Marshall Pankiw Bio
Marshall Pankiw learned to play the fiddle at the age of 8 years old. He always enjoyed attending functions with his mom and dad that had local live bands performing. Marshall was always right by the stage watching the musicians, but specifically the fiddle players. That, along with local fiddle players stopping in to give pointers and of course with listening and playing along to the Ukrainian program, a fiddle player was born!
At 13 years old Marshall along with his older brother Ed, who played rhythm guitar, started a band called the "Sparkling Tones". This band began in the late 1 950s. The brothers played 10 to 15 times a year at first, and about two years later began playing their Western Ukrainian Old Time Music every Friday and Saturday, and occasionally during the week.
After around 12 years, the "Sparkling Tones" had ceased operations as several band members had other commitments. Marshall, while attending a local wedding, was asked by Ed Stawnichy to join his band the "Majestic Sound" on a full time basis. Marshall played with Ed for just over 3 years.
Marshall left the Majestic Sound Band to free up more time to help raise two sons and enjoy different aspects of life with his wife and family. That said, Marshall did on frequent occasion still perform with his fiddle at howe parties, a fiddle replacement when called upon, and as a special guest performer while attending weddings, anniversaries and social events. The fiddle and the music was just in his blood!
In 2002 Marshall was again approached by Ed
Stawnichy to join the Majestic Sounds for an event. Well, 1 event turned into several, and Marshall was once again back into the Western Ukrainian music scene full time. In 2004 Marshall decided to restart the "Sparkling Tones" Band with Marshall being the only original band member. Keeping its family orientation, Marshall was very proud to have his son Dwayne join him on accordion and vocals as a key member of the band. Together Marshall and Dwayne are extremely happy and honoured to have played with various accomplished musicians whom have either played or are presently playing with the "Sparkling Tones" Band.
The Sparkling Tones have played for over 21 years together. They have played at well over 900 jobs since the band restarted. The group has recorded 4 CD's together and are going to be recording their 5th this fall. Much like he did back in the 1950s, Marshall continues to dazzle crowds with his accomplished style, and Western Ukrainian fiddle tunes. In an effort to preserve and pass on his knowledge, Marshall is also currently continuing to help and mentor his Grandson Steven Pankiw in mastering the fiddle.
Through the years of playing, Marshall had the opportunity to play as a fiddle replacement with many other accomplished groups, or was asked to come play a few tunes while attending social events. These groups included the Cimarron's, the Roughriders, the Meadowlarks, the Vegreville Polka Tones, the Royal Lites, the Dynamics, the Serenaders, and Nick Hnatiuk and the Plainsmen.
The present "Sparkling Tones" are proud to play a variety of "spunky" dance music which is a trait of the Sparkling Tones Band. They have entertained all over Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, including the 2023 CNUF. The "Sparkling Tones" are still heavily involved in playing music for all occasions such as regular dances, Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Malanka's and other Social Events. Marshall at 81, still extremely enjoys playing music and is honored and thankful to all of those who supported him and his music for over the past 70 years that he has been actively playing!
I consider it an honor to have had the pleasure to play with you, and I invite everyone to applaud our "Legendary Achievement Award Recipient", Marshall Pankiw! Congratulations Marshall!
