Performers & Entertainment
BANDS & SINGERS
ZIRKA BAND
ZIRKA, the Toronto-based Ukrainian band, has been a presence at weddings, festivals, and zabavas for decades. This year, they are thrilled to perform at the 60th Anniversary of the Canadian National Ukrainian Festival (CNUF), marking their sixth appearance at this iconic event! With a deep passion for traditional Ukrainian music, ZIRKA crafts a distinct zabava sound that delights audiences of all ages. Their lively energy and dynamic performances never fail to get crowds partying and dancing! ZIRKA has released five CDs, including their latest album, This Is Us. All of their music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other major streaming platforms. Fans can also explore ZIRKA’s rich history through their dedicated YouTube channel, where videos from the band’s performances spanning many decades are available to watch. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering their music for the first time, ZIRKA’s timeless sound is just a click away!
ZIRKA is made up of a talented group of musicians, including several founding members who have been integral to the band’s success over the years. The band consists of Morris Hucal (accordion and vocals); John Hucal (trumpet, trembita, and vocals); Katherine Hucal-Poitras (alto and tenor saxophones); Bill Hawryschuk (Drums); Karen Aniol (violin and vocals); and, Yurko Mychaluk (guitar and vocals).
Together, this talented group brings a dynamic mix of instruments and harmonies, creating the distinctive zabava sound that has made ZIRKA a beloved staple in the Ukrainian music scene. Get ready to celebrate Ukrainian culture and music with ZIRKA at this year’s CNUF!
For further information of the band and links to its social media platforms, please visit www.zirkamusic.com
ТYT I ТAM
Тут і Там has been captivating audiences worldwide for over 20 years with their unique and progressive style of Ukrainian Turbofolk. Traditional Ukrainian folk songs and melodies combined with progressive and contemporary rock-ska create Тут і Там’s unforgettable signature sound. Stacked with four–part harmonies and electric instrumental work, their creative arrangements and sincere musicality transcend the studio and contribute to their dynamic live shows.
Made up of John Dickinson, Matt Gruza, Steve Kodak, and siblings Mark and Carissa Klopoushak, Тут і Там has performed at every major Ukrainian festival across Canada, including the Toronto and Montreal Ukrainian Festivals, Vegreville’s Pysanka Festival, Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, and internationally in Australia and the United States. In July 2016, Тут і Там embarked on a two-week tour of Ukraine, performing at major music festivals including Atlas Weekend (Kraina Mriy) and together with Ukrainian superstars Rozhanytsia and Burdon Folk Band. Тут і Там has released four full–length studio albums, including their newest release, Obriad, available on all major streaming services or Bandcamp.
VICTORIYA KANTOR
Viktoriya Kantor is a gifted singer-songwriter with a rich musical heritage. Born in Ukraine and now residing in the US, Viktoriya Kantor has spent her lifetime honing her craft, winning numerous vocal competitions, and performing at high-profile events and concerts.
With a lifelong passion for music and over 20 years of experience, Viktoriya Kantor has captivated audiences worldwide with powerful vocals and heartfelt performances.
HIGH PROFILE
DANCE GROUPS
RUSHNYCHOK UKRAINIAN FOLK DANCE ASSOCIATION
Over the years Rushnychok has traveled and performed for delegates and audiences across Canada, the USA and Ukraine. In 2018 a group of our dancers performed at the International Ukrainian Dance and Culture Festival in Ukraine. This trip is very dear to our hearts as a connection to our homeland, particularly given the events of today. Rushnychok is forever grateful for this experience.
In the summer of 2023 Rushnychok was invited to perform on the Grandstand stage at Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival. Dancing alongside many of Canada’s most inspiring dance ensembles was an honour our young dancers will treasure as they continue their dance journey.
Our Artistic Directors, Shannon Gabrush and Sonya Garvie lead an experienced team of Instructors who bring Rushnychok traditional and unique pieces of choreography aiding in the development of character, strength and grace. Our dancers’ repertoire is constantly changing as our team of award-winning instructors continues to develop new and exciting dances that reflect Ukraine’s old traditions and capture the refreshingly free spirit of a progressive and modern nation.
Rushnychok continues to promote, preserve and to foster Ukrainian culture and multicultural understanding through Ukrainian Folk Dance. We do this by sharing our gift and love of Ukrainian dance with audiences of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. Our dancers feel privileged to perform for you, and to help all audience members embrace the beautiful heart and soul of Ukrainian culture.
Dyakuyemo!
PAVLYCHENKO FOLKLORIQUE ENSEMBLE
Founded in 1967 by Miss Lusia Pavlychenko, and under the artistic direction of Serhij Koroliuk, Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble stands as a vibrant emblem of Ukrainian heritage. Affectionately known as PFE, they have garnered international acclaim, captivating audiences worldwide.
This exciting troupe of young, dedicated dancers can stimulate nostalgia, create a comedic scene, dazzle you with intricate, high velocity footwork, move you with its lyrical quality and, most of all, give your hands and feet a tremendous workout!
Today, more than ever, PFE honours Ukrainian dance as a powerful tribute to culture and tradition – values Ukrainians are bravely fighting for as they defend their freedom.
PFE is thrilled to join in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, a milestone in Ukrainian culture and community spirit! Here’s to many more years of growth, unity, and cultural richness!
VESELKA
In 1983, a group of friends started getting together to learn Ukrainian dance. This weekly get-together was a good excuse to regularly see each other, socialize, exercise, and celebrate their love of Ukrainian culture. They called themselves Veselka, which means rainbow in Ukrainian. Few would have guessed this small group of friends would evolve into the prized ensemble Veselka is known as today.
Over the past 40 years, Veselka has earned a well-deserved reputation as the “Best Adult” Ukrainian dance group in Canada. They have grown from a small group of friends, to an ensemble cast of fifty dancers that have entertained audiences with their unique blend of character, humor, and vitality, inspired by their Ukrainian-Canadian roots.
With an age range of dancers from 19 to 70 years old, Veselka is an inclusive group, who prides themselves on creating a community spirit that makes dancers feel like they are among friends and family.
Since its inception, Veselka has shared their passion with audiences across Canada and into the United States (including at Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba, and the Ukrainian Pysanka Festival in Vegreville, Alberta),
Currently under the leadership of artistic director Trisha Bayrock and assistant instructor Brent Kostyniuk, Veselka continues to impress audiences with their diverse repertoire and unique connection to their Ukrainian Canadian heritage.