Enjoy Ukrainian and Indigenous Music in the lobby after the production of First Métis Man of Odesa.
Featuring Alex Kusturok, Calvin Vollrath AND George Paleniuk
Alexander John Kusturok
Edmonton, AB
Growing up, Alex followed his mother Patti to Old time dances around Manitoba where he was enriched with the Métis fiddle from a very young age. By age 7, the passion for music became apparent and today Alex makes his living as a performer and educator.
Alex continues to be high in demand as a performer, and educator across Canada. Alex has a blend of styles in his music. He is greatly influenced by the Quebecois and Cape Breton fiddle styles, however, the Métis style remains at the forefront of his playing.
Alex has released four Independent Albums, "Groove" (2009) , “For Old Times Sake" (2014) “Almost live” (2017) and “Phoenix” (2020). In Alex's show you can count on a display of culture through music and dance, stories of his upbringing, and an energy that he hopes will touch your heart and move you.
Calvin Vollrath
Calvin is a world-class fiddler and represents Alberta and Canada internationally. Since his participation at the 2000 World Music Expo (WOMEX) in Berlin Germany, Calvin has toured several European countries. He also served as musical director for Hank Smith’s band on his European tour from 1994-1996. In July 2006, Calvin was selected as one of 10 performers to represent Alberta at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC.
Calvin has recorded with the likes of Ian Tyson, Colleen Peterson & Laura Vinson to name a few and is still in demand as a studio musician for various Canadian artists and film and television productions. Calvin has appeared on many television shows including CTV’s "Sun Country", CTV's "Number I West" and was musical director for CBC's "Native Nashville North". CBC’s "Adrienne Clarkson Presents" aired a documentary on Métis fiddle music featuring Calvin Vollrath and John Arcand.
George Paleniuk
George Paleniuk is an entertainer/musician/vocalist residing in Edmonton. An immigrant of Ukrainian descent, George began performing at the age of eleven.George has a repertoire of approximately 100 Ukrainian songs along with a playlist of 60 English selections. Musically-George plays accordion and keyboards.
Over the years George has performed with many musicians in a variety of venues in North America. In the last twelve months, his performances include as follows:
- Edmonton u-fest
-Vatra golf tournament
-Vinnia Ukrainian tv channel
-Bogani cafe
-Capilano Fargos
-High note bar and grill
-Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts
-Carrot Cafe
-Babas and Borscht festival
-Edmonton Ukrainian bilingual school functions
-numerous private events and home concerts