July 4th celebration heralds opening of 43rd season at Soyuzivka (07/21/96)

July 4th celebration heralds opening of 43rd season at Soyuzivka

by Yarema A. Bachynsky

KERHONKSON N.Y.- On a warm and sunny Independence Day weekend, the Ukrainian National Association Estate Soyuzivka opened its 1996 season to the sights and sounds of Ukrainians, young and old, making merry at the Catskill Mountain redoubt.

On Friday, July 5, the Veselka patio was full as several hundred free spirits boogied down with Fata Morgana until the wee hours of the morning. The electricity of youth welcoming summer at Suzy-Q was especially palpable as Fata closed the dance with its trademark "Hamalia."

The following day, it was easy to separate truly active types from more laid-back personalities. Some hardy athletes took part in the annual USCAK-East tennis tournament, while others chose the road more traveled, dividing their morning and afternoon between friendly conversation in the vicinity of the Veselka pavillion and sampling the various arts and crafts exhibits near the Main House. The usual quotient of sun-worshippers basked in the bright sunlight, keeping Soyuzivka's lifeguards on full alert with their poolside presence.

As evening approached, many guests and visitors paused their reverie to take in a spot of dinner and prepare for all the night had to offer. Some attended barbecues near the estate, while others enjoyed the varied and tastefully presented culinary creations of Soyuzivka chef Andriy Sonevytsky, who has brought to the estate a kitchen worthy of any self-respecting, mainstream American hotel or inn.

At 8:30 p.m. that Saturday, despite a technical problem that left the temperature in the Veselka pavilion somewhat warmer than ideal, the concert hall filled close to capacity as guests came to see and hear the popular folk-jazz-influenced duet Darka and Slavko. Formed 10 years ago, the husband and wife team of Darka Konopada and Slavko Halatyn have woven a tapestry of at times sultry, at other times lyrical and even haunting numbers, dealing with a wide range of situations, most revolving around the love between two people.

The audience spared no applause in response to Darka and Slavko's powerful performance. Particularly effective was the duet's rendition of the song "Mamo," about a son's longing for his mother, as he is held prisoner and ultimately shot by his totalitarian captors. In contrast to the business-like jazz-influenced portion of the performers' repertoire, this song and others from Darka and Slavko's early days struck a distinctly emotional, almost melancholy chord with the hugely appreciative audience.

In addition to Darka Konopada on vocals and Slavko Halatyn on guitar and vocals, the band consists of George Hrab on drums, John Stec on piano and Greg August on the bass. The concert was emceed by Ireneus Kowal of the Tempo orchestra.

Following the concert, Soyuzivka's patrons literally stomped the Veselka patio into submission under the driving rhythm and riffs of Fata Morgana and the more nostalgic, yet direct Tempo. Meanwhile, the Burlaky of Montreal up north, put on a show down under in the pavilion, with a 1960s type high school prom get-up and music to match.

As is traditional for all big Soyuzivka weekends, Sunday was spent in a recuperative mode. All in all, it was quite a weekend, with many more to come.

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