in the Ukrainian music field. A band highlight occurred when they toured Ukraine in 1999 and performed their Canadian praire style kind of song and music in the homeland. One of the band’s specialty performances was to perform a stage production of an traditional Ukrainian wedding – from start to finish. Nestor wrote most of it, produced it and directed it – from start to finish. The crowd loved it. The Old Timers band went on to record 35 albums.  

Ten years ago, radio station CKJS 810 AM in Winnipeg asked Ness to produce and host their popular weekly Ukrainian Zabava program. The program has a dedicated listening audience and loyal following around the world. It was a natural for Ness. he did great! Further, Nestor was the co-founder of the Ukrainian Musician’s Association a.k.a. UMA founded in 2002. Their mission was to preserve, honour an promote Ukrainian artists and their music. Since that time UMA organized many fund raising events, such as the gala evening Zemovay festivals and many zabava parties and music jamborees. Most significantly and through Ness’ leadership, UMA has created and established a Ukrainian Musicians Hall of Fame museum located at the selo at the Ukrainian Festival grounds near Dauphin Manitoba. The hall of fame has honoured many musicians that have made their own contribution to the Ukrainian music scene in western Canada.

 Nestor Shydlowsky was an absolute giant and icon in the western Canadian music scene. He got it done! He made it happen. A true Ukrainian pioneer and visionary songwriter and musician. Nestor Shydlowsky - a legend in his time. 

VICHNAYA PAMYAT!