1995-
Members
Current
- Allen Mazurski- Mandolin
- Ken Denby- Guitar
- Jeannette Denby- Accordion
- Tom Stratton- Guitar
- Humberto Pacheco- Drums
Former
Biography
The Steppes of Ukraine can easily be compared to the tranquil vastness and beauty of the Canadian Prairies. The Sounds of the Steppes is a group of musicians who originally started in 1995 as a trio accompanying a Children's Ukrainian Choir and then later, an Adult Ukrainian Choir in Dryden, Ontario. The original group consisted of Allen Mazurski on mandolin, Ken Denby on guitar, and Jeannette Denby on accordion. Ken switched over to bass when Origene Legros and Tom Stratton both joined the band on lead and rhythm guitar. Ed Wladyko rounded out the group on drums until leaving because of employment reasons. Humberto Pacheco then sat behind the drums. At 87 years of age, Origene left the group and the band has been a 5-piece since 2000.
The Sounds of the Steppes have performed in various Ukrainian festivals and celebrations such as the Dauphin National Ukrainian Festival, the Dryden Ukrainian Festival and 'Cossack Days' in Thunder Bay. In addition to playing Ukrainian Music, the band is quite versatile playing many other styles of dance music. They have performed for numerous telethons and festivals including the Ear Falls 'Trout Forest Music Festival' and the 'Norsemen Festival' in Red Lake. They also perform at old time dances, weddings, anniversaries, socials and coffee houses. The group is very proud with their first recording "O' Ukraine" and they hope you enjoy their second recording — "the Next Steppe".
The Sounds of the Steppes have appeared on many venues including:
- Red Lake Norsemen Festival
- Ear Falls Trout Forest Festival
- Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
- Dauphin National Ukrainian Festival