Polka Ramblers Take Folks on a Musical Trek of Joy

Polka Ramblers Take Folks on a Musical Trek of Joy

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

The band Polka Ramblers with Travis Dolter performed at Vegreville Pysanka Festival at the Cultural Showcase on July 2.

This band has local connections as one of the members of the band Sylvia Kupka (nee Olineck) grew up on the farm Northeast of Lavoy.

When Sylvia’s daughter, Shelley Dolter who is also a member of the band was asked what type of music they play she said “We perform traditional Ukrainian music as well as a variety of old and new country and rock. We continued to perform traditional Ukrainian Music as it is the music Sylvia grew up performing and listening to and has special meaning to us and we want to be able to pass it down to future generations. We have always felt it was important to play a variety of music so we include country and rock as well.”

When asked what made them want to perform music, Shelley replied, from a young age, Sylvia always wanted an accordion, and at age nine her parents Mafty and Vera Olineck bought her one. By 11, Sylvia was performing on stage with local bands, and then eventually joined Pete and Anne Chrunik in the Meadowlarks band. While performing at a wedding near Hay Lakes, Sylvia met her future husband, George Kupka. Wherever Sylvia went - birthday party, camping, family get together, her accordion went to! Growing up surrounded by music, influenced her kids and grandkids to also take an interest in music and performing. The Polka Ramblers are made up of 3 generations - Sylvia Kupka (Baba), Shelley Dolter (Daughter), Travis Dolter (Grandson), as well as Panko Chrunik and Rylan Chessall. On occasion Shaelyn Dolter (Granddaughter) also joins in on vocals. When Shelley’s kids were small they used to take their sleeping bags with them to performances so they could sleep on stage until the band was done performing!” Shelley said.

The Polka Ramblers.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

When asked if The Polka Ramblers perform for a living, Shelley replied, “The Polka Ramblers have always performed for pure enjoyment. Performing brings us enjoyment, and being able to share that enjoyment with others is why we have continued to perform. Also, performing as a “Family Band” is special on its own. About four years ago, Travis began to pursue a career in Country music as well.

The best part about performing music is seeing smiling faces, toes tapping and people singing along, knowing that the worries are left behind and the focus is on sharing good times and laughter.

The Pysanka Festival has always been an important part of our lives and we have been honored to perform at it through the years. We are proud to be Ukrainian and proud to be able to share our heritage and traditions with others. Supporting local venues and events that promote our heritage is very important to us.

The style of music we perform is very upbeat. Even the old time waltzes have a nice swing to them! Music is uplifting and celebratory!” Shelley added.