our band
John Dean - Keyboard
Mike Sanyshyn Canada's Country Fiddler
Mike Sanyshyn Canada's Country Fiddler
Looking back, I was your typical naughty country boy growing up that didn't like to practise piano. I wasn't openly proud of playing in music festivals and taking the stressful Royal Conservatory Exams each year either. I think I was always a rebel at heart, dreaming of playing guitar in a heavy metal band. I kept at it though with the e
Looking back, I was your typical naughty country boy growing up that didn't like to practise piano. I wasn't openly proud of playing in music festivals and taking the stressful Royal Conservatory Exams each year either. I think I was always a rebel at heart, dreaming of playing guitar in a heavy metal band. I kept at it though with the encouragement of a wonderful teacher, Ms. Brigidear and of course my somewhat strict parents. Upon earning my Classical Associate Diploma ( ARCT ) and graduating from The Selkirk College Professional Music Program in Nelson I decided to make a living with music. That was 30 years ago. I won't dwell on all my achievements, but am grateful that I still work in the industry teaching, producing, writing, performing, and now I actually can't wait to go and practise.
Mike Sanyshyn Canada's Country Fiddler
Mike Sanyshyn Canada's Country Fiddler
Mike Sanyshyn Canada's Country Fiddler
Mike Sanyshyn has played in a dazzling array of situations over the years from performing with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with recording artist Aaron Pritchett and acting as Musical director for the British Columbia Country Music Association Industry Awards to big concert and festival appearances . Mike is a first call stu
Mike Sanyshyn has played in a dazzling array of situations over the years from performing with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with recording artist Aaron Pritchett and acting as Musical director for the British Columbia Country Music Association Industry Awards to big concert and festival appearances . Mike is a first call studio musician, well respected fiddle instructor and judge. As an artist he has released 3 CD's and an original book of music . It’s been quite a career. Mike is a 3rd generation fiddler following in the tradition of his father and grandfather. Mike Sanyshyn was born in the beautiful and rugged peaks of Coleman Alberta, in the Crowsnest Pass. He began playing fiddle at 8yrs old. Fiddle music became a passion and watching Al Cherny on CBC's Tommy Hunter Show was a revelation. At the age of 12 yrs old Mike and his family moved to White Rock, BC. It is there where his opportunities in music began to flourish. In the midst of learning various styles from Canadian Old time to Bluegrass, Celtic, Swing and Metis Fiddle, Sanyshyn also studied Classical music for 5 years which helped him "get the proper technique". "Learning to play Classical music has definitely impacted my career in a positive way ." Mike was named the BC provincial Champion 4 times and placed in the top 3 at the Canadian GrandMasters Fiddling Championships, the best finish ever for a BC fiddler to date. At the age of 22 Mike was selected to play for Mercury Recording artist Duane Steele. A band hand picked from across Canada. Their first show was opening for Nashville stars Lorry Morgan and Sammy Kershaw. "That was my first introduction to touring and being exposed to big crowds." "We also opened for Trisha Yearwood, Terri Clark, Prairie Oyster and many other different acts. We were on The Rita and Friends Show and made our first appearance on the Canadian Country Music Awards Show . "That time was huge for me as my start in the National scene." Opening spots includes Alan Jackson, Big and Rich, Merle Haggard and Shania Twain. Mike has graced the stage with Ian Tyson, Randy Bachman, to One More Girl, Johnny Reid and Nashville star Luke Byran. Mike has been on numerous videos for Aaron Pritchett, Chad Brownlee, Lisa Brokop and Duane Steele. He's performed on television shows; Vicki Gabereau Show, Canada AM, Breakfast TV and telethons. Mike Sanyshyn is an Artist, Musician, Instructor, Composer and studio session musician and is Canada's Country Fiddler. He is well respected amongst the music community and is known as a mentor to up and coming fiddlers. His signature sound has been recorded on hundreds of CD'S and millions have heard Mike's fiddle on Vancouver Olympics segment in Turino introducing Whistler 2010. It's a four stringed instrument no longer than your arm but for Mike Sanyshyn it’s meant 30 years of steady, varied and fascinating work. Rest assured there are precious few fiddlers, Canadian or otherwise, who can, or ever will make that claim. www.mikesanyshyn.com
Shane Woloshyn - Drums
Shane Woloshyn - Drums
Shane Woloshyn - Drums
Raised in a small town in rural Manitoba, Shane needed to find a hobby and music seemed a fine choice. Lessons started at age four and finding himself painfully poor at guitar, the organ was the early instrument of choice. This would be the case until junior high when the school band program added tuba and trombone to the mix.
The tee
Raised in a small town in rural Manitoba, Shane needed to find a hobby and music seemed a fine choice. Lessons started at age four and finding himself painfully poor at guitar, the organ was the early instrument of choice. This would be the case until junior high when the school band program added tuba and trombone to the mix.
The teenage years would bring about a move to the big city lights of Winnipeg where he would enroll in Grant Park High School's performing arts program. Finding a need for drummers, he would borrow the school's drum kit during summer to learn the instrument by playing along to recordings of Michael Jackson, the Blues Brothers, No Doubt and others. Countless shows would ensue, including performances at Disney World and a cultural exchange tour of Cuba.
In 2005, it was time for a move West to British Columbia where he discovered the country music scene. Adding bass guitar (and a mullet) to his arsenal, he started gigging with local country artists as both a bassist and drummer but drums would continue to be his passion. Shane became fully addicted to the stage so when the Country Icons came calling, it was a perfect match.
The joy of collaborating with his peers on stage is visible and playing music has created many wonderful memories and friendships for him over the years. They say if you do something you enjoy, then it's not really work; if that's true, then the only work Shane does is when he is moving a drumset, usually while lamenting that he is not a floutist.
Charlie Frie - Bass
Shane Woloshyn - Drums
Shane Woloshyn - Drums
Charlie Frie is a professional musician displaying his joy for music with his upright bass, electric bass and vocals. Growing up in a musical family, it was an easy choice for him to follow in his parents’ footsteps. Dad was a high school music teacher and played saxophone as a professional musician himself. Mom played piano and togeth
Charlie Frie is a professional musician displaying his joy for music with his upright bass, electric bass and vocals. Growing up in a musical family, it was an easy choice for him to follow in his parents’ footsteps. Dad was a high school music teacher and played saxophone as a professional musician himself. Mom played piano and together they were great support for him and his 4 siblings. Along with Charlie, the Frie household produced a pianist, drummer and guitar/mandolin player!
Growing up in Kelowna, Charlie chose to study music at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, as it was well known for it’s great program.
For his young age, Charlie is highly regarded by his peers and has his talents requested by many. To meet him, you’re presented with a tall, quiet, wispy gentleman wearing a mischievous grin, then to see him in action is when his true personality comes to life. With recognition from the BBCMA, (BC Country Music Association) he has been nominated for awards over the past few years. In addition to the Country Icons, you can hear him on stage with Appaloosa, Jackson Hollow and the alternative rock group, Band in Paris.
Charlie is proud of being sought after for just doing what he loves and hopes in the future to still be “doing this” but being paid more!!