Taran: a new young band on the scene in Winnipeg (10/30/05)

Taran: a new young band on the scene in Winnipeg

by Oksana Shulakewych

WINNIPEG - They burst into song with the enthusiasm that only the young possess. The Westend Cultural Center was busting at the seams when the folk band Taran performed in Winnipeg on June 3. And what a group they are - young (all between the ages of 20 and 26), talented, exciting and full of spirit.

The brainchild of Dobryan Tracz, who felt that the community sorely needed a band composed of "young people," Taran has been in existence for over a year. Mr. Tracz and the band members felt that it was their opportunity to give something back to their community.

Inspired by the spirit of the Canadian prairies, Taran has dipped into material that dates back many years, yet leans toward a modern and youthful sound.

Their music is filled with great passion and intensity. Melodic polkas make you want to dance and sing the night away, while skillfully arranded music vocals make a Taran waltz one of the highlights of the group's rich repertoire. In their kolomyika you can feel the dancers spinning, kicking twirling and leaping higher and higher.

Taran has built a strong following inthe Ukrainian community across Canada,recently performing in Vegreville, Alberta, and at the Bloor Street Ukrainian Festival in Toronto.

The group got together through their various Ukrainian connections where their paths crossed - Plast, Ukrainian school, the Orlan and Rusalka dance ensembles. Four are Plast members, and two are fourth generation Ukrainian Canadians; all have a love of Ukrainian music running through their veins.

Lead vocalists Mark Shawarsky and Katrusia Basarab provide the band with powerful vocals that distinguish the band from all others. The power and beauty of their voices will echo in your mind long after the songs are over. In addition Ms. Basarab plays the violin with amazing speed, passion and beauty, and is happy to engage with the crowd.

Steven Sirski brings years of drum and percussion experience, and his creativity and energy are unmatched. On accordion, Nancy Sedo weaves beautiful melodies which are the diving force behind the Taran sound.

On lead guitar, Andriy Michalchyshyn brings a unique sound that adds to the eclectic musical style of Taran. Taras Babiak on bass blends the various sounds of the instuments. Mr. Tracz (leader of the band) plays the acoustic guitar and coordinates the band's operation

Five are students - Mr. Michalchyshyn, in education, Mr. Sorski in arts, Messrs. Shawarsky and Babiak in science, and Ms. Basarab in law. Ms. Sedo is working in accounting, and Mr. Tracz is a biologist with the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Taran has recorded an album, "Moonlight," that is sure to turn heads. While the melodies are traditional, the arrangements are new and uniquely contemporary. With a run of 55 minutes "Moonlight" is a remarkable collection of folk melodies, many of which were learned around the warmth of campfires around the world at Plast camps. Taran is currently working on a Ukrainian polka music video.

For information readers may e-mail [email protected] or log on to www.taranmusic.com.

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