Submitted by:
Shirley Todosichuk

The Minitonas Early Years School Gym was the place to be in Minitonas on Friday, May 9th as parents, grandparents, friends and music lovers gathered for the 8th Annual Minitonas Fiddling Program Spring Concert.

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Pictured above: Jesse Janzen, Wyatt Reader, Trinity Janzen, Talia Janzen, Janna Janzen and Levi Reader got everyone’s toes tapping with their multi-instrumental rendition of Swallowtail Jig and I’ll Fly Away.

42 young talented musicians performed a variety of lively selections on fiddles, guitars, banjos and a mandolin followed by outstanding performances by Esteemed Instructor, Desmond Lagace and Guest Performer Brad Slepicka.

Dennis Kalynuk, the Master of Ceremonies did a great job of keeping the program rolling along and the concert was a great success at showcasing our local talent.


The first year students entertained the crowd with Open String Blues, Hot Cross Buns and Boil Them Cabbage


Fourth year students Katie Smith, Callie Immerkar, Nick Baskier, Jay Todosichuk, Jayden Beauchamp, accompanied by instructor Desmond Legace, showed off their years of practise by skillfully performing Star of Country Down and Rubber Dolly.

The Minitonas Fiddling Program is thankful to have gifted musician, Desmond Lagace as our instructor. Desmond captivated the crowd by expertly combining fiddling and foot stomping to play Whiskey before Breakfast, Reel of Four and The Red River Jig.

Our guest performer, Brad Slepicka, wowed the audience with his great selection of spirited music; Fireman’s Reel, Florence Killens Waltz, Sugar in the Gourd, Waltzing Through the Leaves, Yellow Bird, Lonestar Rag and Till We Meet Again. The crowd looked on in amazement as Brad played Turkey in the Straw on 2 fiddles at the same time.