Michael Grywinski

1913 - 2001.  

Mike was born in Fisher Branch, MB. His brother recognized his musical gift and bought him a violin at age 10. Because he had such a love for music, Mike was self taught and developed a unique style like no other fiddler.

He composed many selections and loved to jam with fellow Ukrainian musicians. Mike began performing at the age of 12 at weddings, house parties and barn dances. At 18, he formed a family band called “The Western Serenaders” and performed for many years.

Mike's vision was finally accomplished in the 1970’s when he recorded 6 albums with “The Ukrainian Old Timers”.

Mike has such a love for his fiddle that seldom a day went by that he did not practice. It was told that Mike and his wife, Rose, made a trip to the US to visit their daughter and Mike didn't take his violin. Well, it was just a few short days and soon enough Mike asked his daughter to drive him to a pawn shop. Mike bought a violin and played it every day during their stay. 

Mike had a passion for Ukrainian music. Music was his life, and his life was music. His music will live on forever! 

Mike Grywinski a legendary violinist. 

A true Ukrainian musician.

Veechna ya Pamnatyh

Mike Grywinski

“A Fiddlers fiddler”. 

What would Ukrainian music be without the fiddle? In Mike Grywinski’s hands, it was a source of intense joy, wrenching sadness and a rousing good time. Mike was born on May 13th, 1913 in Fisher Branch, MB. Soon after his family moved to Poplarfield. A brother recognized his musical gift and bought him an old violin when he was 10. Legend has it Mike would spent long hours practicing, banished to the shack on the family farm. Self-taught, it was there he began to perfect his unique musical stylings while staying true to his Ukrainian roots: rollicking country dances, snappy polkas, breezy waltzes and traditional Kolomaykas. Mike began performing publicly when he was 12, playing at weddings and barn dances. At 18, he formed a family band called “The Western Serenaders”. They played together for many years.

Mike was so dedicated to his craft,  he played at his own wedding in 1936. He and wife Rose moved to Winnipeg, where he established himself as one of the city's premier fiddlers. He was a featured soloist with such popular bands as “Alan's Country Kings” and “The Ambrose Brothers Orchestra”, in addition to playing with many other well known local musicians. Mike’s memory lives on in recordings he made with “The Ukrainian Old Timers”. A family man and former machinist with Canadian National Railway, Mike also managed to find time to entertain seniors as well. And why Mike wasn't working or performing, he could usually be found strolling in rooms in his East Kildonan home, fiddle in hand, making music. 

Mike passed away on April 26, 2001, leaving behind his wife of 65 years, two daughters and four grandchildren.