s l o o h a i
This Ukrainian-Canadian Zabava Band from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada has become one of the province's most popular Ukrainian party bands!
Dance to their upbeat polkas, harmonized waltzes, country favourites, classic rock hits and everything in between. This high energy group is sure to keep the dance floor full with their wide variety of music.
Their Ukrainian roots and passion has taken them across North America to play weddings, festivals, special events and yearly Malankas. Their talents are perfect for any crowd or occasion.
Proudly founded out of baba's basement by fiddle player Will Kaye and drummer Matthew Prychun in 1999. They publicly established "SLOOHAI" in 2001 when bass player Gord Chubey joined the band.
To date, the group has released 3 studio albums which are available online or by CD. The group is finally preparing for the long awaited fourth album, which will be a live recording in August 2025 in preparations for their big 25th anniversary celebration in 2026.
One polka at a time, SLOOHAI proudly continues to do it's part in promoting, preserving and protecting the Ukrainian culture, heritage and music for generations to come.
With some member changes and additions, the bands future shines brighter than ever before!
The members of SLOOHAI are;
Will Kaye (fiddle & vocals)
Matthew Prychun (drums & vocals)
Gord Chubey (bass guitar & vocals)
Terry Kraynyk (accordion, keyboard & vocals)
Greg Udod (piano & vocals)
Joel Rivard (electric guitar & vocals)
SLOOHAI will always be grateful to everyone that has been involved in making this group successful. Thank you to Roman Jaworsky (original accordion player), Scott Wazney (accordion), Richard Nadolsky (guitar) and Andrijko Semaniuk (accordion) for your efforts!
We also must thank and acknowledge three others who played a big part in SLOOHAI's success;
The late (Dave Roman) of the The D-Drifters. Dave also owned and operated Maddock Studio; The members of SLOOHAI were blessed with many years of friendship, guidance, expertise and for his ear, input and talent in recording our first three albums.
John Bzovey (original guitar player) member from 2005 to 2024. Thanks to Johnny Ravin for the many years of gigs. Your talents were always heard, appreciated and are beautifully captured on our 2nd and 3rd album.
Luciano Armenti who saw something in the 3 of us from the beginning. Thank you for believing in us and putting in the time and effort to build the foundation of the band from 2004 to 2011. Much of the band's success will always be because of Luciano. He also is the founder and sole distributor of SLOOHAI BUCKS!
Will Kaye
Fiddle, Vocals, Counts the Beans, Uncle, Melos Member, Aspiring Hawg Driver, Drops Fiddles Sometimes, He is a Meatball Stealer, Always Smiling, Styling and Late, Drives Through Puddles Really Fast, Plays a mean Saxophone, Always Uses his Original Reed from Kenny G
Gord Chubey
Bass Guitar, Vocals, Father of 2, Chief City Inspector, Plays a Mean G String, Hockey Coach, Loves Dairy Queen, Fire Fighter, Runs the bands HR Department and Tire Repair Shop, 1999 Line Dance Champion, Loves to Chase Turtles in Hawaii, Named the Band
Terry Kraynyk
Accordion, Keyboard, Vocals, Bellows Shaker in Training, Uncle, Hoosli Member, Aspiring Radio Voice DJ, Disney Boat Cruise Tour Guide, Owns Too Many Accordions, Has the Best Hair-Do in the Band, His Furniture is Sponsored by John Deere, Loves His Chickens and Mickey Mouse, Get the TAR!
Greg Udod
Piano, Vocals, Father of 2, Started More Polka Bands than Gus Polinski, Loves the Bruins, A Ukrainian Legend born in Yorkton Saskatchewan, Award Winning Grade 4 Teacher North of the Perimeter, Ukrainian Idol Winner 1970, Travels with his own Cooler of Bubly's, Operates the Bands Fog Machine, Founding Member of Sich, Shoom and 26 other bands, Original Backup Singer for Elvis Presley
Joel Rivard
Electric Guitar, Vocals, Music Teacher, Claims to be Young and Flexible, French Canadian Rockstar, Plays in Many Bands, Races Chevy Sonics on Sundays, a Heel Toe Dance Instructor, Always Early, Loves the NFL, Chocolate, Cats & John Mayer, Hates Cream Cheese, All other Beers Except Lucky and Always Has Rocks in his Shoes!
Matthew Prychun
Drums, Vocals, Father of 3, Entrepreneur, Shuttle Bus Driver, Stage Hypnotist, SeaWorld Marine Inspector, Soccer Coach, Splits Chickens with Willy, Loves Cutting Grass, Two Time Provincial Wrestling Champ, Aspiring Travel Agent, Needs More Cymbals, Has Own Time Zone, Said to be From Mexico, He is said to be a Pasta & Pizza Connoisseur