08/07/2025
After nearly a week since CNUF, I am fully recovered and time to say 'dyakyus'.
First of all, big thanks to Barry and Val Maciura for a place to stay. Coming home after 1:30am every night trying to be quiet reminded me of being 17 again. Greatly appreciated the hospitality.
Thanks to Kayla Gillis, Cory Lafontaine, and the rest of the board of CNUF for asking me to emcee the 730 CKDM Cossack Tavern Stage. Was a great way to enjoy the festival by doing what I like to do - just listening to the best Ukrainian Canadian Music.
Of course a big round of applause and thanks to all the bands who showed professionalism, class, and above all high energy Ukrainian spirit.
Millenia - you guys were exceptional. 110% stage energy from start to finish and the crowd loved it. And not just on the Ukrainian stuff - your country and rock stuff would leave most bar bands in the dust - especially the AC/DC covers!
Zirka - completely blew me away. It's one thing hearing your recordings, but seeing you live completely left me awestruck. The pure talent and energy was infectious. It's so cool to see a band that constantly look like they are happy and truly enjoy what they do.
Tyt i Tam - What else can I say. Like Millenia and Zirka, you guys and gal are a powerhouse on the stage. Absolute diamond people and we are so blessed to have you so active in the Ukrainian Canadian music scene. Can't wait until next time.
Friends Band - What a stalwart band with so much experience. Les, Chester, Tom and the boys - was a pleasure to join you on the float and on stage doing what you guys do best - playing solid meat and potatoes Ukrainian Canadian music.
The Sawchuk Sisters - Jason, Brooklyn, and Brenna - you probably received the most sincere and genuine compliments I heard from anyone. The bands and audience who have seen you girls grow up on the stages at CNUF offered so much support and encouragement and I really hope you carry on with your musical talents. As Jason shared with me, one lady said your music was therapeutic and I can't argue with that. Just beautiful stuff.
High Profile Band - My alma mater still going strong. So great to see Darren and Steve and the boys keeping High Profile alive. You guys kept delivering all weekend long and it was a joy to see you giving the audience exactly what they wanted.
Brandon Hachkowski - I wish I had more time to be in 2 or often 3 places at once. Was great to catch some of "Ukrainian Tradition" and see you jam. Thanks again for recording the new theme for the Zabava Hour. Amazing to see you just get better and better.
Kevin and the whole gang at Roncin Sound. You guys went above and beyond all weekend long at the Cossack Tavern Stage. Were most sound guys just set it and leave it, you guys kept active and made sure the sound was always 100% - and the bands and audience certainly noticed. As a trained sound guy myself (Mid Ocean 1998!), complete respect for commitment to your craft.
Big thanks to Bruce Yakoweshen, a true gentlemen and the backbeat to many Ukrainian bands over the years, for a copy of his latest book and even more music to share on the show.
UMA - to all the board, jam band participants, and achievement winners - I am so sorry I couldn't spend more time down in the village. Was great to join for some of the speeches and jam a little bit with the legendary Bill Scherbatiuk, and Anne and Stan Pleskach.
And you would think I'd be tired of Ukrainian music, but no!
Big thanks to Dorothy from the Ukrainian Heritage Village Museum, and Geri Zelitach who donated a trunk load of Ukrainian vinyl, cassettes, and CD's to me, which I have slowly been going through and preserving and digitizing for future shows!
And of course a big thanks to my family for allowing Dad to disappear for a few days to Ukrainian Disneyland.
To anyone I may have missed, sincerest dyakyu to you all.
Thanks for listening to the show, and keep the music alive.
Slava Ukrainia! d the dr
