Sunday, October 29, 2006
Windsor Folklorama
This past week, Windsor, Ontario celebrated Polish Week. To conclude the Polish Week celebrations, the Tatry Folk Ensemble of Windsor presented Folklorama, on Saturday, October 28,2006.
In addition to Tatry, the performance featured the Syrena Folk Dance Ensemble of Milwaukee, WI, the Krakowiak Dancers of Boston, MA, the Lechici Dancers of Chicago, IL and Kujawiacy of Kitchener, ON.
Before venturing to Windsor, on Friday (10/27), Syrena visited Hamtramck, MI, a 2.2 square mile city surrounded by Detroit, long associated with Poland and Polonia. While in Hamtramck, Syrena visited the Polish Art Center, met with Hamtramck's mayor, Karen Majewski, and had dinner at Hamtramck's Polonia restaurant.
Syrena hosted the Polish Folk Dance Association of the America's Festival in 2000, which Wawel attended. Syrena also plays a large role in Milwaukee, WI's annual Polish Fest, which Wawel has performed at since 1998 (excepting 1999 and 2005).
In addition to Tatry, the performance featured the Syrena Folk Dance Ensemble of Milwaukee, WI, the Krakowiak Dancers of Boston, MA, the Lechici Dancers of Chicago, IL and Kujawiacy of Kitchener, ON.
Before venturing to Windsor, on Friday (10/27), Syrena visited Hamtramck, MI, a 2.2 square mile city surrounded by Detroit, long associated with Poland and Polonia. While in Hamtramck, Syrena visited the Polish Art Center, met with Hamtramck's mayor, Karen Majewski, and had dinner at Hamtramck's Polonia restaurant.
Syrena hosted the Polish Folk Dance Association of the America's Festival in 2000, which Wawel attended. Syrena also plays a large role in Milwaukee, WI's annual Polish Fest, which Wawel has performed at since 1998 (excepting 1999 and 2005).
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Kwasniewski in Michigan
On Wednesday, October 25, 2006, former President of Poland, Aleksander Kwasniewski will appear at the Rackham Auditorium on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
The theme of Mr. Kwasniewski's lecture is: Democratic Revolutions, Internal Conflict and Global Citizenship. Mr. Kwasniewski served as Poland's president from 1995 - 2005. Additional information about the lecture can be found at http://www.umich.edu/~iinet/iisite/press/pr_Kwasniewski_06.html.
Monday, October 16, 2006
General Pulaski Awards
On Sunday, October 15, 2006, the Polish American Central Citizen's Committee held their annual Pulaski Awards Banquet at the Polish National Alliance Hall in Hamtramck, MI.
The Pulaski Awards are distributed to members of the Polish American Community in recognition for their contributions to the promotion of Polonia in America.
Among this year's honorees was Wawel's director, Thomas J. Skurski. The award was presented to Tom by Wawel's former director, Marcia Lewandowski.
Congratulations Tom!
The Pulaski Awards are distributed to members of the Polish American Community in recognition for their contributions to the promotion of Polonia in America.
Among this year's honorees was Wawel's director, Thomas J. Skurski. The award was presented to Tom by Wawel's former director, Marcia Lewandowski.
Congratulations Tom!
Northville - Oktoberfest
On Saturday, October 14, 2006, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated in an Okotberfest sponsored by Northville's Chamber of Commerce at Northville's Millenium Park.
While it might seem strange to have a Polish folk group participate in what is traditionally considered a Bavarian or German celebration, it really isn't. The fall, and October particularly, is a time for harvesting throughout Europe.
At the Oktoberfest, Wawel performed its Nowy Sacz, Lubelski, and Rzeszow Suites as well as Kadzioleczka, which is perfectly suited for a harvest festival because of its movements which mimic the action of cutting wheat, and the Karolina Polka. Wawel's performance was well received by Oktoberfest goers.
Transfiguration Polish Heritage Dinner
On Sunday, October 8, 2006, Transfiguration Parish in Detroit, MI held its annual Polish Heritage Dinner after its 10:30 mass. The meal featured many Polish favorites all prepared by Wawel Alumni Member, Dave LaForge.
At the dinner, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble assisted Sr. Angelica in the sale of many Polish items. These items included crystal, amber, wood carvings, folk dolls and many other items of Polish folk art. The items were all donated by former parishioners.
Wawel and Transfiguration Parish have a long shared history. Wawel performs annually at Transfiguration's Potato Festival held at the end of April, and regularly participates in masses and other commemorative events held at the Church.
At the dinner, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble assisted Sr. Angelica in the sale of many Polish items. These items included crystal, amber, wood carvings, folk dolls and many other items of Polish folk art. The items were all donated by former parishioners.
Wawel and Transfiguration Parish have a long shared history. Wawel performs annually at Transfiguration's Potato Festival held at the end of April, and regularly participates in masses and other commemorative events held at the Church.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
On the Road Again
On Saturday, September 30, 2006, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble jumped on to I-94 East to Port Huron to perform at the Port Huron Children's Museum's International Festival at the Seaway Terminal in Port Huron, Michigan. The performance in Port Huron has become an annual one for the Ensemble and is highly anticipated by the members.
The Ensemble performed its Nowy Sacz, Lubelski, and Rzeszow suites as well as Kadzioleczka and the Karolina Polka.
Wawel's next public performance is October 14 in Northville, Michigan.
The Ensemble performed its Nowy Sacz, Lubelski, and Rzeszow suites as well as Kadzioleczka and the Karolina Polka.
Wawel's next public performance is October 14 in Northville, Michigan.
Eastpointe International Festival
On Saturday, September 23, 2006, Wawel took to the stage in Eastpointe, Michigan for the city's International Festival. Wawel's performance was at the end of the festival and though it rained heavily and sporadically throught the day, a sizeable audience saw the performance. Wawel presented at the festival its Nowy Sacz, Lubelski, and Rzeszow suites as well as Kadioleczka and the Karolina Polka.
This year's Eastpointe International Festival was in honor of the late Michal Krolewski, president and founder of the American Polish Assistance Association and a staunch supporter of Metro Detroit's Polonia.
This year's Eastpointe International Festival was in honor of the late Michal Krolewski, president and founder of the American Polish Assistance Association and a staunch supporter of Metro Detroit's Polonia.
