Absolute, Calgary's #1 Ukrainian Dance Band

Ron and Trish Josephs: For their vision in starting Absolute back in 1997. Thanks guys!!

George Sadiwnyk, Dean Hnatiuk,Brian Mendiuk,Adriana Lebedovich, Bill Sawchuk, 2 fingered Jimmy from Sask and Michael DeSouza: For their musical contributions to Absolute. Thanks a bunch!!

Ed Shapka: For his tireless efforts in filming Absolute. Thanks so much Ed!!

All our fans: Thank you for all your support these last 11 years! We look forward to playing for you at many functions in the future!!

Some comments from past events.....

Everyone was raving about your music and ABSOLUTE helped to make our wedding a smashing success. I would say this is an impressive success for your band as the ukrainians and the spanish crowd all loved the music as demonstrated by the packed dance floor. Thank you so much for your patience and kind manner. Darren, we are very appreciative. You were all that and more that my parents could have wished for. They were so happy and still continue to talk about your band. Jose and I will definitely try to catch you for ukrainian new years.
Leanne & Jose

The AMAZING performance by ABSOLUTE completely made our night. Our guests are still phoning and e-mailing us to compliment on how you played. My Uncle insisted that: "They must be from Edmonton" and when I explained that you're from Calgary he was shocked to learn anyone from Calgary could play so well.

ABSOLUTE was brilliant at keeping the dance floor packed, and while dancing always brings joy to a room, it brought me GREAT joy to see all the non -Ukrainian people unable to hold back and give the polka or butterfly a shot. And the smile on everyone's face (especially my Boona) while dancing to your lively numbers is irreplaceable.

So thanks, not only to ABSOLUTE, but to Darren also. Your grace and patience and simple understanding of what goes on at weddings helped make Michelle and I feel really special. I don't think I would have changed all the great weather and great speeches that held things up, but I know that everyone in the room (many of them still there at 2am) would have loved to listen and dance to more of you guys!!!! Let's be honest, ABSLOLUTE IS SO GREAT, my guests could have been dancing 'til sunrise. I don't know where you get your positive energy from, but keep it up, it truly makes a difference! You are appreciated.

Lance and Michelle Humeniuk

Thank you very much for travelling all the way to Provost to play for us, we had a blast. Absolute was incredibly professional, everything went smoothly. The music was fantastic, the dance floor was packed, and everyone had a blast. There were many positive compliments throughout the evening from guests young and old. We would not hesitate in recommending Absolute. You guys were awesome - thanks!

We'll keep you posted on the progress of our adventures beginning this fall.

Sincerely,

Pam & Geoff

Absolute played for our wedding in October, and we thoroughly enjoyed the music and ambience they brought to our special day. The tsymbaly player added a unique and cultural experience which had all the guests talking and tapping their toes. The entire band was extremely accommodating too, not only did they allow me to sing a Ukrainian song, but they went the extra mile to learn the music. That was very special for me.

They played a great variety of songs from traditional polkas, waltzes, butterflies, country and rock, and got everyone up dancing and wanting to learn the butterfly or the heel-toe! It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves.

The band also helped me out when I was desperately looking for someone to make a Korovai for our wedding. It was down to days and Darren told me that one of his band member's wife makes them! It was a fantastic Korovai which again everyone was talking about! They go above and beyond the call of music. Just ask!

Absolute was a joy to do business with. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for future functions.

Carla and Ashley Christie

The bands performance this year was simply outstanding! I was so surprised to see the shear number of people that stayed throughout the night, especially into the wee hours. Of course, I know we have your music and presence to thank for that! Each year you all come down, and each year the music and the energy simply gets better and better! Im already looking forward to next years Malanka!

Jordan Biss

Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Lethbridge, AB 2006

I have had the pleasure of being entertained by ABSOLUTE on two occasions. The first time I listened to the band was at a Malanka in Strathmore in 2004. The band’s repertoire, musical talents, and ability to play any kind of music amazed me. They also had the class to keep playing to a very small audience until 1:00 am that night – most of the people who came to the event left early because a horrible blizzard was taking place! My second experience was at a 30th Anniversary banquet for Yalenka Ukrainian Dance in April this year. ABSOLUTE played songs that kept the dance floor full. That night I participated in the longest Kolomayka that I have ever seen – ABSOLUTE played for 26 minutes straight. Now I’d say that they’re absolutely fantastic! I would highly recommend ABSOLUTE to anyone who is thinking of hiring a live band for any function !!!!!

Tim Popel

A wedding or anniversary is a celebration of life. It is a time for family and friends to enjoy themselves. What better way to express your joy than through a gathering. To keep the gathering up beat you need great music. That is what we expected and what we got when Absolute played for both our daughter's wedding and our 25th wedding anniversary. The music started at the door and went through the night, which generated many compliments from our guests. We would have them back anytime.

Bill and Theresa Lewchuk

As organizing chair of Lethbridge Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Club’s major fund-raising event titled “Malanka/Zabava” in Lethbridge, it is with enthusiasm that I write this testimonial for the band “Absolute” This young, versatile group of musical artists has entertained our crowds ranging from 300-525 people for the past three years. The band is able to provide a variety of music that appeals to people of all ages to keep the dance floor filled and people moving right until the bitter end. Absolute is “absolutely” a wonderful band and have contributed in making our event a success!

Sincerely,

Linda Balon-Smith

Darren and his band Absolute played at my parent's 60th wedding anniversary, May, 2004. The music played was truly authentic Ukrainian, right down to the two-step polka. The songs were a beautiful addition. The Ukrainian shirts added a wonderful touch. Darren was great to work with and our specific needs were thoroughly discussed and met. I would highly recommend this band.

Best Regards,

Angela

We have had the pleasure of knowing Darren for several years and have enjoyed ABSOLUTE at several functions since then. When we decided to get married we wanted to have a group that could play traditional Ukrainian music for our guests at the door and offer a variety of music throughout the evening that would have everyone up and dancing. We are pleased to say that the music and the night were a complete success and we have received numerous compliments on our choice of band to play at our wedding.

To anyone that is planning a function, be it Ukrainian or otherwise we can wholeheartedly recommend ABSOLUTE as a group that will work with you to achieve an evening that will be remembered. Should you wish to contact us personally Darren has our contact information and we would be happy to speak with you about the effort that this group puts forward.

Don and Terry Kovacs

Absolute came highly recommended from people that we knew and so we booked them for our wedding reception and wow...did they ever exceed expectations! Even though it was my side of the family that was Ukrainian, my wife's family from California still talks about what a great time they had. The band was great about giving pointers on what everyone was supposed to do and helped coax some of the more reserved people to get up on the dance floor (to the amazement of other family members). If you are considering a Ukrainian flavor for your wedding reception or event, don't book anyone else until you've talked to Absolute!

Matt and Clover Oryschak

I have attended a number of functions where I thoroughly enjoyed Absolute's music. The band played at St. Stephen's Malanka 2005 and certainly were the hit of the evening. Not only is the band well-versed in traditional Ukrainian music, the group has proven its versatility by being able to play a variety of contemporary music to people of all ages. Their vocal renditions with their harmonious blend of voices are a definite compliment to the band.

ABSOLUTE have been engaged to play at St. Stephen's Malanka 2006, and we are looking forward to another great evening.

Ed Tysowski, President

St.Stephen's Plus 50 Club

Absolute played at our wedding reception, and entertained our guests from the opening selection to the final dance. They adapted their selections to the varied crowd, and kept everyone dancing the entire evening. Absolute added wonderful memories to our wedding and our friends still talk about the fun they had dancing. Would we recommend them or ask the group to play for us again? Absolute(ly)!

Terry & Stephany Chepyha

Upcoming Gigs and Demo Update

See our Events section for full details on Upcoming events!!

Recent Gigs

Saturday Oct 1st - Shumka 50th Anniversary Show @ The Jubilee Auditorium Calgary

What a fantastic night of entertainment in the lobby of the Jube for a couple hours as 2000 people poured in for an amazing night of music and dance to celebrate Shumka's 50th Anniversary and return from China! Thanks to the Jube and Alberta Arts foundation for supporting us as we got to entertain everyone!!

Saturday July 23rd
Corbun and Jamie's wedding!
One of the best weddings ever! Dance floor full all night - new record for 20 couples dancing a seven-step! Great photos from the night as well! Thanks for the amazing night and all the best to you both!

Saturday July 16th
Chris and Laura's wedding
What a wonderful evening! Great kolomeyka and wonderful people to celebrate with! All the best to you both!

Friday July 15th
Jody's 30th birthday bash
Didsbury, AB
YEEHAW! Best bash in a horse arena ever! Flatdecks worked great! Watching Beau dance around with his shirt off all night was hilarious! Thanks so much for having us out to play - epic night!!

Saturday July 2nd/2011
Yacyshyn Wedding - Balzac
An amazing day outdoors in the beautiful sunshine for Brittany and Brian's reception! We rocked it up til the police shut us down! Special thanks to Ollie and Carl for having us out to entertain their guests from across Western Canada! Congratulations to Brittany and Brian!

Saturday June 4th
Calgary Ukrainian Festival
An amazing day of Ukrainian dance and song followed up by a rip roaring Zabava at the ARC! Great turnout for CUF2 and unbelievable music from Zhyto as well! Great time! Cant wait for CUF 3!

Saturday Feb 5th
Out to Strathmore on another frozen day with wicked winds for our last Malanka gig of 2011. Unbelievable food from baba's kitchen and Yalenka! The crowd partied til the last dance of the night! Lots of rockin music in the band breaks for everyone!

Friday Feb 4th
First night of our back to back gigs to wrap up Malanka season. Tryzub Malanka is like no other with 100 kids all doing the Kolomeyka at the same time! Madness!! Lots of fun! Thank you Tryzub for letting us entertain all your amazing families!!

Saturday Jan 29th
Troyanda Malanka in Lethbridge was AMAZING! Roeds were crazy on the way down, but we stopped for Claresholm Chicken at the 7-11 and powered our way through the storm! Phenomenal evening of danec and entertainment and Darren spends his usual $100 at the Silent Auction - ouch!!

Friday January 21st
Suzirya Malanka - Full house at Thorncliffe as we brought in the new year with a bang! Amazing night of music and dance

Friday January 14th
St Stephen's - First Gig Darren has missed in 14 years while he was away in Australia - Amazing job by the Absolute 4 piece - Kevin sang his buns off all night and a great time was had by all!

Friday Nov 19th
Fall Puschenia Dinner/Dance - SOLD OUT!! - St Vladimir's
Amazing night with guest singer Thea Graham! Thanks to everyone who came out!!

Saturday Sept 18
Sopatyk Wedding at St. Vlads. What a reunion! Over 40 members of Korinnya over the past 15 years - Fantastic Night - Donna looked like a zillion bucks and we all had a blast!

Friday Sept 3
Taras/Lydia Wedding - Edmonton. What a gorgeous day at the Fairmont Mcdonald overlooking the river. Playing the door was fabulous with Papa Joe Filewych and grandson Nathan playing the drums and smiling like crazy! We even entertained Premier Ed Stelmach and wife Marie. A superb day with old friends from Korinnya and the bride looked absolutely amazing! Thank you Taras and Lydia!

Saturday Aug 7
Lewchuk Wedding - Calgary AB. Fantastic wedding zabava at St Stephens with the Lewchuks!Bill led the kolomeyka like a man on fire!! What an Unbelievable meal and the DogFather hot dog wagon at midnight was over the top! Thanks for a great night Lewchuks!

Saturday July 31
Olena/Lane's Wedding - Calgary AB. Another beautiful day and zabava with two people so in love.

Saturday July 24
Vicky/Michael's Wedding in Crossfield - What a party! Vicky looked amazing! Andrew's speeches had us rolling in the aisles! Fantastic night!!

July 2
50th Wedding Anniversary - Nanton, AB
Great fun for Dan/Bea's 50th! Thanks Linda for all your help in entertaining your great family!!

Saturday, May 29
Calgary Ukrainian Festival's Zabava!! What a phenomenal night of music from 8pm to 130 a.m.
Back to back entertainment with Absolute and Zhyto!! Cant wait for next year!!

Saturday May 8
UCYC Zabava!!
Fantastic night of entertainment ! Huge thanks to Michael Verdonck for his amazing hospitality!!
Can't wait for the second annual in 2011!!

Saturday Feb 6
Troyanda Malanka
Superb evening of great food and dance in LA!! No flat tire on the trailer this year and phenomenal debut of Heidi on the Fiddle! Hope she joins us again very soon!!

Saturday January 30th
Tryzub School Zabava - SOLD OUT - Best Kolomeyka of the year with over 50 kids showing off their stuff!! Thank You Tryzub for your amazing support over the years! We Love You!!

Saturday January 23rd
Yalenka Malanka - Strathmore
A phenomenal night of dance!! And nobody's truck froze up this year!

Friday January 15, 2010
St Stephen Malanka - Superb start to the Malanka season in Calgary!! SOLD OUT!! Great performance by Tryzub!! The Guiseppi Strummatoli was delicious!!

Saturday Sept 12th - Richard, Nathan and Mike's Amazing Hall Party #2 - Unbelievable - Simply the most fun we have had in years! Played from 8pm to 2am! Lots of new music and a packed house! No one throws a party like these guys - absolutely no one....

Saturday July 11th, 2009
Chris and Kristin's Wedding - Josephburg, Alberta - An amazing night up north with super people! Crazy stories from all the locals about them growing up and drinking and car accidents and streaking!! Played til after 2!! Amazing fiddle from Joe and great bass from Marty of Kalabai!! The first of hopefully many great gigs in the future with gifted musicians we are proud to call friends!!

Saturday June 20 - Calgary Accordion Association Event
A return to the Austrian Canadian Club where Darren and Krista were married 10 years ago
Fantastic dance late into the evening! Great tunes from Vic during supper! Emcee Roman Brytan was fabulous! Thank you so much everyone who came!

Saturday June 6 - Sopilka 25th Anniversary Zabava
Vegreville, AB
Outstanding night of entertainment for all the Vegrevillians! We always love the stage at the curling club you can drive right up to with the vehicles! Hilite of the trip for sure!! Huge thank you to Cliff Moroziuk for his amazing hospitality and lending us some drum parts to get through the night!

Sunday May 17th,2009 - Chad and Carmen's Wedding - Calgary, Alberta
Great night entertaining all the Pawlyshyn family! Amazing Happy Birthday song and dance by one of Chad and Carmen's friends!

Saturday March 21st - Richard, Nathan and Mike's Amazing Hall Party
We packed that little community hall and rocked it up all night - What a surprise to come out at 1 am to nearly a foot of snow!! Great party guys!!Feb 7 - Barvinok Zabava - what an amazing night of dance and our 7th gig in 5 weekends - Thank you Barvinok for a great way to wrap up our Malanka season!!

Jan 31 - Fantastic night in Lethbridge with Troyanda!! Other than the flat tire on the trailer at 3 am - we had an 'Absolutely' amazing time!!

Jan 24 - Yalenka Malanka in Strathmore - COLD!!! Other than Kevin's van being frozen shut from the Car Wash - we had a blast and cant wait for Baba's Kitchen Cooking next year!!!

Jan 16/2009 - St Stephen Malanka - another amazing sold out event! Champagne and party hats at Midnight to bring in the New Year!! A fantastic time!!

January 9-11/2009 - Jasper Park Lodge - Our first time to the beautiful Malanka in the mountains - UNBELIEVABLE!! - No Sleep for 3 days and amazing scenery and music and food!!

December 6/2008 - Absolute and Darren's wife surprise Darren with 40th birthday party for 150 people at a hall!! Great Party!!

November 1st/2008 Tryzub Zabava - A full house with a solid 30 minute Kolomeyka - Tryzub Dance Ensemble amazing as always!!

August 2/2009 - Amazing wedding in Willingdon - a long drive but small town folks can still party til the wee hours of the morning!!

Saturday July 26th - Trevor and Shelley's wedding - Outdoors in the Gazebo with a lightning filled sky - Karen's beautiful acreage - fantastic day!!

Saturday June 21st - Graydon and Vanessa's Wedding in High River - amazing day out in the country!!

Sunday June 15th - 19th Annual Accordion Competition
We placed 1st in our class!! Best Overall Show Group - Trophy picture to follow!! Well done Noella!!

May 10th - Ken and Joanne's Wedding - Strathmore, Alberta - an amazing night of song and dance with folks from across the country!! Congratulations to you both - we had an amazing time - Angela-we miss you!!

Saturday April 26th - Dave and Marla's Wedding - great time at scenic Fort Calgary - Bride and Groom were the last to leave!! Congratulations to you both!!

Saturday March 1st -Pro-Bono Fundraiser for Jonathon Silvernagle - Sold out event that raised a bunch of money for Jonathon's foundation - Great to see Jonathon and the Silvernagles!!

February 9th - Amazing night!! 300+ as Darren's sons Nicholas and Jacob had their first dance recital and Kolomeyka while Dad's band played!!

January 26th - Troyanda Malanka was amazing as always - 40 minute Kolomeyka with 3 level 8 man tower, fantastic food and great weather!! Can't wait for next year!!

Saturday January 12th - SOLD OUT Malanka for Yalenka in Strathmore as they prepare for a big trip to Ukraine this summer! Huge Kolomeyka and DJ Mike with great tunes in the break!!

Friday January 11th - SOLD OUT Malanka at St. Stephen's for the Plus 50 Club! Great performance by Calgary's Tryzub and Amazing celebration at Midnight - can't wait for next year!!

Saturday Sept 1st - Jose and Leanne's wedding with the rich culture of Mexico and Ukraine!! Amazing night at Gunn's Dairy Barn with the Hullicks!!

Saturday July 28th - Wedding in Banff - What a beautiful setting for Sharilynn and Stephen's wedding!! Great couple of days out in the mountains!!

Friday July 7th - Calgary Stampede Pre-Parade - music and dance on 6th avenue - perfect weather - Canadian Forces Snowbirds flying overhead - great crowds teaching them how to Kolomeyka!!

Saturday June 2nd - Kubasa Tasting Competition - An amazing night with entertainment from Absolutely Unplugged, Absolute, Suzyria, Tryzub and Korinnya!! Song, Dance and Kubasa!! A sold out show with a great night had by all!! 5 dozen perogies sold at the live auction for over $200 !!

May 4th-A great Zabava for the newly formed Zhuravli from Airdrie!! Great dancing and good turnout despite the cold rainy weather! Amazing performance by the Accordion Ensemble of Calgary!! Can't wait for the 2nd annual next May!!

February 3rd – An amazing sold out zabava for the Tryzub School of Dance. A full dance floor of kids all night long with an incredible Kolomeyka, the best version of Cadillac Ranch ever, and an unbelievable first set by the Bossman .

January 27th – A phenomenal sold out Malanka in Coalhurst, Alberta complete with a new record Kolomeyka – 50 minutes long!! Guest appearances by Korinnya Folk Ensemble and a great contingent from Calgary! The evening finished off with breakfast at Humpty’s at 530 a.m.

January 20th – A simply incredible sold out Malanka for Suzyria with over 650 people in attendance!! A world class Kolomeyka and DJ Bossman for the band breaks!

January 13th – A sold out Malanka for Yalenka in Strathmore Alberta. Hundreds of door prizes and an amazing meal provided by Baba’s Kitchen Catering!!

January 12th – A sold out Malanka for St. Stephen’s Plus 50 with a special guest appearance from the Honourable Ed Stelmach and his lovely wife Marie.

Band Bits

Did you know.... NEW!! Our longest Kolomeyka we just performed was for 50 continuous minutes!! It just happened on the January 27th Malanka for Troyanda School of Dance in Coalhurst, Alberta !!!

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