The boys are coming back to the Rochester and District Agricultural Society’s annual Ukrainian New Year celebration.
The Athabascan band Emile and The Boys will return to perform at the celebration. The dinner and dance will take place at the Rochester Community Hall Jan. 20, according to society second vice president Sandy Oko.
Band lead Emile Kryvenchuk, who plays guitar and fiddle, said he has performed at the event for at least six years, and it remains enjoyable.
“Big crowds, they have a great supper and it’s a fun night whether it’s warm or cold,” Kryvenchuk said.
The band mixes together country western and Ukrainian elements, Kryvenchuk said, including vocal, instrumental and polka pieces.
The music has become a major draw for the Ukrainian New Year celebration, Oko said, with organizers holding the event later in the month of January to help accommodate Emile & The Boys.
“In this day and age, a lot of the reason our dance is so successful is they follow the band. They are fans of the band members,” Oko said.
Kryvenchuk said his band has been together for 40 years and their style remains appealing to an older audience.
“There isn’t much of that music left anymore. Most of the music that’s played today – the people I play for – they wouldn’t go to that music,” Kryvenchuk.
This year, Kryvenchuk will play with an extra accolade to his name. Kryvenchuk earned the Male Lifetime Achievement award at the Alberta Men & Women Country Music Festival May 13, 2017. His 12-year old grandson Hardy Kryvenchuk-Loomis, who also plays in the band, earned the Rising Star Award the same day.
Kryvenchuk said it was a “pretty cool” moment. He added it is enjoyable playing with and teaching his grandson.
“To teach him was quite easy because he’s gifted with it. Mentoring him was quite easy, too,” Kryvenchuk said.
The Ukrainian New Year celebration includes both a dinner and a midnight lunch, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and dinner served at 6 p.m, Oko said.
Emile & The Boys remain beloved by the people who attend the event, she added.
“People love them,” Oko said. “Good, old-time music is what it is.”
For tickets or more information, contact Sandy Oko at 780-698-2355 or 780-307-6225.
