The B.C. Old Time Fiddlers’ Association Kamloops Branch #12 presented A Fiddle Extravaganza at the Coast Hotel in Kamloops BC on Friday September 13, 2024. This performance was in conjunction with the Fiddle Contest which was held the next day. There was no admission for the large crowd of senior citizens that attended. The three fiddlers that performed also doubled as judges at the Fiddle Contest on Saturday.
The program began with Adam Johnson from Quesnel, BC. Among many of his accomplishments, Johnson was the BC fiddle champion in 2015-16. He was accompanied by the skillful playing of Vic Ukrainetz on keyboards.

Some of the songs he played, during his 30 minute set, were “Surveyor’s Reel” and “Ragtime Annie.” The audience was very appreciative.

The second performer was Brie Hurlbert. She now lives in Robson, BC. She has also lived in Prince Edward Island and performed with the Confederation Symphony. She appeared on the East Coast Music awards. She was accompanied by the talented Denise Ford Del Rossi on keyboards. The audience clapped along to many of her tune and really enjoyed themselves.

Some of the tunes that Ms. Hurlbert played in her 30 minute set were “Dusty Wine Bottle,” “Innisheer,” “Si Bheag, Si Mohr,” and “My Cape Breton Home.” There was a definite Celtic feel to much of her program.
After a brief intermission Mike Sanyshyn performed with his friend Vic Ukrainetz on keyboards. Sanyshyn’s started playing fiddle at the age of eight. His family moved from Alberta to White Rock B.C. when he was 12.

While his list of awards fills a page, some highlights were 4 wins at the BC provincial championships and finished in the top 3 at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championships. His hour long show included a homage to the late Al Cherny, songs from the Metis people, and other well known tunes. Included were “Back Forty Rip-Off,” “Under Paris Skies,” “Ookpik Waltz,” and a fiddle version of the 1920s hits “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue” and “Rubber Dolly.” He ended with the Canadian national fiddle anthem “Maple Sugar.” The audience loved it. Then, Sanyshyn called Johnson and Hurlbert on stage and they jammed for fifteen minutes, trading solos and playing together.

It was such fun! The well attended show was a huge success. The fiddlers are moving over to Heritage House for the Saturday Provincial Contest, where they will be judging.