Performers

Bitaemo

Meet The Starlites…  a talented group of musicians consisting of Greg Bugera – accordion and vocals, Crystal Courchene – fiddle, Vic Tomiuk – guitar and vocals, Richard Hryniuk – bass and vocals, and Bill Harrow – drums and vocals.  As a collective group of musicians, we have well over 50 years of music experience.

We thoroughly enjoy providing the audience upbeat music of polkas, old time waltzes, two steps, and many of your Ukrainian favorites; while also offering 50’s and 60’s rock n roll and classic country. 

Our styles of music provide entertainment for a variety of functions including festivals, dances, malankas, weddings, and anniversaries.  Our love for music allows us to express that to our audience which provides us total fulfillment. 

We are looking forward to showing visitors to Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival what we… The Starlites have to offer. Please stop by and say hello!

LET’S PARTY!!

The Sparkling Tones band are an Old Time Western Canadian Dance band from Edmonton Alberta. The Group is very popular and extremely well known throughout the province of Alberta. They are heavily involved in playing for the local dance circuit as well as for Festivals, Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties and a wide variety of Social Events throughout Alberta. The group is known for its high energy and smooth mellow dance music which contains a wide variety such as Polkas, Old Time Waltz’s, Foxtrots, Two Steps , Heal Toe Polka, Schottische, Seven Step, Saskatchewan Barn Dance, Gay Gordon, Latin, Old Time Rock, Old Country, Spanish Waltz, Cotton Eyed Joe and the Butter Fly.

The Sparkling Tones Band was originally formed back in the late 1950’s and played together until the late 1960’s. The band was re-established back in 2004 by Marshall and Dwayne Pankiw with Marshall being the only member from the original group. The band is currently in its 22 nd year playing together and has played well over 900 bookings over that time period. The Sparkling Tones have recorded 4 albums and are currently working on their 5 th . The group has also traveled out of province preforming in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Though the group has had many accomplishments over its current 22 year tender, its proudest achievement and highlight is defiantly all the wonder people they have met and the close friend they have made both locally and across Western Canada through the gift of music.

Currently the group consists of Dwayne Pankiw on Accordion and both English and Ukrainian Vocals, Marshall Pankiw on Fiddle, Mike Sydora on Guitar and Vocals as well as Special Guest Irene Pankiw on Tsymballa. Together this talented group of entertainers brings a dynamic mix harmonies creating their own special sound. The Sparkling Tones first appeared at the Festival back in 2023 and are so excited to again to be returning to the 61 st annual CNUF in Dauphin Manitoba.

“Midlife Crisis” is a vibrant Ukrainian band from Saskatoon, made up of musicians who bring deep and diverse musical background. Though the group formed in late 2024, its members carry decades of experience—from formal musical training to lifelong performances in Ukraine, Europe, South America, Asia, and Canada.

Their music is meant to bring you back to the roots of Ukrainian music, from various regions of Ukraine.

“Midlife Crisis” as a band draws from a wide mix of styles—classical, jazz, funk, rock, pop, traditional, and Latin—putting their own unique spin on well-known Ukrainian tunes. Get ready for a powerful, soul-stirring performance that connects cultures and generations!

Ніч / Neech is a six member band formed in 2023. Ніч draws inspiration from folk, jazz, country, and our Ukrainian roots. Our fusion creates a fresh, captivating sound that transcends cultural boundaries. Ніч celebrates Ukrainian culture, weaving traditional melodies into their compositions. Our music reflects resilience, joy, and the spirit of community. Just as they all have been entwined in the community through dance, choir and much more! We have been captivating audiences with our energetic performances and heartfelt lyrics.

For more than a decade, STEPPE has been an integral part of the Edmonton zabava scene. Whether they’re playing a classic Ukrainian polka, a popular contemporary tune from Ukraine, or a cover of a North American favourite, their tight, pitch-perfect harmonies and polished musicianship creates a rich and vibrant sound that is instantly recognizable. Since its inception, STEPPE has had the fortune of performing extensively throughout both Alberta and Western Canada, playing at major music festivals, private functions, and numerous community events. With their dynamic live performances, tight musicianship, and infectious energy, this group of musicians is sure to get your feet moving and your heart pumping! STEPPE is thrilled to be making its return to CNUF in 2026!

Viktoriya Kantor is a talented singer, songwriter, master of ceremonies, and cultural ambassador who has made a significant contribution to the promotion of Ukrainian culture and music abroad. She performed at our festival, delivering heartfelt renditions of Ukrainian songs and the National Anthem of Ukraine, inspiring thousands of attendees and representing her homeland with dignity and grace.

Her dedication to sharing Ukrainian heritage through music, hosting, and community engagement in the United States and Canada demonstrates her deep love for Ukraine and her commitment to preserving and spreading its culture internationally.

Yevshan is under the artistic directorship of Mr. Vitali Sorokotiaguine, (So-ro-ko-tea-a-gin) and his assistant, Lecia Papenfus. Vitali was born and raised in Ukraine but now calls Saskatoon his home. Vitali was honoured by Dance Saskatchewan as being someone who has “Dared to Dance” and who has changed the landscape of dance in Saskatchewan. He was awarded the Dance Instructor of the year (2014) by Ukrainian Dance World, and Yevshan is proud to have him as their Artistic Director. 

Yevshan continues to be the trend setters in Ukrainian dance in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Canada, and they look forward to many more years of bringing their love of dance to audiences in our community, and around the world. 

The ensemble of Zabutnyy Dance Company has a large repertoire of traditional and regional dances. The group loves to perform at cultural events and festivals across Saskatchewan and beyond. In 2019, the ensemble was able to visit and perform in Ukraine, a dream for many dancers and family members of the group. They had the wonderful opportunity to take part in the International Ukrainian Dance & Culture Festival in Lviv, share the stage with the Bukovynian Honoured Song and Dance Ensemble in Chernivtsi, and perform with the Academic Dance Ensemble “Nadzbruchanka” in Ternopil. In 2013, 2016, 2022, and 2023, the ensemble had the pleasure to grace the stage of Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, sharing and celebrating such wonderful festivities of Ukrainian culture in Canada.

Most recently, in the summer of 2025, Barvinok toured Europe, performing in Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, and Poland. During this tour, including our performance at the Lemko Vatra festival, our mission was to express sincere gratitude to those supporting Ukraine during this difficult time.

We are truly grateful to the CNUF committee for the opportunity to participate in the Dauphin Festival this year. We look forward to sharing our traditions with you.

Ageless…Timeless… One More Time ….Sche Raz