Kalyna

Kalyna (Cranberries in English) plays a wide variety of music to please people of all ages.  Kalyna has blended modern music with great Ukrainian tradition to create a musical style that is unique and entertaining.  To compliment the Ukrainian music, Kalyna plays a great mix of country, and classic/modern rock to round out any party.

Kalyna consists of Dean Wasylowski (Vocals, Violin, Bass guitar), Tammy Wasylowski (Vocals, guitar), David Pestrak (vocals, guitar, tsymbaly), Dale Wasylowski (accordion, keyboards), and Andrew Duplak (drums).  The success that Kalyna has attained is due to hard work and diligence, which has earned them a reputation as one of Canada’s top Zabava bands.  Kalyna is proud to bring their unique form of Ukrainian music and party music to the Zemovay Ukrainian festival in 2005. 

Sloohai

Sloohai, the newest Ukrainian Zabava band in Western Canada, is a young dynamic group of musicians who is bringing traditional Ukrainian folk music band and alive.  Since the formation of Sloohai, they have left their mark with their unique sound and style of music.  Sloohai is in the process of recording their debut CD, entitled “Just ask the polka band….”.  They have graced the stage for these audiences at previous performances such as UMA’s 2004 Zabava, Folklorama’s Ukraine-Kiev Pavilion and many other memorable bookings.  The sounds of Sloohai are presented to you by 4 talented musicians consisting of Luciana Armenti (Accordion, keyboards & bass), William Kaye (Violin & saxophone), Gordon Chubey (acoustic & electric guitar and vocals) and Matthew Prychun (drums & vocals).  

The Ambrose Brothers

The Ambrose brothers have been performing at dances, weddings and clubs for many years, Ukrainian weddings being their specialty.

Steve Ambrose, leader of the band plays accordion and does vocals Ukrainian and English.  Glen Ambrose plays guitar and cymbaly and does vocals.  Ken Ambrose plays bass guitar.  Bryan Drolet plays drums and has been with the band 5 years.  Since the untimely passing of their violinist Albin Sobkowich in August 2004, Steve Myk has joined the band.  Steve is well known throughout Western Canada for his unique style of playing and has performed with many bands and has done many recordings.  Steve’s daughter Melody has been with the band for 15 years and helps with the vocals and harmonies.  Melody’s daughter Hillary, who is 12 years old now sings part time with the band.  The Ambrose brothers have recorded a total of 8 albums and are currently working on their 9th. 

Group Five

The Group Five was formed in 1971 and played semi professionally for many years.  The band was very popular in pubs, nightclubs and for wedding and other functions in Winnipeg and other centers in Manitoba and Ontario.  They have performed at Dauphin’s National Ukrainian Festival and the Ukrainian Festival in Los Angeles, California.

Among their accomplishments is an album of Ukrainian music titled “Ukrainian Champagne”, original recorded in 1978, which is still popular today and will soon be available on CD.  Originally comprised of five musicians the band now has seven members.  Raymond Honeybun and Bill Harrow were part of the original band are now joined by Wayne Lipishak, Vic Tomiuk, Paul Honeybun, William Kaye and Christine Preachuk.

The group five plays and sings a variety of music including: Ukrainian, old-time, modern, rock and country and standards.  The group five is available or wedding, anniversaries and banquets. 

Prairie Crocus

Prairie Crocus now 14 years old, is still laying your favorite Ukrainian tunes because it is what they love to do.  Primarily based in the Interlake, Prairie Crocus plays all over Manitoba, whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, polka-fest or other social function.  They aim to please all.  As well, the band has been playing country, country rock, and classic rock for the young at heart.

Prairie crocus released their first CD in 2002, to a great response; they would sincerely like to thank all of you who have enjoyed their music.  A second CD will be released soon.

Prairie crocus would like to thank Robert J Tompkins, the Zabava program on CKJS. the polka part on CFRY, CJTR Regina, UMA and all their fans, for their continued support. 

High Profile

High Profile is a 5 piece Ukrainian Wedding/Dance Band based in Winnipeg.  Since its inception 10 years ago, there have been many invitations for “High Profile” to perform at various weddings, banquets, conventions, festivals, etc.  Because of the band’s versatility in terms of its ability to play both modern and traditional music.  Whether it is the ability to play an energetic polka, waltz, schottische, kolomayka, butterfly, 2-step, modern rock and modern ballads, “High Profile” can play 2-3 generations of music lovers in one evening.  The band members are as follows:

Darren Gagaluk (bandleader and founder) – Bass Guitar, Vocals

Bill Kumka – Violin, Background Vocals

Nicholas Luchak – Drums, Background Vocals

Adam Mlodzinski – Guitar, Lead & Background Vocals

Steve Kiz – Accordion, Keyboards

“High Profile” has two best selling recordings to its credit – “Traditionally Yours” (1999) and “And The Zabava Goes On” (2003).  Plans for recording #3 are in the works.  Be sure to catch “High Profile” live as they continue to entertain their many fans and aim to earn new ones by playing virtually any style that is requested. 

The Fraser River Boys

The Fraser River Boys band was formed in the late 1950’s with 4 members.  The original 3 brothers were Walter, Alec, and William Danylchuk who were born and raised in Zhoda, Manitoba.  William Danylchuk plays the accordion and sings as well as handles the MC role for the group.

Alex Danylchuk plays violin, rhythm guitar, bass guitar and saxophone, as well as provides harmony on vocals.

Harry Hawryshko joined the group in the early 1960's.  Harry plays drums and cymbally.  Harry was born and raised in Zhoda, Manitoba.  Harry also sings including some of the Ukrainian songs he has written. Harry’s recording was released in the early 1990’s, which consisted of entirely all the songs he wrote.  Harry’s second recording was released in 2003 in which Harry Played traditional Ukrainian songs on his cymbally and dedicated this release to his grandchildren.

Mike Paradowsky was the latest member of the band as he joined in 1967.  Mike was born and raised in Sarto, Manitoba.  Mike does vocals and lead guitar as well as rhythm guitar.  Mike sings a variety of songs from Ukrainian to the latest country songs. 

Blue Steel 

Scott Wazney & The Blue Steel Band is a four-piece band from the Interlake region of Manitoba.  The band was formed in May of 1997, and though some of its members have changed over the years, the band’s commitment to provided top-notch entertainment for its many audiences continues on.  Blue Steel has in the past performed for Zabava 2003, Zemovay 2004, And Zabava 2004 and is a proud member of the Ukrainian Musicians Association of Manitoba.  On November 7th, 2004, the band released its first album self entitled “Scott Wazney and the Blue Steel Band”.  This album is a collection of Ukrainian and Polish songs as well as some original numbers composed by Scott Wazney.  We hope it provides many enjoyable listening hours for our fans for many years to come.

The Members of the band:

Scott Wazney – accordion and keyboardist

Wayne Wazny – fiddle, guitar and vocalist

Tony Wytynck – vocals & drums

Dean Linklater – guitar, bass player and mandolin 

Boris Nowosad

Boris Nowosad and his orchestra are well known throughout Western Canada.  They have been entertaining for many years and have recorded countless albums.  The group is versatile and performs many styles of music, like old time, country and contemporary music. They have performed at many Ukrainian weddings across the Prairie Provinces and as far as New York State.

Boris’s trade make is his blue fiddle.  He started playing fiddle at the age of 11 and has been performing ever since.  He estimates that he’s performed well over 500 halls and has no intentions of retiring.  With the countless trophies and recordings, Boris Nowosad is truly a legendary Manitoba performer.  Boris was recognized with an “Honorable Achievement Award” by UMA and is looking forward in receiving many more awards in the future.

Boris & The Melody Kings:  Boris Nowosad – Fiddle.  Pamela Nowosad – Keyboard.  Wild (Red) Wagner – Lead Guitar.  Mike Tymchuk – Drums.  Hans Carlson – Accordion. 

Chabluk Family & Friends

The Chabluk Family & friends are a young talented group of Ukrainian Musicians.  They have performed in Brandon, Manitoba, Dryden, Ontario and many times at Dauphin’s Ukrainian Festival and on many occasions in Winnipeg.  For 5 years in a row the Chabluk Family & friends have won gold medals in the Dauphin Ukrainian Festival Competition.  This group has won gold medals in all their categories, received awards for “Best Musical Group”, and “Most Promising Musician”.

Katrusia Chabluk plays the Sopilka and     tambourine

Mikhas Chabluk plays the violin

Ivasyk Chabluk is on the accordion

Brett Koroluk is the drummer

Brittany Lasko plays the bass guitar. 

Citulsky Family

The Citulsky family was raised in the Seech district in Central Manitoba just south of Riding Mountain National Park.  Peter and Ernie were basically self-taught in music, mostly because of a very keen desire to learn and because of their love of Ukrainian music.  Peter was always very interested in the cymbaly; he quickly learned to master the instrument with the help of his father and also a talented elderly uncle who lived nearby.  Ernie learned to play the violin at a very young age, also with the help of this same talented uncle.  Peter and Ernie played their first dance in 1954, no amplifiers were available (actually there was no hydro either) just a two man band.  Soon after, they were both playing with many different Ukrainian bands in the surrounding areas.  Eventually Ernie and Peter formed a family band and were joined by a family friend, Marshall Maksymnuk on guitar.  Their niece, Michele Lampertz, then joined them on accordion.  They played at many parties, wedding, and anniversaries throughout Manitoba.  Many of the Citulsky family gatherings consisted of musical jam sessions and singing of many favorite Ukrainian folk songs.  The first family album was recorded in 1982, followed by two more albums in 1985.

Ernie Citulsky on violin and vocals

Peter Citulsky on cymbaly and vocals

Marshal Maksymnuk on guitar and vocals

Michele lampertz on accordion and vocals

Bill Citulsky on Hawaiian guitar and vocals

After Marshall passed away Steve Dowhan, a family friend, joined the band.  Anne (Kolench) and Alice (Zemliak) provided the vocals for the two albums.

The Starlites

We “The Starlites” play at a variety of functions such as: Weddings, anniversaries, festivals such as Zemovay, Zabava and recently have performed at the Kiev Pavilion at Folklorama.  We also play for fall suppers and are willing to try out best to make your function very successful.

We have been together for approximately eight years now and are in the process of releasing our first CD.

The Starlites consist of:

Greg Bugera – Accordion/Vocals

Crystal Schwolman – Violin/Bass

Richard Hryniuk – Bass/Violin

Llyod Price – Acoustic/Guitar

Darryl Dybak – Drums 

Dennis Nykoliation Band

Dennis formed this band in 2008 and it includes some of the most talented musicians in Manitoba.

The musicians are all accomplished veterans of the stage in their own right and have been on the prairie music scene for decades. The band members collectively have recorded over 50 albums over the years..

In addition, the band members have been honoured by the UKRAINIAN MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION (UMA ) with a Lifetime Achievement Award for their individual contribution to Ukrainian music and culture in Western Canada.  Dennis was inducted to the MANITOBA FIDDLERS  ASSOCIATIION Wall of Fame in 2017 for his contribution to the art of fiddle playing in Manitoba.

The band hails out of Winnipeg and play at a variety of events including, fund raisers, dances, fall suppers, weddings, anniversaries, malankas and casino shows.

The band has a stellar reputation of playing good sounding tunes. They look good on stage – they are smartly dressed and well rehearsed.  

The broad range of music genres that they play has wide appeal to their audiences, whether it is Old Tyme Fiddle Music, Classic County and Rock, or a good old Ukrainian polka, they readily satisfy most dance crowds.

The band has performed at over 400 events all over Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and have established a solid reputation and fan following during that time.

The band presents itself as one of the most versatile dance and show bands in Manitoba.

Band members include:

Dennis Nykoliation - violin vocals

Paul Pododworny - drums vocals

Bill Scherbatiuk - guitar sax vocals

Stephen Kiz - accordion keyboard bass

Ukrainian Old Timers

Down to earth, knee knocking’, toe tapping, heel smoking The Ukrainian Old Timers are a group of inspired musicians that have many years of musical experience and which all have grown up during the nostalgic period.  They produce music that is very unique.   The Ukrainian old timers specialize in other music as well.  Besides entertaining at social events they are very well known as a “Ukrainian Band show” which brings them to many festivals across North America.  Their recordings are spiced with instrumentals, vocals and comedy in the special Ukrainian Old Timers flavor.

The Ukrainian Old Timers music is a musical experience that will bring you countless hours of dancing and listening pleasure.  As well, it will turn back time and let you live in the past while enjoying the present.  So let you hair down, put on your dancing shows, hang loose and let it rip!!!  Live it up! Enjoy their music at the many live performances or purchase their music on cassette or compact disc to be enjoyed anytime.

Each member has approximately 30 years expierence in the music field for a combination of 150 years all together.  They have a total of 18 albums on the market, which include mostly original tunes that are written and composed by them.  They are now in the process of producing their 19th volume and soon will be back in the studio to start creating a new release for their fans to enjoy.

Members are

Alec Danylchuk  - Violin

Taras Paley:  Drums/Vocals

Linda Shydlowsky – Bass/Vocals

Nester Shydlowsky – Accordion/Vocals

Bill Scherbatiuk – Electric & Acoustic Guitar 

Interlake Polka Kings

Approximately 40 years ago from the Intelake region a polka band known as the “Interlake Polka Kings” was created by Bill Woloshyn.  This band began touring and recording and in a very short time became a “house hold name” across the Prairie Provinces.  Today the legendary “Interlake Polka Kings” are still recording and performing to sold out crowds.  Their unique style has been copied by many but equaled by none.  From the snappy Polkas to the easy flowing waltzes combing with Vocals, the “Interlake Polka Kings” bring great pleasure to everyone that has either purchased their recording or has attended their dances.

The Interlake Polka Kings are:

Bill Woloshyn – Accordion/Vocals

Dennis Nykoliation – Violin

Stan Kaskiw – Guitar/Vocals

Mary Woloshyn – Guitar/Vocals

Carl Woloshyn – Drums

Anne Kalyta – Vocals 

Friends

Since bursting out into the entertainment scene November 22nd, 2002, the highly entertaining and diverse FRIENDS band has appreciated a years worth of work in advance as their initial reward.  Their unique blend of old time and new world music ranges from the most traditional European classics to Mediterranean, Latin, Rock, Blues and country.  Friends have quickly become a favorite with old and young fans.

Les Rolsky – Violin, Sax and Vocals

Darrel Oystreck – Drums

Len Oystreck – Cymbaly, Guitar and Vocals

Bobby Bilan – Lead guitar, Bass and Vocals

Joe Desusa – Accordion, Bass And Vocals

Les started playing sax at the age of 10 years old and the fiddle at the age of 15 years old.  Les was under the instruction of Karl Mueller of Kolts Music for sax and Gail Neduzak/Koroluk for fiddle. 

Darrel started playing drums in 1972.  Darrell was a member of a band called Variety 5 which his father Steve Oystreck played fiddle in. 

Len started at the age of 10 years old playing the cymbaly.  He has played with well-known artists throughout the first 40 years of his career.  Len was also a member of the variety 5 bands.

Bobby, son of a European concert violinist started specializing string instruments at age 12.   Highly regarded session player, touring performer, composer and producer.  Most recently performed with the WPG symphony orchestra as a guest terminus for the new music festival.

Joe started lessons at the age of 7.  Played in various bands.  Joe enjoys playing all types of music.