Vegreville Pysanka Festival JULY 4-5-6, 2025
Music Hall of Honour
CFCW & Vegreville Cultural Association
Ukrainian Music Hall of Honour Inductee
Do you know of an Alberta musician who has made a significant and lasting contribution to Ukrainian-Canadian music?
Annually we accept nominations for:
MUSIC HALL OF HONOUR AWARD
POSTHUMOUS AWARD
NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED
Forms available in Fall 2025
John Bandura
Music Hall of Honour
2025 INDUCTEE
John Bandura’s musical journey began on a homestead near Andrew, Alberta, inspired by his mother’s bayan accordion and relatives who played violin and tsymbaly. At 12, he received his first accordion—a 120-bass Casino—from an uncle in New Mexico, sparking a lifelong passion.
Entirely self-taught, John was performing in dance bands by age 15. He played with many respected groups, including Paul Hrushchek’s band, the Northern Kings, the Five Gents, and the Starlites—making him a staple in Alberta’s Ukrainian Canadian music scene.
Later, he formed John Bandura and Friends, performing traditional Ukrainian tunes, old-time favourites, and modern dance songs with energy and warmth. He also composed original music, including the heartfelt “Bandura Polka” in honour of his parents, and “Bernice, Come Dance with Me” for his wife.
A humble mentor and tireless supporter of Ukrainian culture, John’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through music. His induction into the Canadian Ukrainian Music Hall of Honour celebrates a life steeped in heritage, joy, and community.
Ukrainian Music
Hall of Honour Roll
1988 Metro Radomsky
1989 Johnny Barteski
1990 Peter Holowaty
1991 John Zelisko
1992 Peter Kassian
1993 Johnny Merenick
1994 Nick Mischi
1995 Jimmy Watsko
1996 Joe Hrycyk
1997 Harry Semotiuk
1998 John Bilyk & Peter Gargus
1999 Alex Greschuk
2000 Dan Chomlak
2001 Michael Mudryk &
Ron “The Fiddler” Boychuk
2002 Ron Corry
2003 Gene Zwozdesky
2004 Victor Holubowich
2005 Stan Lapnisky
2006 John Huzil
2007 Nick Mandrusiak
2008 Robert J. Tomkins
2009 Sylvia Kupka
2010 Harry Stelmaschuk
2011 William Zurawell
2012 Joe Nowak
2013 Emile Kryvenchuk
2014 Harry Mynzak
2015 William Chychul
2016 Steven Chwok
2017 Craig Repchuk
2018 Paul Chychul
2019 John Kusick
2022 Rick Wowk
2023 Marshall Pankiw
2024 James Yacey
2025 TBA
Posthumous
2024 Ludvik 'Louis' Marianych
2025 TBA
Bill W. Lutyck
POSTHUMOUS
Hall of Honour 2025
Bill W. Lutyck’s love of music began in 1944 with a borrowed guitar and a passion that shaped his entire life. Inspired by artists like Carson J. Robison, he taught himself to play using mail-order books, even tuning his $10 guitar like a banjo to suit his unique style.
He started performing at local events and soon formed a duo with violinist Mike G. Dary, playing weddings, dances, and community gatherings. In 1954, he helped build a dulcimer and launched Rural Music Sales, supporting musicians with instruments, repairs, and equipment.
Over the years, Bill played with many regional bands, including Farmlands, Sunset Serenaders, and the Willing-tones. In the 1980s, he joined the Country Kings, with whom he performed for many years at major events across Western Canada — from Klondyke Days and Camrose Fair Week to shows as far as Prince George, BC. The band recorded Dance Music at Its Best, capturing their lively dancehall style.
From small-town halls to large festivals, Bill brought joy, energy, and generosity to every stage. His legacy lives on through the music he made and the communities he uplifted.
A true steward of community music and Ukrainian heritage, Bill W. Lutyck’s legacy is one of talent, generosity, and enduring passion.