Slapovi

September 09, 2005

Slapovi Write Up

Continuing our fine tradition of sponsoring fabulous bands from Slovenia, the Canadian Slovenian Cultural Society (CSCS) had a very memorable evening with musicians from Slovenia. Building on that fine tradition of bands over the past number of years, such as, Planinski Kvintet, Kvintet Dori, Mladi Dolenjci and just last year, Alfi Nipic, on Friday September 9th, 2005, one of the truly outstanding bands from Slovenian, Slapovi, performed for our community.

The planning for this evening occurred over the past 24 months, and actually Slapovi was originally scheduled to perform for our community in the summer of 2004. Due to circumstances beyond all people’s control, that time frame got elongated to the autumn of 2005. Even though the wait was lengthy, the wait was more than worthwhile, and only added to the great anticipation of hosting one more great Slovenian band in Winnipeg. The CSCS would like to thank Bill and Lojze Kocjancic from Richmond Hill, Ontario, who made this tour of Slapovi possible, and for offering the services of this great band to the CSCS and to the Slovenian community in Winnipeg. Without Bill and Lojze’s generosity this evening in Winnipeg would have never happened. Hvala Lepa and Thank You, Bill and Lojze.

Slapovi is a group of four musicians, which includes lead singer, Jože Skubic, guitarist Robi Kuhelj, bass guitarist Gregor Štibernik and accordionist, Martin Štibernik. They have been together now for 13 years, and have to their credit two gold records, as well as numerous honours and recognition from various festivals in Slovenia, including ‘Slovenski Valček in Polka’. They have produced many albums in the 13 years of their existence, and their albums have outsold all other artists in Slovenia. While Slapovi were scheduled to perform in Winnipeg on Friday, they arrived in Winnipeg on the Wednesday so that they could tour the city of Winnipeg.

During their time before their show, the CSCS hosted the ensemble, and showcased the city of Winnipeg by taking our guests to Lower Fort Garry, shopping centers, and for a recording on our radio show. The number of pictures and videos taken, showed that Slapovi enjoyed their time in Winnipeg. Vivid recollections are still present of the requirement to put new memory sticks into their digital camera.

Suppers were hosted at homes of CSCS members, and one could see that this band truly enjoys each other’s company. The good times, joking, and laughter lasted throughout the entire evening and was truly nonstop. All who were there, left with very full stomachs from the food, and with very sore stomach muscles, from the incredible amount of laughter that occurred during the evenings.

Friday evening was an evening that over 130 people were waiting for. Seats were at a premium at this event as the event was sold out, and many people were waiting to get in so that they could secure a table for their entire group. At a few minutes past 7:00, Master of Ceremony Steve Casar, welcomed everyone to the hall, and CSCS Past President Stan Majowski welcomed Slapovi, and presented them with small gifts on behalf of the Slovenian community in Winnipeg. And finally the evening of music was underway. Slapovi first entertained us with a 45 minute concert, where many of their own songs were featured. All four members of Slapovi were at ease, and enjoyed the evening. From beautiful ballads, such as ‘Ne Reci Nikdar’, Požegnaj Bog, Slovenija’ and ‘Rože z Domačega Vrta’, to pop songs such as ‘Dol na Kreto’, the audience truly realized what an awesome group Slapovi was.

After a light supper, Slapovi came back and entertained us with great songs that were written by Slapovi, or having coming from the Dolenjska region, classics written by a fellow Dolenjska legend, Lojzeta Slak. They even threw in the most famous Slovenian folk song ‘V Dolini Tihi’

’. During ‘Na Dolini Tihi’, Jože, the lead singer, turned the mike over to the dancers and the crowd to sing the refrain. One can still remember Jože saying, ‘zdaj pa vi’, and the majority of dancers and audience began singing the words. Who can forget Joe Pinter and Albert Casar taking turns and singing the words into the microphone. All of Slapovi’s classics were performed throughout the evening, and all the people had smiles on their faces, from ear to ear. In no time flat, CD and DVD sales were going strong, and many people were buying a piece of Slapovi, and having a bit of Slapovi stay behind in Winnipeg, in the form of their CD’s and DVD

Some special people also had the tremendous luck to have some special events occur during this time, and were privileged to have Slapovi play a dedication for them, live. Congratulations to Barb and Matthew Sobocan who celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary and to Kristina and Stan Majowski for their upcoming 18th wedding anniversary.

All types of music were covered during the evening, including polka’s, waltzes and pop. The pop music featured many songs from Slapovi’s latest album, entitled ‘Slapovi POP’. All of their music was absolutely first class, and we as a community were truly fortunate to have the privilege of these musicians within our midst!

As with all great evenings, the end came much too quickly, but the memories will last a lifetime for many. It was truly an evening that will go down in history in our community, as we continue to add to the fine tradition of bands that we have hosted over the past number of years.

The CSCS would like to once again thank Jože, Robi, Gregor and Martin for adding Winnipeg to their list of venues that they have performed. We hope that the joy you brought to us, was repaid to you in a small way, by our enthusiastic response to you and your brand of music. We hope that we would have the honour of hosting you again in the not too distant future!

For further information about Slapovi, visit their website at http://www.slapovi.si

Vsi lepo pozdravljeni Jože, Robi, Gregor in Martin, še enkrat najlepša hvala za odličen večer in vas obisk našega društva, tukaj v Winnipegu.

Stan Majowski

Canadian Slovenian Cultural Society Inc.

Winnipeg, Canada

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