Don Kushman

Donald Edward Kushmaniuk was born on February 3rd, 1946 in Grandview, MB. He grew up on the family farm in Venlaw, Manitoba, attending a one-room country school. His maternal grand father, a well-known local fiddler, lived on the same farmyard. He attempted to teach Don on the violin, but Don was not interested.

When Don completed Grade 8, his parents moved to Dauphin so he could attend high school. A teenage, cousin, who played accordion and violin, lived across the street. He taught Don “You are My Sunshine” on the fiddle, and Don was on his way. Don eventually bought an acoustic guitar for $18.00, learning basic chords so he could accompany his cousin. In his senior year in high school, Don met a fellow student who played in a family old time polka band. Cliff showed him rhythm chords on electric guitar and Don played several gigs with them.

After graduating from high school, Don moved to Winnipeg. In 1971, he formed a band with two other musicians from Winnipeg's North End and they called themselves the TKO's. The band's first gig was at the Holy Ghost Polish Club on Main St. and Mountain in Winnipeg. All instrumental music, no vocals. One night, Don sang through the bingo mic at the club and the band purchased a PA system, greatly increasing their versatility. A saxophonist/guitarist was added to the TKO's, had a busy schedule playing at wedding socials and banquets. A highlight for Don was returning to Dauphin to play at the Ukrainian Festival in 1973.

In 1976, Don moved back to Dauphin. He recontacted with Cliff and rejoined the Country Ramblers. In the early 90s there was a band member change and the name of the band was changed to Party Time Orchestra, AKA PTO. Several decades and six record albums later, PTO is still playing on the local scene.