Youth Program Sunday, September 16th - 12pm - 2pm
Runnymede Stage – Non stop music and Teach Me To Dance Ukrainian classes
Friday and Saturday night Street Dances - Jane St Stage and Runnymede Rd Stage.
 presents: Fralinger String Band - Philadelphia |  This champion Mummers String Band organization is known throughout the world for their upbeat musical style, colorful costumes and energetic performances. In 2011 their New Year’s Day parade theme was “At the Golden Gate of Kiev”,
showcasing Ukrainian traditions, culture, music, and elaborate costumes. Philadelphia Mummers are a unique 113-year old tradition of over 15,000 costumed entertainers welcoming in the New Year. The tradition developed from a blending of the many cultures of the European continent, and evolved into the colorful, competitive parade held each New Year’s Day in Philadelphia. From 2003 to 2010, Fralinger String Band won an unprecedented eight-consecutive first prizes in this parade. The Fralinger String Band was organized in 1914 by Dr. John Fralinger, a Philadelphia philanthropist, pharmacist and team physician for the Philadelphia Athletics professional baseball team. His sponsorship and community relationships enabled the band to strut in their first parade on January 1, 1915. The band is led by Captain, Thomas D’Amore, who is the 2012 First Prize Captain of the Philadelphia New Year’s Day parade. He has won first prize in two of his last three years as Captain. For more information, please visit Fralinger’s website at www.fralinger.org.
| UB - Edmonton |  UB was formed in 1997 by a group of friends who thought that starting a Ukrainian polka band was some sort of great idea. As it turned out, it was some sort of great idea and for the last 15 years, people seem to have tolerated UB's varied musical stylings. That kind tolerance has led the band to many festivals, malankas, zabavas and countless weddings across Canada and the United States (and at least one divorce in Two Hills, Alberta). This past January, UB became the first Western Canadian Zabava band to perform in Australia at the annual Malanka in Melbourne. UB released their debut CD in 2002 entitled Hardwood Harmonics. Their brand new CD Homebrew’d Hi-Fi was released last summer to rave reviews. The band members are: Arko Ferdycz, Taras Zakordonski, Damein Zakordonski, Jerritt Pawlyk, Jason Feddema, Dan Bridges, Dave Kozak and Brian Cherwick. www.myspace/ubzabava
| Zhyto - Calgary |  Zhyto is Calgary based Ukrainian band. The group brings together flavors of rock, dance, pop and classical into Ukrainian folk music to create a sound entirely their own. Since their formation in early 2009, Zhyto's energetic performance has dazzled audiences at many notable festivals and zabavas, including Calgary Ukrainian Festival (2010, 2011), Ukrainian Day in the Village - Edmonton (2011, 2012), Regina Ukrainian Fall Festival (2011, 2012), two January Malanka (Ukrainian New Year's) tours with dates in Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary and Rural Saskatchewan (2011, 2012) as well as the 2012 Canada's National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba, where they successfully released their self titled debut album. The band's lengthy touring schedule in 2012 has spanned the three Prairie provinces, and will be making their final stop at the Toronto Ukrainian Festival. www.facebook.com/zhytomusic www.reverbnation.com/zhyto www.zhyto.ca
| Harmonia - Cleveland |  Harmonia's music is intense, driving, lyrical roots music from Eastern Europe. Its repertoire reflects the cultures of this region: Ukrainian, Hungarian, Slovak, Romanian, Croatian and Gypsy. Performing on authentic folk instruments, and styled after turn of the century East-European Gypsy bands, their music is drawn from both the urban and rural traditions of Eastern-Europe. The six-piece ensemble uses instruments as varied as accordion, upright bass, violin, panflute, and cimbalom. Capturing the emotion, depth, fire and passion of Eastern Europe; Harmonia's rhythms move in a heartbeat from mellow and dissonant to loud and frenzied. Their technical brilliance only adds to Harmonia's breathtaking performances & dizzying cimbalom solos coupled with soaring violin lines, haunting flute and accordion solos and soulful vocals - are a joy by any standard. For more info visit: www.HarmoniaBand.com
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From North America and Europe:
Andrey Kutash - Montreal |  Andrey Kutash is a virtuoso guitarist who performs a unique blend of Ukrainian and Flamenco music. He was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He has been playing the guitar for over 30 years. In 1990, he began his studies on Flamenco guitar techniques and melodies. He released his first professional recording in 1997, titled "Kutash". "Kutash" is a compilation of original and traditional Ukrainian/Flamenco music. It is the first example of the original musical style Andrey has created. Andrey released his second recording in 2000, titled "Kutash II- Carpathian Echoes", which featured the violin, tsymbaly, piano and mandolin. Andrey's third recording is now available, aptly titled "Kutash III". "Kutash III" features lively traditional Flamenco pieces mixed with traditional Ukrainian melodies. Andrey has performed at various locations in Quebec, Ontario and New York. Kutash can be heard on radio stations in Montreal, B. C., Alberta, and on the World Wide Web. www.kutash.com
| Auresia - Montreal |  Auresia born of Ukrainian decent, grew up in Edmonton Alberta, and living in Montreal for the last 6 years. She mixes her Reggae Style with her sweet and hauntingly angelic voice with Ukrainian and English lyrcis. After years of performing across Canada, USA, Europe, and most recently a 20+ date South American tour this winter, she is making a name in the International Music Scene. Nominated for 5 music awards for her debut album "Auresia", she will be releasing her sophomore album called "Risinâ" in early Fall, 2012. For more information about Auresia please visit http://www.auresia.com or http://myspace.com/auresia.
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| DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company of Toronto |
|  For more than 37 years, DESNA has been dazzling audiences throughout Canada, the US and abroad with a wide repertoire of Ukrainian dances including Hutsul, Bukovynian, Kozachok, Volyn & Hopak. Under the direction of Virsky’s Yuri & Luba Grekov, DESNA presents technically demanding and exhilarating dances accented by exquisite costumes and diverse music. DESNA also contrasts its traditional repertoire with different styles of dance including the Country Dance, Gypsy & Miners. Last year, The DESNA School and Company began teaching FREE Ukrainian dance lessons at the Runnymede stage and they’ll be back again this year. Make sure to stop by their booth on Saturday and Sunday to say hi and do some Ukrainian dancing! For more info about the DESNA School or Company, please e-mail Contact@DESNA.ca or check us out at www.DESNA.ca. The DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company of Toronto is honoured to have the opportunity to perform at the Toronto Ukrainian Festival for the 16th consecutive year!
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| Kashtan Dance Ensemble - Cleveland |
|  The Kashtan Dance Ensemble has been an active part of the culture scene of Cleveland, Ohio, since 1979. For more than two decades, the ensemble has performed at concerts and festivals throughout Ohio and other parts of the Midwest and Eastern United States. Kashtan’s delightful repertoire and energetic style make the group a favorite among audiences everywhere. By working to promote Ukraine’s rich dance heritage, Kashtan has done much to advance the popularity of folk dance in this country. Over the years the testament to Kashtan's success has been realized through a number of talented students who went on to become professional dancers and instructors with some of the most renowned companies in America and abroad. Now under the direction of Artistic Director Diana Prodan, Kashtan moves forward into the future by continuing to preserve the soul of Ukraine through the beauty of Ukrainian folk dance.
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| Kalyna Dance Ensemble - Hamilton |
|  Just a few years ago, a group of young and motivated individuals came together to comprise the Kalyna Dance Ensemble, based in Hamilton, Ontario. With just a hand full of dedicated dancers, Kalyna has flourished into a recognizable and respectable group whose humble beginnings allow them to be fine representatives of Ukrainian-Canadian youth. A few short years later, Kalyna has blossomed into a group that is devoted to fostering Ukrainian tradition through dance. Performing at countless weddings, malankas and local fund-raisers across the Greater Toronto Area, these life-long performers of Ukrainian dance have excited audiences with their talent, poise and energy. Kalyna provides instruction to dancers between the ages of 18 and 38. As this ensemble continues to take part in a multitude of functions and events, their passion and enthusiasm are demonstrated in each performance.
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| Orlan Ukrainian Dance Ensemble - Winnipeg |
|  The ORLAN Ukrainian Folk Ensemble Inc. was created in Winnipeg in 1975. Under the artistic direction of Dr. Taras Babick, ORLAN has had the privilege of entertaining audiences over the past four decades. ORLAN's repertoire of forty traditional Ukrainian folk dances, all conceived by Taras Babick, is complemented by a wardrobe of over four hundred individual costumes created by Patrusia Babick. The musical accompaniment was orchestrated and recorded by the Veriovka Folk Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Anatoly Avdievsky. ORLAN had a long and glorious history of showcasing traditional Ukrainian folk dance. ORLAN has enjoyed three separate Disney contracts - the most recent one involved eighteen performances at the American Gardens Theatre in EPCOT Centre. ORLAN has toured Ukraine on two separate occasions. ORLAN has also toured Hong Kong, Bangkok, and the republic of China. Several American cities have enjoyed the artistry of ORLAN, including Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee. Canadian event include Expo 86 in Vancouver, a series of concerts in Yellowknife, Canada Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and virtually all of Manitoba's provincial festivals and fairs. Named after the majestic eagle, ORLAN has truly spread its wings and has touched the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people during hundreds of performances for over a third of a century. ORLAN is now truly delighted to add the city of Toronto to our list of honours.
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| Sofia Fedyna - Lviv, Ukraine |
|  Sofiya started to perform on the big stage at the age of 3. At the age of 12 she became professionally involved into vocal studies. Being 20 she released her first album. That was the beginning and for the moment Sofiya has four albums released and the forth one - Cherwena Ruzhychka (Red Rose)-is being presented on the concerts in Canada this summer. This year Sofiya celebrates 25th anniversary of being on the stage: thousands of concerts all over Ukraine and Europe, hundreds of festivals and a lot of positive emotions from Sofiya Fedyna's performance. Albums: Christmas Carols - Ide zvizda chudna(2005),Tam pid horom (2007),Ukrainian Partisan songs(2009),Chervena Ruzhychka(2012). Furthermore, Sofiya's dream - to become an ambassador of peace - to resolve conflicts and disputes with the help of art, music and songs. If you listen to Sofiya Fedyna's singing, you will understand that it is possible. More information at sofiyafedyna.com.
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| Vasyl Dunsia from Ukraine & Nadia Kozak from Oshawa |
|  Vasyl' Dunets' is a composer and a singer from Ternopil’, Ukraine. Nadia Kozak is a lyric-poet from Oshawa, ON, who, twenty years ago, immigrated to Canada from Ternopil’. The artistic tandem of Vasyl' Dunets' and Nadia Kozak was formed in 2010. Since then, they have created twenty three songs and are continuing working together. In May of 2012, Vasyl' Dunets' and Nadia Kozak, supported by numerous performers and troupes from across Ukraine and from abroad, delivered a major show in Ternopil’, also presenting their first CD “Hrona Liubovi”. In September-October timeframe of this year, Vasyl' Dunets' and Nadia Kozak will be performing across Ontario, delivering several concerts and participating in a number of cultural events of the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Vasyl' Dunets' and Nadia Kozak are honoured to be presented with this unique opportunity to participate in the 2012 Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival.
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| Zorya Vocal Ensemble - Cleveland |
|  The Zorya Ukrainian Female Vocal Ensemble was created in February 2007 under the artistic direction of Natalia Basladynsky-Mahlay. The ensemble’s mission is to bring forth high quality and vibrant Ukrainian female vocal artistry to all audiences through performances, recordings, and education featuring the depth and beauty of the Ukrainian vocal tradition. Currently, artistic director, Olya Chepak, continues promoting our tradition with the same passion. Zorya (which means star) began its inaugural year with performances within the Cleveland Ukrainian community. Today the ensemble continues to encompass their role of ambassadorship, within as well as outside the Ukrainian community, with fervor and creativity. The repertoire of the group includes Ukrainian folk, religious and seasonal songs. Zorya is proud to be artistic ambassadors of the rich Ukrainian vocal tradition for generations to come.
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From the Greater Toronto Area:
Arkan Dance Company & Ukrainian Academy of Dance |  Arkan Dance Company is a group of selected dancers from the Ukrainian Academy of Dance ranging in age from 14 to adult who perform frequently in the Toronto area. Arkan Dance Company has performed as ambassadors of Canada and Ukraine at international festivals in Florida, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Taiwan, Brazil, China, Mexico, Turkey, Italy, Korea and Ukraine. This past March they performed in Disney World as part of Disney Performing Arts. This summer they also traveled to Sherbrooke Quebec to participate in the Festival des traditions du monde. The Ukrainian Academy of Dance was founded in 1987 in Toronto, Canada, as a Ukrainian folk-dance school for ages 3 to adult. They are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. The dancers performing today have been chosen from The Ukrainian Academy of Dance and range in age from 7 – 14. The group has performed in Montréal at The Children’s Festival (La Fete des Enfants de Montreal), the CNE, the Toronto Christmas Market, Disneyworld and most recently in Sherbrooke Quebec at Le Festival des traditions du monde.
| Barvinok Ukrainian Dance School |  Barvinok Ukrainian Dance School is recognized for excellence in Ukrainian dance, representing Canada and the Ukrainian community at international festivals around the world. In August 2012, Barvinok completed a very successful and enthusiastically received tour of Europe and Ukraine, showcasing the strength of Ukrainian culture in Canada to communities in Prague, Zalec, Bratislava, Budapest, Przemysl and Kyiv to name only a few. Under Artistic Director and Choreographer, Fedir Danylak, Barvinok is a premier performing ensemble. The variety of regional dance styles and ornate costumes, combined with the energy of the performers themselves, create a vibrant and thrilling spectacle on stage. Devoted to maintaining Ukrainian heritage and identity in Canada, while strengthening cultural diversity in our community, Barvinok has earned a reputation as a dynamic group of young performers who, through their enthusiasm and passion for Ukrainian culture, bring the joy of dance to the stage.
| Colors Duo (Дует "Кольори") |  “Colors” Duo consists of Natalia Kolacz-Koulinich and Deidrey Francois both Singers-Songwriters. Natalia is well known both in Ukraine as well in the Ukrainian Communities across the borders of the continents. The audience embraced Natalia as a brilliant composer as well as pianist and arranger. Her first album “On The Move” was released in October 2010 and is available now. Deidrey Francois is a Singer-Songwriter with a flare for jazz sprinkled in all genres of music. Her CD “Spirit in Bloom” is also available now. The Duo perform together for 6 yrs. It was warmly welcomed at the stage of Golden Lion Restaurant, Ukrainian Day celebrations, Festivals of Lemko culture, St. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church and more. Natalia, and Deidrey already performed at Toronto Ukrainian Festival. Today they’ll perform with an updated program. For more info visit www.nataliamusic.ca www.deidrey.com
| DoVira Jazz Ensemble |  DoVira is a Ukrainian jazz fusion band from Toronto, Canada that blends the roots of Ukrainian musical heritage with Western styles such as jazz, rock, and electronic music. The bandleader, Stacey Yerofeyeva is a Ukrainian born composer and multi-instrumentalist who was immersed in Ukrainian folk music since an early age. After immigrating to Toronto, Stacey took up jazz piano studies, completing her Bachelor of Music degree at Humber College. It was here that she met a handful of talented young musicians, who shared the vision of joining the worlds of Ukrainian and contemporary music: bassist and co-arranger Mark Rynkun, guitarists Bart Milczarczyk, and Patrick O'Reilley. DoVira released their first single 'Nese Halya Vodu' on July 12th, 2012, and are currently working on their debut studio album, set to be released in spring of 2013. For more info, please visit www.staceyy.com/DoVira_Band.html
| Nadia Kobelak |  Nadia Kobelak has always been a music enthusiast. She comes from a very strong musical background as she has been studying piano since the tender age of 6. Being successful on the piano, she pursued her musical career beyond elementary grades. She majored in piano at Cawthra Park Secondary School and later in university. Some of her performances include the Ukrainian Festivals in Dauphin, Yonkers, Rochester, Soyuzivka, Lemko Vatra in both Ellenville and here in Ontario. Nadia is not limited to a specific genre of music. She sings freely to anything that moves the crowd. All her songs are original which she writes herself. Currently, Nadia is working on her second CD.
| Prolisok Ensemble |  Ukrainian youth ensemble "Prolisok" was established by the SUM Administrative committee in 1998. Since then it became one of the most popular musical ensembles of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada. "Prolisok" performed at many concerts and festivals in Toronto, Hamilton, London, St. Catherines, Montreal, Philadelphia, Detroit, New York, Windsor, Chicago, Munich (Germany). The ensemble is comprised of 12 young men and women between the ages of 16-23. Musical director and conductor - Olesya Konyk. Musical arrangement – Michael Romaniuk. “Prolisok” will be performing along with live musicians: Oksana Skira – keyboard, Myroslav Bileychuk – bass and Steve Farrugia - drums.
| RYX Band |  PYX is a Ukrainian rock band from Toronto, Ontario. They enjoy writing their own music, looking to various poets for lyrical inspiration and, most importantly, playing with energy, passion and intensity. By fusing folk instruments, such as the violin and sopilka, with contemporary ones, such as the electric guitar and synthesizer, PYX is able to break the bonds of nostalgia and create new, original, and unique Ukrainian music. Oh, and we never smile...ever.
| Skopa Band |  Skopa is a young and aspiring zabava band that plays Ukrainian folk songs as well as new and classic tunes. The band was created six years ago when a couple of sumivtsi realized they played different intstruments and had a strong passion for music. Soon their raw talent was recognized by the Ukrainian community. Skopa has played at various Ukrainian functions such as malankas, zabavas, festivals, fundraisers, etc.. After a few minor changes, the band members are: Nadia Kobelak (vocals and keys), Mattej Purawec (guitar), Julian Petelycky (bass), Luke Pastuszok (drums). If you would like to contact Skopa please e-mail skopa.the.band@gmail.com.
| Vesnianka Dance Ensemble |  The Vesnianka Dance Ensemble is a highly energetic Ukrainian dance group that has been around for 54 years. It is proud to offer a high caliber of dance instruction and performance, while keeping it FREE for all dancers. Yes – FREE! From its inception in 1958, the ensemble has grown and flourished under the leadership of founder Mr. Mykola Baldeckyj. What began as a small group of only 3 couples grew to an incredible stage presence of 80 dancers in 1969. Today Vesnianka has approximately 40 dedicated and enthusiastic dancers led by their Artistic Director - Stefan Kuziw.
| Violinist Stefanie Hutka |  Stefanie Hutka is a twenty-two-year-old Toronto-based, classically-trained violinist. Stefanie is also a veteran performer at the Ukrainian Festival. She has successfully completed her ARCT Degree for Violin Performance with the Royal Conservatory of Music, and performs solo and in ensembles, including orchestral performance with members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Stefanie has studied under many masters, including Vasyl Popadiuk, who taught and accompanied her for her Royal Conservatory Exams. She also composes, and has performed her compositions at various Toronto festivals and for independent films. Stefanie Hutka is also currently a PhD student at the University of Toronto, studying neuroscience. Learn more about Stefanie Hutka and her musical offerings at www.stringsinmotioninc.com
| YKPAIHA Ensemble |  The senior performance ensemble of the Ukrainian School of Dance, YKPAIHA, embodies those qualities that are deeply embedded within the Ukrainian identity --- incredible passion, an eternal striving for perfection, a love of freedom and the rare ability to express oneself through music and movement. Passion makes this dance school unique --- a passion for Ukrainian culture, rituals and traditions, a passion for dance and, above all, a passion for the human spirit. The ensemble’s Artistic Directors, Lesia and Valeriy Movtchan, are thankful to receive assistance and support from many dedicated and talented individuals. Most notably, the YKPAIHA ensemble benefits from the choreographic and technical assistance it receives from Leonid Koretskyy, Honored Artist of Ukraine.
| Zirka Band |  What makes a great zabava ... the music! Zirka is a looking forward to returning the the festival this year to entertain the crowds with lively Ukrainian polkas and waltzes, and more! The festival this year will also be the launch party for Zirka's new CD that was recorded this spring. Please visit our web site at www.zirkamusic.com to watch our videos, listen to our music, and to see what's new ... and don't forget to Like us on Facebook and visit us on iTunes. Zirka, based out of Toronto Canada, is six musicians who love to make music and love their Ukrainian culture. The band is brothers and sister Morris, Peter, Johnny and Katherine Hucal, together with Karen Aniol and Bill Hawryschuk. Looking forward to seeing you all on Bloor Street!
| Zubrivka Vocal Ensemble |  Zubrivka is a 5-piece vocal and instrumental group that has been performing their own acoustic renditions of traditional Ukrainian songs at festivals and events since 2005. Comprised of classical violin player Halyna Dziuryn, accordionist Stephen Didunyk, mandolin player Terry Golletz, guitar and bass player Adrian Lawryshyn, and vocalist Christina Moroch, their acclaimed CD "Home Again" has been featured on Ukrainian radio programs across Canada, where it was described as "like going back in time to a village in old Ukraine". The group is pleased to perform songs from their CD, as well as some new material, at this year's Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival. | |
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