Band celebrates quarter decade of making music together
Sloohai started performing together 25 years ago and has been bringing their sound all over the country since.
The band started in Selkirk when members Manitoba fiddle player Will Kaye and drummer Matthew Prychun, teamed up in 1999.
Over the next two years, they honed their craft, arranged some tunes, and brought in additional musicians and became a high-energy Ukrainian wedding and party band under the name Sloohai, which means ‘listen’ in Ukrainian.
The fun turned from friendship and making music together in baba’s basement to sharing their talents with the world in 2001. The band’s first three performances were a family wedding at the Selkirk Legion, the beer gardens at the Teulon Dance Festival and a family retirement party in Winnipeg. The original line up included Will Kaye, Matthew Prychun, Roman Jaworsky, and Gord Chubey.
Over the years, the lineup evolved, but the band’s momentum only grew.
Sloohai has performed at hundreds of events across North America, becoming a staple at weddings, Malankas, festivals, and community celebrations.
Members who’ve come and gone throughout the band’s 25 years include Roman Jaworsky, the late Scott Wazney, Richard Nadolsky, Andrijko Semaniuk, John Bzovey, and Luciano Armenti.
The band has released three studio albums, Let’s Ask The Polka Band (2005), Pounding Back The Polkas (2008), and SLOOHAI 3 (2014).
In celebration of reaching this great milestone, they’ve come back to where it all started, Selkirk, and are putting on a show on May 8 and May 9. Doors open at 7 p.m. both nights and music starts at 8 p.m. They are also releasing a brand-new live album.
Since the band’s repertoire ranges from toe tapping polkas to harmonized waltzes, classic rock, oldies, country hits, and party favourites. This performance is sure to have something for everyone.
Join performers Joel Rivard, Greg Udod, Terry Kraynyk, Gord Chubey, Matthew Prychun, and Will Kaye for a great time.
Tickets available online at sloohai.ca or by calling 204-791-4295.
