It must be something in the air or water that gives Montreal a suitable environment for spawning Ukrainian vocal-instrumental ensembles.
        By conservative estimates of knowledgeable Montrealers, this hub of French Canadian culture already has 10 Ukrainian bands to its credits. Some groups, such as “Rushnychok,” “Zoria,” and “Syny Stepiv,” have gained great popularity among Ukrainians on both sides of the Canadian-American border.
        Other bands, like “Cheremosh,” are beginning to break into the fast-paced world of Ukrainian contemporary music.
        While in existence since the fall of 1972, “Cheremosh,” an all-male quintet, recently released its first LP album appropriately entitled “Cheremosh.”
        The group consists of Danylo Kuka, Petro Kuka, Rick Maronni, Petro Kardasz, and Roman Swoboda.
        Their music is a blend of modern – day tunes from Ukraine, contemporary arrangements of Ukrainian folk songs, and their own compositions.
        Roman Swoboda, 22, accordionist for “Cheremosh,” said during a visit to Svoboda Monday, December 5, that all of the group’s members have been exposed to music before they formed “Cheremosh,” and each makes his contribution to the musical arrangement of the ensemble’s repertoire.
        Roman is a commerce student at Concordia University and also sang with Montreal’s SUM “Boyan” chorus.
        Danylo Kuka, 20, plays the mandolin and trumpet. He also received his vocal training with “Boyan,” and in addition he performed with the SUM branch’s “Trembita” brass band. Danylo is an electronics student.
        His brother, Peter, 23, a computer programmer, plays the guitar and trombone. For the album, Peter also picked up the bass. He also played with “Trembita” and “Boyan.”
        Not to break away from the mold, Petro Kardasz, 20, performed with “Trembita,” as well. A geography major at Concordia University, Petro plays the mandolin, trumpet and bass.
        Rick Maronni, 20, the ensemble’s drummer, was captivated by Ukrainian music through his acquaintance with the others and he decided to add his talent to the music of “Cheremosh. ”
        Besides playing the instruments, Danylo, both Petros and Roman vocalize.
        The ensemble’s first album contains selections, ten of which are popular selections, such as “Oy y poli verba,” “Zakuvala Zazulenka,” and “Bili Kashtany.”
        The 11th tune, is an original one, entitled “Char Liubovy” (Love’s Magic). The lyrics for this song were written by Roman Swoboda, and the music was composed by Petro Kuka.
        “Cheremosh” is known in Canada from its appearances in Montreal, Toronto, the “Vesna” Festival in Saskatoon, Sask., the Place des Arts in Montreal, and other localities. South of the border they performed at the SUMA camp in Ellenville, in Detroit, Glen Spey, and Trenton.
        In upcoming weeks, “Cheremosh” will appear at a New Year’s dance in Detroit, followed by performances in Chicago and Cleveland in later months.
        One of their performing goals is to appear at Soyuzivka during the summer. Roman said that to make it on the Ukrainian music scene, an ensemble has to perform at Soyuzivka.
        Some 2,000 records were released in the first pressing. They are available at major Ukrainian outlets in the U.S. and Canada. Roman said that once that initial amount is sold-out, another pressing will be made.

MONTREAL, Que.