I Julian Warwaruk have been playing the accordion since I was approx. 15 years old. I am self taught so it took a long time to get the coordination to press the bass keys, the treble keys and open and close the bellows simultaneously all in the right key and tempo so as to play a tune. The first Christmas Carol I learned was Boh Predvichnyj.

My first public encounter was playing at an amateur night were Albert Bergquist and I won first place for talent. After that I joined the band that Albert played with and the four of us entertained for a variety of functions. Following that when I went to St. Joseph’s College in Yorkton I played in the school band along with Stan Ostifie, Yogi Klos and many other talented students in school. We also appeared on Yorkton TV twice.

Where ever I went I dragged my accordion along even to Toronto in 1964-65 for one year where I played in the school band there.

Then in 1967 I got a big break when Pat Krupa(Lamb) left the Sundown Pals to study nursing and Wally Yanchycki asked me if I would be interested in joining The Peter Lamb Band. I stayed with them for 4 years entertaining at weddings, socials, Hotels, and mid night dances ( in those old days). I then took a leave to farm but music wasn’t far behind. I then joined another band The Serenader’s with Bill Kuz from Russell where I played for a number of years. Then when Wally Yanchycki and his sons needed an accordion player I played with them until just Wally and I remained of the original group. We have provided Ukrainian music for many years even up to today where we entertain at personal care homes etc. I have also played by myself at different functions. I also play on regular bases in church even though the hymns are not Ukrainian in nature..

I have played at several family weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries and funerals. Provided I don’t go first I have been asked to play at several others funerals.

Over the years I have played with many bands and individuals. I have also attended the Kimberley Accordion Festival in Kimberley BC, and the Dauphin Festival on one occasion

Julian Warwaruk

Box 310

Erickson,MB.

R0J 0P0

204-636-2529