Mladi Dolenjci

Saturday, September 13, 2003

Saturday, September 13, 2003 will be a day that the Canadian Slovenian Cultural Society (CSCS), its members and its friends will remember for a long time. On that date we entertained a fabulous set of musicians from Slovenia, ‘Mladi Dolenjci’.

As news of this band coming, spread throughout our community and network of friends during the summer months, you could feel that people were truly looking forward to this event. Tickets were snapped up very quickly, with many people looking forward to hearing great Slovenian music.

On that day, Mladi Dolenjci arrived in Winnipeg, and was greeted by executive members of the CSCS (Stan Majowski and Albert Casar). Immediately upon their arrival, we spent a lovely supper with them, at which we where joined by the Producer of the Slovenian Radio Program in Winnipeg, Steve Casar.

After supper, a quick radio interview was conducted with all members of the band, and then it was off to the hall to prepare for the evenings entertainment.

Even though the tickets stated that the doors opened at 6:00, we already had people waiting at 5:15 to get into the hall. Obviously many people did not want to miss a single moment, and they arrived very early.

At 7:00, before a completely sold out hall, we began our show. Steve Casar did a masterful job of introducing the band, and the Past President of the CSCS, Stan Majowski welcomed our visitors from Slovenia with gifts. After the presentation of the gifts and some final words from Steve, the concert portion of our show was turned over to Tomaž, Lado and Simon, the young and talented Mladi Dolenjci.

With their first song, people began tapping their feet, and the smiles were infectious. These young gentlemen had an extraordinary talent with music, and it showed. Every song, whether it was a polka or waltz was played beautifully and their voices harmonized together incredibly well. They concluded the half hour concert of the program with their song ‘Brez Otroških Oče’, which won the Best Waltz at the 2001 Slovenian Polka and Waltz Competition.

Immediately after the concert, their CD’s went on sale, and many people where buying both CD’s (their debut entitled ‘Mladi Dolenjci’, and their subsequent album ‘Brez Otroških Oče’). It is nice to know that a large piece of this talented band is staying behind in Winnipeg, through the sale of these CD’s.

After the break, the Dolenjci went back to the stage, and invited all the people to dance on the dance floor. The music was so contagious, that the dance floor was flooded with people. The dance floor was so packed, you could not move, except for dancing on the spot with your partner! It has been many years since our dance floor was that crowded!

The Mladi Dolenjci began playing many different artists songs, including songs by the legendary Lojzeta Slak. Many of our guests recognized these songs, and with a little prodding from Lado, the dance floor was singing to the music along with our visitors from Slovenia.

Mladi Dolenjci endeared themselves to our guests, by being a very sincere and entertaining band. One of the highlights was how they congratulated Mr. Milan Fruman, who was celebrating his 80th Birthday. After singing for him ‘Vseh Najbolše za Vas’ and ‘Happy Birthday’, they played a special song for him. We all hope to live as long as Mr. Fruman, and to be able to dance as well as he does at 80!

During the entire evening, this trio of musicians was entertaining and a pleasure to listen to. There are many people who had sore feet the next day from all the dancing done this evening!

Unfortunately, the only sad part of the evening was that it ended. Although it did end, the memories of the great music, great new friendships and great times will endure for a long time for all our guests.

An incredibly huge ‘Hvala Lepa’ to our guests from Slovenia, the Mladi Dolenjci, Tomaž, Lado and Simon, who were joined by their manager, Silvo Lukšič. One can only hope that they enjoyed themselves in Winnipeg, as much as we enjoyed hosting them. We hope to see them again in the future!

Secondly, this would not have been made possible without the help and generosity of Lojze and Bill Kocjančič from Toronto, Ontario. A big ‘Hvala Lepa’ to Lojze and Bill, from all of us in Winnipeg, for bringing such a top quality band from Slovenia to Canada.

And finally, a huge thank you to all of our guests who attended this great night of music. We hope that in the coming years, we can obtain additional bands, such as these musicians, so that they can make us smile and dance as much as the Mladi Dolenjci.

Written by,

Stan Majowski

Canadian Slovenian Cultural Society Inc.

Winnipeg, Canada

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