Ukrainian Music “Legend” Roasted

By John Pidkowich

A “Lifetime Achievement” Roast honouring well-known of Ukrainian Canadian musician Ron Cahute of Burya Band fame was held on September 1 at UNF Toronto Community Centre Trident Banquet Hall. This memorable evening of “laughs and music” was presented by the Ukrainian Women’s Organization (OYK) – Toronto Branch and organized by Chrystyna (Binka) Kowal.

A surprise event kept secret by some 300 people, Ron was the last to know when he stumbled across the Trident’s closed doors and hushed hall, only to be welcomed by cheers and greeted at the door by muzyky - accordion players Morris Hucal (Zirka), Andrij Sydoryshyn (Nove Pokolinnya), daughter Katrina Cahute and Alexandra Baczynskyj; and renowned musician Jack Zaza on the clarinet – and by greeters Ihor Baczynskyj and William Szuch, among others.

OYK Toronto President Lydia Lelyk welcomed everyone and introduced MC and Roast Host Ihor Baczynskyj for the start of some good fun. Evening speakers/rosters were Fr. Walter Makarenko, Zenon Chwaluk, George Wodoslawsky, Les Salnick, Steve Kolos and good friend/godfather to Amanda – Joe Balaz. Although poking fun at Ron, his achievements were highlighted, celebrating singing and playing accordion in his father’s band, playing  in the Kalyna Orchestra at the Kyiv Pavilion at Metro (Toronto) International Caravan, heeding Roy and Irene Kostiuk’s advice to record his repertoire of Ukrainian music on his accordion with band and, hence the formation of Burya Band.

A special video honouring Ron was screened, produced by William Szuch of UkeTube and narrated by Ihor Baczynskyj. Among recorded testimonials form well-wishers, Roman Brytan - producer/announcer of Edmonton’s CKER Radio Ukrainian Program spoke only praise, inducting Ron into the Ukrainian Musician’s Hall of Fame for Legendary Achievement at Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba, on August 2, 2010, during the Sunday afternoon awards ceremony. Other footage showed one of the festival’s headlining zabava bands Burya, performing the Saturday night before.

Ron then made a few tongue-in-cheek jabs in giving an off-the-cuff speech, cutting it short letting all know that in playing for Toronto’s Arkan Dance Company, they were about to depart for special invitation performances in South Korea. Although speaking after daughter Katrina, Ron not only had a rare last word but was actually left speechless when all four daughters Katrina, Jenny, Amanda, and Krystie ushered to their dad a celebratory cake, rung in with a chorus of Mnohaya lita! - live long for many years for “he’s a jolly good fellow”.

Donations were graciously accepted at the door with proceeds of $2,000 going toward an annual Ron Cahute Scholarship Award at the Ukrainian Music Festival in Toronto, to be held this year December 3-5.

PHOTOS

1,2 - Ron Cahute

3 - OYK Toronto Branch President Lydia Lelyk

4 - Ron Cahute (centre) suprised by muzyky at the door