March 8 – 10, 2009

Highlights Concert March 14, 2009

KALYNA STARS – THE NEXT DECADE!

Plans are already underway for the 2009 Kalyna Country Music Festival which has traditionally been held in the Hamlet of St. Michael for the past ten years.

Kalyna Country Performing Arts Association President Judy Taylor noted that Angela Kostiuk, who was the inspiration behind the festival and has been running it since its inception, has decided that she is stepping down from the event this year, so there are two new directors in key positions.  Judy added that the Board would like to thank Angela for her years of dedication.  “I think the whole Board realizes just how much time and effort goes into organizing an event of this nature”, she stated, “and we truly appreciate all Angela’s work over the past ten years to ensure that this festival is an ongoing success.”

New faces on the Board of Directors include President Judy Taylor and Vice President Linda Mills, Nicole McWha returns as Secretary and Robin Cox as Treasurer.

The Kalyna Country Performing Arts Association is dedicated to the love of music and performing arts in communities within Kalyna Country.  The Festival attracts entries from around the whole Kalyna Country region and there are classes for all ages, ranging from instrumental and voice solos, to dance groups and school bands.  While there is a serious side to the event, with all entries being professionally adjudicated, the emphasis is on the fun component rather than the competition aspect.

The Association is affiliated with the Alberta Music Festival Association and the Canadian Music Festival Association. A complete syllabus can be downloaded from www.albertamusicfestival.org, or copies of the Festival’s own dance syllabus can be obtained from Judy.

Judy noted that this is one of the only festivals providing this kind of opportunity to young people within this area. Eligible students are those residing within the counties of Beaver, Lamont, Minburn, St. Paul, Smoky Lake, Sturgeon, Two Hills and Thorhild, and in the towns and villages within those counties.  Dance Clubs and music teachers who live outside the area, but whose students come from within the area can also register their students.

The 2009 Festival runs March 8-10, 2009 with the Festival Highlights Concert being held on March 14, 2009.  Judy stressed the high costs of running a festival of this nature and the need for community and individual support to ensure its success.  She noted that letters would be sent out shortly seeking contributions from local businesses and individuals to ensure the continued viability of the festival.

Registration forms will be distributed by early December and can be downloaded at www.kalynacountry.com  after that time. More information can be obtained from Judy at 780-895-7471.

Kalyna Country is a heritage and eco-tourism district in the picturesque parkland area of North East Central Alberta, named after the Ukrainian word for the highbush cranberry plant (pronounced (Kah-LEH-nah). Kalyna berries were a popular source of food amongst the early pioneers, fur traders and aboriginal people.

Download Register Form

Download Dance Syllabus Class Description & Local Festival Rules