Ukrainian jam nights bring community together

East Kildonan

Ukrainian Music Jam Nights offer a range of musical styles while evoking the spirit of music-filled events that are fun for the whole family.

Organizer Brad Salyn said the idea grew from the Zabava Hour, the radio show he hosts on CKJS on Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 5 p.m. It features a selection of Ukrainian music designed to evoke memories of family functions back in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Zabava Hour’s growing success via social media and podcasting, combined with the many Ukrainian newcomers who’ve arrived in Winnipeg over the past four years, got Salyn wanting to reproduce that nostalgic feeling in a live setting. The result is the jam nights, where Ukrainian musicians of all stripes can gather, learn from each other, and play before an audience. The quarterly events are held at Peace Lutheran Church (350 Gilmore Ave.). The next one is scheduled for Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m.

Salyn said the jam nights are also a way for more established Ukrainian Canadians to share their culture with those recent arrivals.

“It’s our duty to explain to them what Ukrainian-Canadian culture is and explain why it evolved the way it did,” Salyn said.

Ukrainian-Canadian music differs depending on where one resides in Canada, Salyn explained. In Alberta, there’s more of a brass influence, while in Ontario, there’s a German flair.

In Manitoba, the music is influenced by Métis and country and western artists, along with the instruments that were commonly available back when Ukrainians first arrived here. Fiddles are prominent, with the result a lively display that keeps toes tapping.

“This is a good way to acknowledge that history and the similarity between cultures,” Salyn said.

The newcomer musicians bring a range of styles, too. Salyn said those from Western Ukraine tend to play more traditional Ukrainian music, while there’s more of a blended style in the eastern areas.

And in the true spirit of a jam night, anything goes. Salyn said a young Ukrainian newcomer brought his flute and joined right in. The more, the merrier.

“Whoever shows up, they all play together,” Salyn said.

That means no two nights are alike. Musicians share tips and styles. Some songs may end up on a future episode of the Zabava Hour.

“Since I’ve started this show, it’s encouraged a lot of younger artists to start recording again,” Salyn added. “With the quality of today’s phones, it’s easy to record, and the results are better quality than they had in the past.”

North Kildonan turns out to be the ideal location. Salyn said many musicians live within walking distance. There’s also plenty of parking.

Ukrainian Music Jam Nights are free to attend, and also feature food and drink to reinforce that house party feel. Salyn thanks several supporters, including Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan), who provided a grant to keep the evening free.

Musicians interested in playing should contact Salyn via social media or at bsalyn@shaw.ca

“Or they can just show up,” Salyn added.