HUMBOLDT — The Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble (PFE) out of Saskatoon will perform in Humboldt alongside Wakaw’s Verba and Wadena’s Vohon Ukrainian dance groups this March to raise funds for Ukraine.
Kelsee Douglas, gala co-ordinator and PFE cast member, said they originally wanted to hold a Humboldt performance as a way to get together and celebrate Ukrainian culture and traditions as pandemic restrictions were lifted.
“We have dancers that have come from the Humboldt area and from all over so it’s something PFE’s always wanted to do,” Douglas said. “Instead of doing these big tours where we go to Edmonton or we go to the States or we go to somewhere international, we thought it would be really nice… where we go to these smaller communities and regain connections.”
In addition to the music, she said it will include information around the culture and traditions behind the dancing and about the different symbolism used.
Live music will be performed by Prairie Stardust, who specializes in a mixture of new and old country, classic rock, old time, Ukrainian music and specialty dances. Douglas said people can expect polkas and some modern music.
“After the performance is done there will be some food and Prairie Stardust will start and they’ll be playing a variety of different types of music,” she said.
“It’s definitely going to be an exciting event and everyone will be dancing, not just the dance groups.”
At 11:30 p.m., three hours after the performances began, a kolomeyka will be held.
“It’s kind of like a really fun Ukrainian tradition where everybody comes and we make a big circle and everybody takes turns going into the centre and showing off their favourite Ukrainian dance step, but it doesn’t even have to be Ukrainian.”
Proceeds of the event are being sent to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal being run by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF).
According to Orest Sklierenko, president and CEO of CUF, as of March 10 the CUF/UCC Humanitarian Appeal has already delivered multiple tranches of aid, valued at over $2 million. Sklierenko said they are withholding more specific information due to security concerns.
“As Ukrainian culture and traditions are being threatened currently the event is still a community-building event but it’s also to really celebrate and strengthen our connections in these communities around Saskatchewan and to show our support for Ukraine, especially in these days.”
A silent auction and 50/50 draw is planned as part of the event.
The event takes place on March 18 at the Humboldt Uniplex, Jubilee Hall. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m., with performances beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are available through PFE Cast members, by contacting Douglas at (306) 281-6958, email at gala@pfedance.com or at local retailers.
The City of Humboldt is sponsoring the event through a free room rental.
“This event isn’t just for Ukrainian community members, it’s literally for anybody who wants to come and show their support,” Douglas said.
