Chicago Cossacks

We present 2 types of a program:
1. Russian, Ukrainian and Gypsy songs, dances and tunes.
The English translation of the lyrics is included.

2. Music from around the World (same as 1 plus songs in English, French, Spanish, Italian etc).

Chicago Cossacks Eastern Slavic folk music group was established in 1993 in Chicago IL and since then successfully performed in Chicagoland area and since then has been entertaining people of the Greater Chicago area and beyond.

Historically Cossacks were members of multinational communities living in Ukraine and southern Russia. Often these communities were named after a river they lived near by (such as Dnieper, Kuban, Don etc). We chose the name "Chicago Cossacks" because we live along Chicago river and play multinational music.

Current members of the group:

Natasha Bodansky - vocals.
Is a native of Kharkov, Ukraine. Singing has been her passion since early years. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Choral Conducting from Kharkov State Institute of Arts (1995). She received her Master of Music in Vocal Performance Degree form University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, where she studied voice with Frances Crawford. While in Urbana-Champaign, Natasha performed with the UIUC Russian Folk Orchestra. Natasha currently teaches voice and piano at Elkin School of Music in Highland Park, and performing extensively in Chicago area. Her repertory includes a variety of music form opera and operetta to international music. Natasha is a member of Music Academy International Community Chorus of Northwestern University. She has also been a Cantorial Soloist with UIC Hillel Foundation for five years.

Vadim Dubovsky - vocals.
Studied at Kiev Specialized Music school named after Lysenko. Holds BA in Music Teaching at Kiev Pedagogical Institute (musical-pedagogical faculty) and BA in Music at Kiev Conservatory (opera singing, dramatic baritone). Has performed at Revutsky Academic Male Capella. As a part of National Academic Choir of Ukraine "Dumka" has toured most of the European countries. Worked at Ukrainian radio in Chicago.

Nadiya Dnes - vocals.
Native of Volodymyr-Volynsky, Ukraine. Has taught music for over 18 years, specializing in Ukrainian folk instruments, particularly bayan. Performed through the years as a bayan player as solo and also ensembles and orchestras. Has a good singing voice and has also performed as a solo vocalist and as a part of larger vocal groups.

Alexander Kaminsky - double bass.
Graduated from Kharkov (Ukraine) Institute of Arts in 1979 with major in double-bass. Played in different music assembles and orchestras including Kiev Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. Playing in different styles: classical, jazz and folk music.

Arkady Pevchik - bayan (Russian button accordion).
BA in Music at Kiev (Ukraine) Music College . Worked in Kiev Concert Association as an accompanist/ Russian accordion player. Performed solo and also in many different orchestras and bands in the Ukraine and Chicago area, including Kiev Military Ensemble. The winner of the USSR Competition of accompanists.

Gennady Sergienko - domra, mandolin (band leader).
BA in Music at Kiev (Ukraine) Institute of Performing Arts, member of Balalaika & Domra Association of America. Performed in the following orchestras and bands: Russian Folk Orchestra at October Palace of Culture in Kiev, Souvenir, Tum-balalaika, The Internationals, The Russian Folk Orchestra of University of Illinois etc.

Galina Shogan - dancer.
Has danced in Modern Dance Ensemble "Festival'ny" at Sumy State University in Sumy, Ukraine for 5 years. In (phone number hidden)9 at Ballroom and Folk Dance School at Mazurdance. In (phone number hidden)8 - ballroom dances at Masterica School, choreographer Gintaras Grinkevichus. Since 2008 she is a member of dance group at Atrium Theater. Currently takes lessons at McNulty Irish Dance School.

Marta Mykhaylyshyn - dancer.
Started dancing when she was five. At the age of 14 Marta graduated Ukrainian National Dance School. Since 2008 she is a student of "Mazurdance" School. Also attends "Bravo Ballroom Studio".

If dancers are invited, the minimum required performing space is 9'x 12'