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The Performers at the Festival in 2007
Dance ... Song ... Comedy
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Roman Wasylyk - Master of Ceremonies and Comedian
Born in Manhattan, New York, Roman has established himself as a comedian extraordinaire
who for the past 30 years, has performed improvisational comedy and stand-up at various
clubs and venues. His vocal range and linguistic abilities has allowed him to imitate
many voices and nationalities. His "gigs" include the "Who's on First" Comedy Club in
New York City, the Granit Hotel and the U.N.A. Resort - "Soyuzivka" (both in Kerhonkson,
NY) and the Garden State Arts Festival in Holmdel, N.J. He was also an on-air personality
for classical radio station WJFF-FM in Jeffersonville, NY.
Roman's talents has also allowed him to serve as Master of Ceremonies for numerous festivals
and shows, including the Ukrainian Heritage Festival in Yonkers, the Connecticut State
Ukrainian Festival (in Connecticut, of course), the Glen Spey Festival (follow me on this
one - in Glen Spey, NY) and the St. George Ukrainian Festival on 7th Street in New York City.
He has also presided as M.C. at numerous weddings and dances.
Roman is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting and lives in Oxford, CT.
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Adrianna Rudyk-Odomirok
A graduate of Fordham University,
Adrianna Rudyk-Odomirok currently works as a Regional Associate Manager
for Fortune Brands, Jim Beam Global in Rye, NY. A member of CYM Yonkers
since she was five years old, Adrianna has performed on this stage on
numerous occasions. Today she is a member of the CYM Uprava (Board of Directors).
Brought up in a very Ukrainian home, Adrianna continues to
celebrate her heritage every day. At home her appreciation and love for all things
Ukrainian is apparent in her embroideries, baking, art collection and attendance
at various festivals and zabavy. Although she enjoys traveling all over the world,
she is always drawn to her roots and looks forward to returning to Ukraine every
few years.
MCing Ukrainian festivals gives Adrianna the opportunity to meet
other talented Ukrainian dancers, singers and musicians. Her poise and elegance
allow her to present these artists in fluent Ukrainian and English. In addition
to MCing the Yonkers Festival for the past few years, her previous MC experience
includes the Ukrainian Day Festival in Stamford, CT, shows at the CYM Resort in
Ellenville, N.Y., as well as, a summer MCing at the Soyuzivka Resort in Kerhonkson,
NY. Adrianna looks forward to enjoying this weekend with you!
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Ukrainian American Youth Association Dancers
The Ukrainian American Youth Association "SUM" branch of Yonkers
is proud to sponsor their traditional Ukrainian folk dance ensembles,
the first four of which are under the direction and choreography of
Hrytz Momot. The ensemble is split into groups based on age:
"Kalyna" is comprised of boys and girls from 16 up to 18 years old.
"Halychanky" is comprised of boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 15.
"Hony Viter" is comprised of boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 11.
"Metelyky" is comprised of boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 8.
"CYMivski Zirochy" is comprised of boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 5
under the direction and choreography of Ray, Pete and Oksana Wasiczko.
The dances are based on original traditional Ukrainian folk dances and develop a bond
between the dancers and their ethnic heritage. We believe that they are a joy to watch.
Since their existence, they have performed at many outdoor festivals,
banquets and concert in the Tri-State area, much to the delight of their
viewers. Each year the groups also compete with similar age groups at
the annual "SUM" Resort Youth Rally in Ellenville, NY where they have
earned many 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place honors in their age categories in past years.
Performances in the past include: Multiethnic celebration at Philips Manor,
the Hillside School in Hastings, the New Rochelle Public Library, Ukrainian
Youth Center in Yonkers, NY, South Broadway International Ethnic Festival,
the Yonkers Riverfest and in the Tibbett's Brook Park County Festivals.
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Tryzub Dancers - Calgary, Canada
The Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (www.tryzub.ab.ca) of Calgary, Canada is made
up of dedicated dancers, ranging from 16 to 30 years of age. Each of these individuals
has been dancing for at least eight years, with most having started their dance careers
at a very young age at Ukrainian dance schools throughout the country. Some individuals
have joined the Ensemble over the years from other dance organizations, with experience
in ballet, jazz or other ethnic dance traditions.
Tryzub has performed extensively throughout Western Canada, the United States
and Australia. Performances have ranged from fully presented concerts to guest
appearances including conventions and festival shows. They have been featured
at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games, the 1992 and 2001 Calgary Stampede
Grandstand Shows, and the 1993 Canadian Football League Championship Grey Cup
game. As well, Tryzub has performed several times at the Vegreville Pysanka
Festival, Vesna Festival, and Canada's National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin,
Manitoba. Tryzub has recently embarked on its first ever World Tour with show d
ates scheduled in Canada, United States, Mexico, and Italy.
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Prolisok Choir
"Prolisok", the girls choir of the Ukrainian American Youth Association
(UAYA), whose members range in ages from 13 to 20 years has been in
existence in New York City since 1994.
In 2002, Prolisok expanded it reach to the Ukrainian American Youth Association
in Yonkers, NY combining its' efforts with both branches to promote Ukrainian
culture through the beauty of its song. Currently, members hail from both cities.
To date, "Prolisok" has delighted audiences at numerous cultural festivals and
programs in New York City and the Metropolitan area, with a repertoire consisting
of traditional and modern Ukrainian songs. Prolisok has shared the stage with groups
including Syzokryli Dance, Ukrainian Banudrist Chorus and the Dumka Chorus of NY.
The musical director of the choir is Andrij Stasiw. He is a well-known pianist,
conductor and composer and has traveled nationally and internationally with several
groups and as a solo performer. He is formerly the conductor of the "Trembita"
chorus of Detroit and currently conducts the church choir at Holy Cross Ukrainian
Catholic Church in Astoria, NY. Andrij is a professional accompanist and has
recorded with various artists in the NYC area within the contemporary and opera genres.
Prolisok has just released a new CD which will be available for purchase at the festival.
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Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble - Astoria, NY
Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble was founded by parents of Holy Cross Church in
Astoria, Queens in 1994. Its goal was to keep traditional Ukrainian folk dance alive.
Barvinok had the privilege and honor of having as it's first instructor Pani Roma
Pryma Bohachevsky, legendary dancer, choreographer, and instructor. Her career
took her from being a principal dancer in the Paris Opera Ballet, to performing as
a soloist around the world, creating her own professional ensemble, and finally,
after settling in the United States, establishing dance schools with the intention
of promoting Ukrainian Folk Dance.
After teaching for Barvinok for 9 years, she decided to retire and pass the reigns
on to two of her protégés, Orlando and Larisa Pagan. For years, both have been
soloists with the Syzokryli Folk Ensemble, established by Roma Pryma Bohachevsky,
and Mr. Pagan has been a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem for the past 6 years.
Together, they have helped to carry on the tradition that Roma Pryma Bohachevsky
began when she first came to this country.
The Barvinok Dance Ensemble is comprised of 3 groups: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Currently, there are 42 children and young adults in ages ranging from 5-20 years old.
Not only are these dancers learning the art of Ukrainian folk dance, but they the are given
the opportunity to present that art to theirs and other cultures. Just as importantly, Barvinok
allows the students a place where they can foster friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
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Roma Pryma Bohachevsky School of Dance - NY
In 1964 Roma Pryma Bohachevsky started her school of Ukrainian Dance in New York,
inspired by her love of Ukraine and its dances. Throughout the years the school has
trained thousands of youngsters in ballet and traditional Ukrainian folk dance, and
many have gone on to professional careers in the world of dance.
Today, there is a new generation of students eager to continue the tradition she started.
Overseeing the school is its present director Orlando Pagan and his Assistant Larisa Pagan.
Together they continue to promote and foster the tradition of Ukrainian Folk Dance, thus
keeping alive the legacy that Roma Pryma Bohachevsky began.
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BARVINOK Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of New Jersey - Bound Brook, NJ
Barvinok is based in South Bound Brook, NJ and is comprised of 3 groups from the ages of
five through seventeen. The children dance under the sponsorship of the Ukrainian Orthodox
Church of the USA. Barvinok is fortunate to have as its artistic director Hryhoriy Momot,
who comes to us from Ukraine with an extensive professional background in Ukrainian folk dance.
His masterful choreography and beautiful costumes capture the unique vitality of Ukrainian dance.
Mr. Momot began his formal training in Ukrainian dance at a very young age. He attended a
cultural primary and secondary school specializing in Ukrainian dance. He continued his
training at the College of Cultural Studies in Polissya and then at the Kyiv Cultural University.
Mr. Momot studied choreography, folk dance and Ukrainian costume, and received his university
degree and certification as a Director of Ukrainian Folk Dance Schools. After graduating, he
danced with the world famous Virsky National Dance Company and toured with them throughout Europe.
Mr. Momot joined the faculty of the Chortkivskyj Pedagogical College where he taught Ukrainian
folk dance , choreography, and the history of Ukrainian costume. Mr. Momot also directed Prolisok
Children's Dance Ensemble in Ternopil.
Under Mr. Momot's artistic direction Barvinok performs dances from different regions of Ukraine.
They dance at cultural festivals, community and arts centers and colleges in the greater New
York area. Barvinok performs annually at the 9th Avenue International Food Festival in New York
City, the Somerset County International Festival in New Jersey, and Ukrainian festivals in New
York City, NJ and Yonkers, NY, to name a few. Performances of the Barvinok Ukrainian Dance
Ensemble of NJ are very enthusiastically received. Mr. Momot's energetic and intricate
choreography and beautiful regional costumes bring alive the spirit of Ukrainian dance.

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ISKRA Ukrainian Dancers - Whippany NJ
Iskra Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble was founded over ten years ago as
one of the studios of the late Roma Pryma Bohachevsky, a renowned
teacher and choreographer. Iskra is currently under the artistic
direction of Andrij Cybyk, and consists of over 70 students ranging
in age from 6 to 17. Under Mr. Cybyk's tutelage the students learn
and perform folk dances from various areas of Ukraine, always with
careful attention to ethnographic details in both costumes and choreography.
Iskra was one of only two Ukrainian folk dance youth ensembles chosen
to perform at Lincoln Center in 2004 with Syzokryli, the renowned
semi-professional Ukrainian dance troupe, at a concert celebrating the
life and works of the late Roma Pryma Bohachevsky. The group can
regularly be seen at Ukrainian festivals in the tri-state area,
including 7th Street in New York City, Yonkers, Newark, Morris County,
and others. Iskra took part in the Metro Stars Ukrainian Day in
September 2005, performing not only for fellow Ukrainian-Americans
who had gathered there, but for all those who were attending the
Metro Stars game that day. As a youth ensemble, Iskra is particularly
proud and pleased to share their love of their heritage with others.
They have performed at "World Culture" events at Newark Academy and
in the Westfield, Morris Plains, and New Providence public school
systems and at events sponsored by Middlesex County and the State of NJ.
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KALYNONKA Ukrainian Dancers - Stamford Ct.
The Kalynonka Dancers are based in Stamford, CT and will celebrate the fifth
anniversary of their creation in September of 2007. Their impressive repertoire
includes some half a dozen dances, like “Hopak,” “Kalyna,” “Hutsulka,” and “Bukovyna,”
just to name a few. Each dance requires a different costume depending on which part
of Ukraine it hails from. The aim of the group is to honor the rich history and
culture of Ukraine, and help preserve the Ukrainian heritage. The ensemble is
comprised of three groups: the youngest group includes children who are 4-5 years of
age, the middle group are kids 6-11 years of age, and the eldest group is made up of kids
12-16 years of age. The ensemble includes children born both in Ukraine and here in the US.
The group’s director and choreographer is Hryhorij Momot and the assistant director
is Olga Grabar.
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Stefko Stawnychy - Solo Guitar Vocalist
Stefko is a Ukrainian-American singer songwriter based out of Brooklyn, NY.
While best known for his unique brand of indie-folk, Stefko also boasts a musical
repertoire of Ukrainian language material. In 2003, he released his first and only
EP with original Ukrainian songs titled Sumni Pisni (Sad Songs). He was the principal
organizer of the United Artists for Justice in Ukraine concert in 2004. The concert,
which was held in New York City, supported free and fair elections in Ukraine during the
time of the Orange Revolution. In April of 2005, Stefko was invited to perform at a
wreath-laying ceremony in Washington, D.C. attended by Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko.
This past December, Cornell University hosted Stefko as part of their Ukrainian Cultural Showcase.
For the past 3 years, Stefko has been performing at New York City venues with cellist Matt
Logan. He also organizes and runs The Sly Fox Music Showcase in the East Village which has
featured some of NYC's finest underground acoustic performers.
Stefko has recorded 2 solo efforts, the aforementioned Sumni Pisni EP and the English language
album Bullfighting. Additionally, he has also recorded an EP of original material with Matt
Logan titled Stefko & Matt Logan: The Atlantic Sound Sessions. For more information on Stefko
and to listen to selected tracks from the albums, please check out www.myspace.com/stefko and
www.purevolume.com/stefkony
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Nadia and Natalya Pavlishyn - Vocal Duo
The duet has performed over 250 times in various venues from the UN to the Kiev Opera House.
Although they perform dressed in traditional Ukrainian attire, the sisters represent an
exciting new generation of Ukrainian artists.
Lately, these young ladies have been busy recording songs for their second and latest CD
entitled, “Two Sisters”. The album is being recorded and engineered by Slavko Halatyn at
BeSharp Studios in Long Island City, NY.
Nadia Natalya
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VESNA, Ukrainian Dance Group - Rockland County, NY.
Vesna is the Ukrainian Dance group under the auspices of the Ukrainian Heritage
Society of Rockland County, specifically Spring Valley. There has been a VESNA
dance group for many years, but they are also in a constant flux, due to the maturation
of its members. Currently there are 12 members in the group, ranging from ages 6 to 12,
of which over half are brand new dancers this year. They are correographed by Gregory Momot.
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Westchester Ukrainian Folk Dance group- Yonkers, NY.
The Westchester Ukrainian Folk Dancing group has been in existence only since
January 2007. The group currently consists of approximately 25 children between
the ages of 7-13 and meets every Wednesday night at the Ukrainian Youth Center.
Orlando and Larysa Pagan, along with the group members and their parents are
looking forward to establishing a successful & talented dance group that will
continue to perform for many years to come!
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The Hrim Band
"HRIM" the Ukrainian Band has already made many inroads into the Ukrainian music
scene on the east coast of the U.S. Formed during CYM Vyshkil '04, "HRIM" has
numerous talents and interests that have brought them together as a band.
The "Hrim" guys all enjoy many different genres of music. The unifying thread
that keeps them as one, is the fact that they all love to play, sing and listen
to Ukrainian music.
Roman Palylyk - lead vocal and bass guitar
John Drobenko - drums, guitar, vocals
Peter Kolinsky - vocals, lead vocals
Roman Kozicky - electric, acoustic guitar, vocals
Peter Drobenko - accordion, keyboard, guitar, vocals
"HRIM" has played numerous Zabavas at Suzy Q, CYM Oselia and Plasts Vovcha
Tropa as well as other Zabavas and Malanka's all over the east coast.
They are ready to move to the next level with their performance skills and
will be performing at weddings, zabavas and festivals in the near future.
Keep in touch with "HRIM", their music and their schedule by logging onto
their website.
http://www.hrimband.com/ Keep on dancing!!
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for advertising in the festival booklet. The deadline for applications with payments is May 20th, 2007.
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Updated June 3, 2007 - LS
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