Wawel Folk Ensemble

Polish Folk Dance Festival - 3 March 2012

2012-02-02T12:30:00.003-05:00

3 March 2012 - 5th Annual Polish Folk Dance Festival held at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan (15 Mile Road & Dequindre). Wawel will be there....will you?

Dzien Polski w Eastern/Polish American Heritage Day at Eastern Michigan University

2012-01-27T13:47:00.005-05:00

The Wawel Folk Ensemble will perform at this first ever Polish American Heritage Day at Eastern Michigan University. For tickets see emutix.com. Hope to see you there!

Wesołych Swiąt

2012-01-11T08:01:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Wawel Folk Ensemble. This might seem a little late for the US reader; however, in Poland the Christmas season goes on until Candlemas Day (2 February), so we're right on time.

It's been a busy holiday season so far for members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble. On Christmas Eve members of the Ensemble participated in the procession at Sweetest Heart of Mary Parish in Detroit, Michigan Pasterka Mass. Wawel has been an active participant in events at Sweetest Heart of Mary for over thirty years. Likewise the parishioners, priests and staff at Sweetest Heart have been good friends to the group over the years. Also, several members have the ensemble are parishioners and have been married at the Church.

On New Year's Day, members of Wawel again appeared in Polish Folk costume at Sweetest Heart. To help welcome one of the Archdiocese of Detroit's auxiliary bishops as he visited the parish.

On 15 January 2012, Wawel will participate at the Radio Maryja mass and Wigilia held at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Hamtramck, Michigan.

Tonight Wawel will resume its practices for upcoming 2012 events. There's a lot of events already planned (some old favorites and some new adventures) so please be sure to continue to check this blog and the group's facebook page for updates. We hope to see you at one of our events during 2012.

December 2 & 3/2 & 3 Grudnia

2011-12-06T07:58:00.002-05:00

On Friday, December 2, 2011, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the Polish American Legal Society's Christmas Party, held at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan. The ensemble presented its Sieradz, Podlasie, and Rzeszow suites, as well as the Krakowiak and the Karolina polka. The group looked seasonally appropriate in their Sieradz stroj, which feature a good amount of red. The pieces for the men's stroj were recently acquired on the ensemble's trip to Poland in July, 2011.

Saturday, December 3, 2011 was the Wawel Folk Ensemble's annual Christmas party. Big thank yous go out to Janet and Paul for opening their home to the ensemble for this annual celebration of food and merriment. The Wawel Christmas party is always a great time to catch up with the other members of the zespol, to reflect on the past year's successes and events, and to look forward to the exciting events that are coming up.

Wawel's next public appearance will be at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, Michigan at its Pasterka mass on Christmas Eve at midnight. Wawel members will participate in procession at the mass and will appropriately be dressed in Podhalanski stroj. Witojcie. Hej!

Be sure to check back to this blog and other sites for frequent updates. Wawel already has several bookings for the 2012 season. These include some old favorites as well as some new adventures. Appearances booked for 2012 so far include, but are in now way limited to, an appearance at the annual Festival of Polish Folk Dance at the American Polish Cultural Center, and at Polish Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

November 11/11 Listopada: Dzień Niepodległości

2011-11-11T07:48:00.003-05:00

November 5, 2011/5 Listopada 2011

2011-11-07T07:48:00.002-05:00

While the clocks might have fallen back on November 5, 2011, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble continued pressing forward by with performances on the East Side of the Tri-County Area and on the (far) West Side of the Tri-County Area.

One Wawel contingent performed at the Detroit Austrian Society's Evening in Vienna held at the Carpathia Club in Sterling Heights, Michigan. It may seem odd to have a Polish folk group at an Austrian event; however, it should be noted that the Polish King, Jan III Sobieski was instrumental in the defense of Vienna in 1683. During the performance, Wawel presented its Krakowiak, Sieradz and Rzeszow suites. Following the performance, members of the ensemble were invited to stay and enjoy food, dancing, and various raffles.

On the far west side of the Metro-Area (maybe event a little outside of the Metro-Area), another Wawel contingent performed at a polka party hosted by former Domino's Pizza and Detroit Tigers owner, Tom Monaghan. At this event, Wawel presented it Krakowiak, along with the Karolina Polka and then joined guests at the function in a polka along and polka instruction.

Wawel has several private events scheduled in December and its next public appearance will be at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit's Pasterka Mass on Christmas eve. Also, as is the November tradition in the Zespol, Wawel will soon begin its annual pierogi making fundraiser. If you're interested in acquiring some delicious, homemade pierogi for the holidays, be sure to contact your favorite Wawel member to see about getting some.

October 23, 2011/23 października 2011

2011-10-24T08:28:00.002-04:00

Though the seasons are changing from summer to fall, Wawel's schedule shows no signs of slowing down. On October 23, 2011, Wawel participated in a consolidation mass for the Parishes of St. Louis the King, Transfiguration/O. L. Help of Christians, and St. Ladislaus in Detroit, Michigan. The mass' main celebrant was Bishop Hachon, of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Wawel appeared in traditional folk dress representing multiple regions of Poland during the mass' procession and recession. Following mass, members stayed to participate in a banquet celebrating the Parishes consolidation.

That evening, members of the Ensemble appeared at an event held at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan and sponsored by the Alliance Française de Detroit celebrating the scientific contributions of Marie Skłodowska Curie. Members of the Ensemble along with the Detroit Chapter of the Alliance's President, Dr. David Mohan participated in a presentation of the Polish and French Flags along with bread and salt along with a wreath with ribbons representing the colors of France and Poland at a potrait of Madam Curie.

Dzień Polskiego Dziedzictwa/Polish Heritage Day

2011-10-03T08:01:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, October 1, 2011, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the first Polish Heritage Day Ball held at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan. The event was presented by the Polish Media in Detroit: Czas Polski, Telewizja Detroit, and Polish Varieties Radio. For the performance, Wawel presented its Krakowiak and debuted a brand new Kujawiak/Oberek suite. Congratulations also go to Ks. Boleslaw Krol, Pastor of St. Louis the King Parish in Detroit, Michigan. Ks. Krol was the recipient of the 2011 Polish Heritage Day Award.

Polish American Heritage Month

2011-10-01T19:39:00.001-04:00

October is Polish American Heritage Month. How will you celebrate?

Dzień Polskiego Dziedzictwa/Polish Heritage Day

2011-09-14T07:39:00.003-04:00

Remember, October is Polish American Heritage Month. What better way to kick off the month long celebration by attending this event sponsored by various Polish Varieties Radio, Czas Polski, and Telewizja Detroit. The event will feature the presentation of the 2011 Polish Heritage Day Award and a performance by the Wawel Folk Ensemble. Zapraszamy!

How Wawel Spent Its Summer Vacation

2011-09-08T12:10:00.003-04:00

For many, the summer months are spent relaxing and recouping from the daily grind. Not so for members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble. If anything, Wawel members “turned the volume up to 11,” with an intense schedule of practices, travel and performances during the summer months of 2011.

Wawel’s summer whirlwind officially kicked off in June. From June 17-19, members of the Ensemble traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to participate in Milwaukee’s 30^th Annual Polish Fest. Polish Fest, which features performances by many other mid-west based Polish folk groups, has been a regular event on Wawel’s performance calendar since 1998. Wawel performed on three occasions at Polish Fest and presented its Sieradz, Rzeszów, and Podlasie suites as well as its Krakowiak. The performances at Polish Fest were capped off with a gala concert featuring the member ensembles of the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas, of which Wawel is a founding member.

Once the ensemble returned to Detroit after Polish Fest, there wasn’t a whole lot of time to take a breather. On July 8, 2011, the Ensemble performed at the Annual Polish Festival sponsored by the American Polish Century Club in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

On July 13, members of the Ensemble began boarding flights to Poland in anticipation of the Ensemble’s participation in the XV World Festival of Polish Folk Dance held in Rzeszów, Poland.

From July 21 – 28 members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble as well as 41 other Polish folk dance groups from around the world descended upon Rzeszów, Poland to participate in the XV World Festival of Polish Folk Dance. Wawel’s participation in the 2011 Rzeszów Festival marked the eighth time in the ensemble’s history that the group participated in the Rzeszów Festival. Wawel was one of only two groups from Metro Detroit selected to participate in the festival.

The week spent in Rzeszów was a busy one. During the week, Wawel participated in a parade through Rzeszów with all the groups participating in the festival, Wawel was selected to perform its US country dance on the main stage in the Rzeszów Rynek that appeared on a morning program on TVP. Also during the week, the group traveled to Łańcut and toured the Potocki Palace (Łańcut Castle). On Sunday, July 24, Wawel travelled to Jaroslaw to participate in a performance in the city’s rynek with Polish folk groups from London, the Czech Republic, and Chicago. Monday and Tuesday of the week were spent with practices for the concerts of dances of the country of origin and for the gala concert which closed the festival on July 27. At the concert of songs and dances from the country of residence, Wawel presented a country medley featuring some of the hottest country hits from the 90’s, Achy Breaky Heart and Boot Scootin’ Boogey, capped off with a square dance. At the gala concert, held on July 27, Wawel presented its Sieradz suite. Both the concert of songs and dances from the countries of residence and the gala concert were nearly sold out events with close to 5,000 people in attendance. On July 28, a group contingent of Wawel members continued in Poland to tour Kraków and Zakopane for an additional week.

While not necessarily related to Polish folklore, but certainly related to Polish pop culture, and perhaps Hamtramck urban legends, Wawel members and resident DJs, the W!LDZ were invited to play a DJ set at Rzeszów’s Club Live. Club Live has featured performances from such renowned performers as Doda and T. Love. They can now add the performance by the W!LDZ to their performer archives.

On July 31, while much of the ensemble was still in Poland, the members of the ensemble still in the US gave a performance at St. Edmund’s Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan. This performance was in recognition of the Bl. Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko Shrine that is being established in Poland.

By mid-August the entire ensemble had returned from Poland, but the performances kept coming. On August 13, the ensemble performed at an 80^th birthday party at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan. On August 14, the ensemble performed at the Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival, long a main stay on Wawel’s performance calendar. From August 19 – 21, Wawel hit the road again and traveled to Boyne, Michigan to participate in the first annual Norfolk Harvest Festival. Wawel members had to hurry home quickly though from Boyne as they performed that evening at St. Malachy in Sterling Heights, Michigan’s annual Summer Fest. The following weekend, Wawel hit the road again and traveled to Mt. Morris, Michigan to perform at the Church Festival/Picnic for Franciscan Friars of Mary Immaculate Church.

Phew…that takes us to about Labor Day…one would think that things would slow down then – not for Wawel. On Labor Day, the ensemble participated in the annual Polish Day parade in Hamtramck, Michigan. On September 11, 2011 the group will perform at St. Athanasius Parish in Roseville, Michigan’s annual Fun Fest. That takes the group to almost the start of fall; however, there’s no signs of stopping there, as the group has several performances and appearances planned taking the ensemble well into the late fall and winter months.

1st Anniversary of The Smolensk Tragedy

2011-04-10T14:21:00.002-04:00

On Sunday April 10, 2011 members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble attended a mass at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Hamtramck, Michigan commemorating the one year anniversary of the death of Poland's President, Lech Kaczynski, first lady Maria Kaczynska, and many other members of government, ministers, soldiers and officials. In addition to the church's parishoners, the mass was also attended by members of the ZHP, other Polish dance groups, and the Veterans of the Armia Krajowa. The mass featured reflections on the Smolensk tragedy and also included remarks by the Polish American Congress Michigan Division President, Mariusz Szajnert. Wawel's next appearance will be at the Easter Sunday Resurrection Mass at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, Michigan.

Wawel Update - Late Winter/Early Spring 2011

2011-04-05T08:07:00.005-04:00

It's been a busy past few months for the Wawel Folk Ensemble. Here's a quick run down: February 12 - The Ensemble hosted the Love at First Sight Valentine's Dyskoteka. The event was well attended and featured the musical stylings of the W!LDZ. Funds from the event will go to help the group defray costs of its upcoming trip to Poland February 19 - Wawel performed at St. Theresa of Avila's annual Polish night. March 19 - Wawel performed at the fifth annual Polish Folk Dance Festival in Troy, Michigan. Wawel has participated in all prior festivals of this kind. The festival features numerous Polish folk groups from the metro Detroit area. Wawel presented its Krakowiak, and Rzeszow and Sieradz suites. April 3 - Wawel participated in the ninth annual Blessing of the Polish Folk Dance Ensembles at the 11:00 mass at St. Hyacinth Parish in Detroit, Michigan. This event, estalished by St. Hyacinth's late pastor, Fr. Francis Skalski, featured many Polish folk groups from the metro Detroit area. Wawel has participated in this event since its inception in 2003. April 3 - Wawel performed at Transfiguration/Our Lady Help of Christians annual Potato/Apple Festival in Detroit, Michigan. Wawel has participated at this festival for many years. It serves as the official opener for Wawel's summer festival season. During the performance, Wawel presented its Sieradz and Rzeszow suites along with the Karolina polka. Wawel's next appearance will be at Sweetest Heart of Mary in Detroit, Michigan for its Easter Sunday Resurrection Mass. Wawel's next performance will be at the Polish American Credit Union (Unia Kredytowa PAC)'s 35th Anniversary Ball on April 30, 2011. There's much more to come in 2011. Please check our blog, website and facebook page for further updates. Do zobaczenia!

Bal Radiowy

2011-01-31T08:05:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, January 29, 2011, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble were invited to participate at the 32nd Annual Bal Radiowy by leading the guests in the Polonez. Dressed in city Zywiec and the Kontusz, members of Wawel first demonstrated the basic Polonez step, and then invited members of the audience to dance the Polonez with them. Members of the Ensemble remained following the performance as the enjoyed the musical stylings of Zespol Rytm.

Wawel's next public performance is February 19, 2011 at St. Theresa of Avila's annual Polish Night in Warren, Michigan.

Pine Ridge Villas of Shelby

2011-01-28T14:58:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday, January 26, 2011, the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at a Polish Night for residents of the Pine Ridge Villas of Shelby in Shelby Township, Michigan. The performance was Wawel's first of 2011.

For not having a public performance in a little over a month, Wawel got 2011 off with a bang presenting an hour long program for the residents. The program featured Wawel's Sieradz, Lubelski, Cieszyn, Rzeszow and Lowicz suites as well as the Krakowiak and Kadzioleczka. At the conclusion of the performance, Wawel members grabbed some of the residents in attendance and led them in a polka along. A good time was had by all.

Wawel's next public appearance will be at Bal Radiowy on January 29, 2011 at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan.

Lots more to come in 2011. We hope you'll check back soon for all the latest happenings.

Save the Date: February 11, 2011!

2011-01-06T09:53:00.003-05:00

Happy 2011! It's only 6 days into the new year, and the Wawel Folk Ensemble has already shaken off the post-holiday blahs. 2011 will be another big year for the Ensemble, with trips to Milwaukee's Polish Fest and the Rzeszow Folk Festival in Poland already on the books.

On Friday, February 11, 2011, the Wawel Folk Ensemble will host a Valentine's Dyskoteka at PNA Council 122 in Hamtramck, Michigan from 8 pm - 1 am. 18 and up are welcome. Cash Bar is available. The Dyskoteka will feature local DJs (and Wawel members) the W!LDZ, who recently opened sets for renowned Chicago DJ Markski. Proceeds from this event will go toward the Ensemble's trip to Poland to attend the Rzeszow Festival in July 2011.

Additional information will follow. Please check back soon!

PNA Lodge 1264 - 100th Anniversary Banquet

2010-12-07T09:10:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, December 5, 2010, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the 100th Anniversary banquet for PNA Lodge 1264 in Hamtramck, Michigan. During the performance, the group presented its Polonez and its Sieradz and Rzeszow suites. The performance had a bit of a "home court advantage" feel for the members because the banquet was held in the Council's hall where the ensemble holds its weekly practices.

After the performance Wawel, along with the guests and dignitaries joined in singing Sto Lat again to PNA Lodge 1264 Members of the ensemble were then invited to remain as guests and the banquet and to participate in a deliciously prepared Polish meal.

Wawel's next public appearance will be at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, Michigan for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Please check the group's blog, website, and facebook for further updates about performances, fundraisers and other happenings. With 2010 winding down the ensemble is gearing up for a great 2011, which will feature return trips to Polish Fest in Milwaukee, WI and to the Rzeszow Folk Festival.

Tancuj Macha Dam Ci Pierog

2010-11-24T11:35:00.002-05:00

Well, if you dance the Mach you probably won't get any pierogi; however, Wawel has spent many Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays making pierogi. Wawel makes potato and sauerkraut pierogi every fall/winter as one of its major fundraisers.

The 2010 edition of this fundraiser is even more important as the group will travel to Poland in July 2011 to participate in the Triennial Rzeszow Folk Festival. The funds raiser during the pierogi sale will go toward defraying the cost of travelling to Poland as well as to help the group acquire new costumes.

American Polish Cultural Center - 25th Anniversary Celebration

2010-10-18T08:33:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, October 17, 2010, the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan celebrated its 25th Anniversary. The event which featured dinner, dancing, proclamations and a silent auction also featured several Polish folk dance presentations.

Wawel was one of two metro area ensembles (Polanie being the second) that was invited to perform at the event. Before the evening's events, members of the ensemble greeted guests as they arrived and escorted them to their seats. At the beginning of the event, both ensembles led the audience in singing the Polish and American national anthems.

As is the Polish tradition, Wawel opened the evening's celebrations with the Polonez. Attired in the folk dress from the City of Zywiec and the Kontusz, the performance struck a perfect balance with the evening's jubilant atmosphere. As the evening progressed, Wawel performed a second time presenting its Sieradz suite. As one of the founding Ensemble's at the Polish Cultural Center, Wawel was very honored to be included in the event.

Wawel's Fall Happenings

2010-10-15T09:36:00.002-04:00

It seems like Labor Day was just yesterday, and now Halloween is almost here. It has been a busy several weeks for the Wawel Folk Ensemble as the performance schedule has maitained its steady pace.

On September 18, 2010 the Ensemble did double duty with members performing at an Oktoberfest celebration in Williamston, Michigan and with members performing at a polka party for the Ave Maria University in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At the Oktoberfest the ensemble presented its Lubelski and Rzeszow suites along with the Karolina polka. At the polka party, the ensemble presented its Sieradz suite as well as the Karolina polka. After the polka party performance, members of the ensemble provided the polka party attendees with some polka lessons and got everyone out on the floor to dance to the sounds of the Duane Malinowski Orchestra.

On September 25, 2010 the Ensemble performed at a banquet honroing Wladyslaw Budweil, as he celebrated his 60th Anniversary of being the organist at Our Lady Queen of Apostle's Church in Hamtramck, Michigan. In addition to being the organist at Queen of Apostle's, Mr. Budweil is also the former director of the Filarets Choir. Wawel presented its Rzeszow and Sieradz suites along with the Karolina polka.

On October 3, 2010 the Ensemble participated in a Mass and performance at Transfiguration Parish in Detroit, Michigan. The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Adam Maida and was in honor of the 85th Anniversary of Transfiguration Parish and the 125th Anniversary of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Following mass, a reception was held in the school gym. During the reception, Wawel presented its Krakowiak, and Sieradz suite along with the Karolina polka.

On October 17, 2010, Wawel will perform at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan as part of the Center's 25th Anniversary celebration.

After a summer and early fall full of performances, the late fall and winter months are proving to be no exception, please check back often for further updates.

Mid-September Update

2010-09-14T09:19:00.004-04:00

It’s strange how it happens. Somewhere along the way, summer sort of passed us by. You turnaround and it’s Mid-September.

The past several weeks have been busy ones for the Wawel Folk Ensemble. On Saturday September 4, 2010, the Ensemble performed at a wedding in Sterling Heights, Michigan. At the outset, Wawel presented the bride and groom with bread and salt, as is the old Polish tradition. Following the presentation, Wawel then presented its Sieradz suite along with the Krakowiak.

On Monday, September 6, 2010, Wawel participated in the annual Polish Day Parade in Hamtramck, Michigan. Following the parade, Wawel performed in Hamtramck at its 30^th Annual Labor Day Festival. During the Hamtramck performance, Wawel presented its Rzeszow and Sieradz suites along with the Krakowiak and the Karolina polka.

On Sunday, September 12, 2010, Wawel performed at St. Athanasius’ annual festival in Roseville, Michigan. During the St. Athanasius performance, Wawel presented its Sieradz, Rzeszow and Lubelski suites, along with the Krakowiak and the Karolina polka.

Wawel’s busy September continues this weekend with two private performances on Saturday evening.

St. Malachy's 2010

2010-08-22T21:10:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, August 21, 2010, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at St. Malachy's annual Summer Fest in Sterling Heights, Michigan. St. Malachy's is one of the ensemble's favorite performances during the summer. At the performance Wawel presented its Rzeszow, Sieradz and Cieszyn suites as well as the Polonez, Krakowiak and the Karolina polka. After the performance members of the Ensemble stayed at St. Malachy's to enjoy the smooth polka sounds of the Tri City Plus Orchestra.

Sweetest Heart of Mary - 2010 Pierogi Festival

2010-08-16T08:33:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, August 15, 2010, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at Sweetest Heart of Mary's 28th Annual Pierogi Festival in Detroit, Michigan. The steamy wheather didn't stop the ensemble from presenting lively renditions of their Rzeszow, Sieradz, and Cieszyn suites as well as the Krakowiak and the Karolina Polka. After the performance, members of the ensemble remained at the festival to enjoy the sounds of Hamtramck's own Polish Muslims.

Wawel has a long standing and well established association with Sweetest Heart of Mary. In addition to performing yearly at the annual Pierogi Festival, the ensemble participates yearly in procession at their Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Easter Sunday Resurrection Mass. Several members of the Ensemble were married at the Church - many members are also parishoners at the Church.

Wawel's next public performance is Saturday, August 21, 2010 at the St. Malachy Summerfest in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Zapraszamy!

Wanda Park Veterans' Piknik

2010-08-03T08:33:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, August 1, 2010, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at a fundraiser for the Polish Veterans at Wanda Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Wawel presented its Rzeszow and Sieradz suites and finished off the performance with the Karolina Polka. At the conclusion of the performance members of the ensemble and the audience alike joined in singing sto lat, to Donna Skurski, Wawel's Choreographer, in recognition of her birthday. After the performance members of the ensemble stayed at Wanda park enjoying live music, Polish food, and watching the White Eagles, S. C. match.

It was particularly fitting that an event in support of the Polish Veterans be held on August 1 as that marked the 66th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising.

PNA Piknik at Wanda Park

2010-07-27T07:56:00.007-04:00

On Sunday July 25, 2010, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the PNA Council #122 Picnic held at Wanda Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The Ensemble gave two performances (one at 5:00 and one at 7:00). The performances featured Wawel's Rzeszow, Sieradz, Lubelski, and Cieszyn suites as well as Kadzioleczka, and the Karolina Polka. After the second performance the entire group, as well as members of the audience and Zespol "Muza Mix" all joined in singing Sto Lat in recognition of Wawel member Todd's birthday.

Following the performance members of the ensemble spent the rest of the evening dancing to musical selections performed by Muza Mix, enjoying wonderful Polish food and winning numerous raffle prizes.

Ordination Anniversary Celebration

2010-07-19T08:48:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, July 17, 2010, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at a reception celebrating the 50th and 30th Anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of Fr. George Rutkowski and Fr. Andrew Wesley.

Fr. George is the Former pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians in Detroit, Michigan and Fr. Andy currently serves as the pastor of Transfiguration Parish in Detroit, Michigan and St. Ladislaus Parish in Hamtramck, Michigan. Both Fr. George and Fr. Andy have been long time supporters of Wawel, and the ensemble was thrilled that they were asked to be a part of the celebration. Wawel presented its Sieradz and Rzeszow suites as well as the Karolina Polka at the reception. Following the performance, Wawel and the other reception attendees joined in singing Sto Lat to Fr. George and Fr. Andy.

Fundusz Kręgle - Bowling Fundraiser

2010-07-19T08:34:00.003-04:00

On Friday, July 16, 2010 the Wawel Folk Ensemble held its Second Annual Bowling Fundraiser at Regal Lanes in Warren, Michigan. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward defraying the cost of the Ensemble's trip in July 2011 to participate in the Triennial Festival of Polish Folk Dance in Rzesów, Poland. Congrats to all who worked hard to make this event a great success.

Wawel's next public performances are this Sunday, July 25, 2010 at Wanda Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Wawel in Regina, Saskatchewan

2010-07-08T08:45:00.002-04:00

From June 28 – July 4, 2010, Polonia from both the United States and Canada descended upon the prairies of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada to participate in the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas (PFDAA) dance festival. The Wawel Folk Ensemble was one of several US ensembles that participated in the event.

These festivals, held every several years and in a different city, are an opportunity for the various dance ensembles to get to know each other, as well as participate in folk dance and ethnography workshops presented by dance choreographers, expert in their respective regions, from Poland. This year’s festival featured choreographers who taught songs and dance from the Beskid Zywiecki area in southern Poland, Biłgoraj in eastern Poland, and Kaszuby from northwestern Poland.

In addition to participating in dance workshops, participating ensembles performed at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Depot in Regina as part of its 125^th anniversary celebration. Wawel presented its Sieradz suite at the RCMP Depot celebrations. Following the performance festival attendees had the opportunity to tour the Depot’s museum and watch the sunset ceremony which featured RCMP cadets retiring the Canadian colors, displaying drill formations, as well as the RCMP cadet band and several other pipe bands.

The highlight of the week; however, was the gala performance on Saturday, July 4, 2010 which was held at the Conexus Center in Regina and attended by 674 people. At the gala performance, Wawel presented its Sieradz and Podlasie suites. The gala performance was capped off by a Krakowiak finale which featured all 120 festival participants.

Wawel returned to Detroit on July 4, tired but energized by the experience. And they’ll have to be. Wawel’s next public performance is July 9, 2010 at the American Polish Century Club’s Polish Festival in Sterling Heights, Michigan. On July 16, 2010 Wawel will hold its second annual bowling fundraiser at Regal Lanes in Warren. Money raised at the bowling fundraiser will go toward Wawel’s trip to Poland next summer to participate in the triennial Festival of Polish Folklore held in Rzeszów, Poland. For additional information about booking Wawel for your function or about the upcoming bowling fundraiser, please visit www.wawelfolkensemble.com

Wawel at Polish Fest 2010 - Milwaukee, WI

2010-06-21T15:54:00.005-04:00

The group knows when it is. They’ve already cleared their calendars. The third weekend in June, 2011 is booked. That weekend’s Polish Fest. Polish Fest 2011 is booked, and it’s less than a week since they returned home from Polish Fest 2010. It’s a cherished tradition.

Since 1998, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble have made the trek to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to participate in Polish Fest, the largest Polish Festival in the United States. Held at the Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds in Downtown Milwaukee, Polish Fest features the best polka bands playing today, scores of vendors, authentic ethnic food and performances by Polish folk ensembles from throughout the Midwest.

On June 19, 2010, Wawel took to the Polish Fest cultural stage with the Syrena Folk Ensemble from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During the performance with Syrena, Wawel present its Rzeszów, Podlasie, and Sieradz suites. Later that evening, Wawel again took to the stage as part of the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas (PFDAA) gala performance at Polish Fest. The gala performance included performances from 4 other PFDAA member groups. At the gala performance, Wawel presented its Sieradz and Podlasie suites.

The Polish Fest performances marked the debut of several new members of the ensemble who blended seamlessly with the veteran members as the group delivered lively performances to the Polish Fest crowds.

After the Saturday performances, Wawel members spent the rest of the day at Polish fest picking up souvenirs, catching up with friends from other folk dance ensembles and listening to top notch folk bands.

As is the tradition, the group returned to Polish Fest on Sunday, June 20, 2010, again in their folk dress to participate in the Polish Fest mass. This year’s mass was presided over by Bishop Jerome Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee. After mass there was enough time to pick up any last minute souvenirs and grab a bite to eat before embarking on the long trip home.

A busy summer is still ahead for members of the Ensemble. One June 28 the ensemble will fly off to Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada to attend the PFDAA Festival. The week-long event will feature workshops from choreographers from Poland teaching various folk dances to the participants, and a gala concert presented by the participating ensembles.

Wawel’s next US performance is July 9, at the American Polish Century Club’s Polish Festival held in Sterling Heights, Michigan. On July 16, 2010, the Ensemble will host a bowling fundraiser at Regal Lanes located in Sterling Heights, Michigan. For additional information about the Wawel Folk Ensemble, please visit www.wawelfolkensemble.com.

Hamtramck Remembers President Lech Kaczynski

2010-04-14T15:45:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, April 13, 2010, the City of Hamtramck held a memorial service in memory of Poland's President, Lech Kaczynski, Poland's First Lady, Maria Kaczynska and the Polish delegation that died in a plane crash in Smolensk on April 10, 2010.

The service was attended by many Polonian organizations, which included members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble, the PRCUA Gwiazda Dancers, PNA Polanie dancers, members of the White Eagles Soccer Club, the Polish Scouting Organization, Knights of Columbus and veterans' organizations.

The service included invocations led by religious leaders in the Hamtramck community as well as remarks from Hamtramck's police chief, Marek Kalinowski, former Detroit Mayor, Roman Gribbs, Piast Institute President Thaddeus Radzilowski and the Vice Consul of the Republic of Poland from Chicago. Following the service in front of Hamtramck City Hall, attendees processed to Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church for a prayer service.

Wawel joins the rest of Polonia in expressing its condolences on this great tragedy.

At it Again in 2010

2010-02-22T09:16:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, February 20, 2010, the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at St. Theresa of Avila's annual Polish night. The 2010 performance marked Wawel's third appearance at the event. The event featured a wonderful Polish dinner as well as music by the K-tones. For the Polish night, Wawel presented its Sieradz, and Lubelski suites along with the Krakowiak and the Karolina Polka. Following the performance members of the ensemble stayed at the event to enjoy the music and a Polish dinner.

Wawel's next performance will be on Saturday, March 6 at the annual Polish Folk Dance Festival at the American Polish Cultural Center. So far 2010 is shaping up to be a busy year. Wawel has already confirmed performances at Milwaukee's Polish Fest, Transfiguration's annual Potato Festival and at the PFDAA Festival Gala in Regina Saskatchewan. Please check back to both this blog and the group's website (www.wawelfolkensemble.com) for updates to the performance schedule.

We hope to see you at one of the upcoming performances.

Holiday Greetings

2009-12-29T09:28:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Wawel Folk Ensemble. Thanks very much to everyone who came to shows or supported the group in 2009. We look forward to seeing you again in 2010.

2010 will be an exciting year. In June and July Wawel will participate in the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas Festival held in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The event will feature Polish Folk Ensembles from all over the United States and Canada, as well as a gala performance of Polish dances and workshops taught by choreographers from Poland.

Wawel's first performance of 2010 will be at St. Dorothy's Polish Night in February 2010. In March Wawel will participate in the third annual Polish Folk Dance Festival at the American Polish Cultural Center and the annual blessing of the Polish Folk Dance Ensembles Mass held at St. Hyacinth Parish in Detroit, Michigan.

Please check back to this site and Wawel's website (http://www.wawelfolkensemble.com/) for further updates about performances and other happenings.

See you in 2010!

Felician Sisters - St. Nicholas Day 2009

2009-12-29T09:24:00.002-05:00

On Sunday, December 6, 2009, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed for a St. Nicholas Day party for the Felician Sisters at the Felician Sisters' Motherhouse located in Livonia, Michigan.

Wawel has performed for the Felician Sisters for their St. Nicholas Day event for the past several years. For this year's party Wawel performed its Sieradz, Podlasie, and Lowicz suites as well as the Kadzialeczka and the Karolina Polka. The performance concluded with a polka along with the Sisters and their guests.

The December 6 performance marked the close of Wawel's 2009 season. The members of the ensemble will now take some time off to enjoy the holidays and gear up for the 2010 performance year.

All World Market

2009-10-07T13:08:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, October 3, 2009, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the International Institute's All World Market held in Southfield, Michigan.

The Ensemble has performed at this event many times over the years both at the International Institute's location near the Wayne State University campus in Detroit and at the Southfield Civic Center. The event features vendors selling wares from all over the worlds as well as different folk dance and singing groups and multi-cultural food.

During its performance, Wawel presented its Sieradz, Podlasie and Rzeszow suites along with Kadzialeczka and the Karolina polka.

Wawel's next public performance will be on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the Northville, Michigan annual Oktoberfest.

Port Huron Museum World Festival

2009-09-21T12:22:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, September 20, 2009, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the Port Huron Museum's Annual World Festival at the Seaway Terminal in Port Huron, Michigan.

The World Festival was originally held outdoors, on the grounds of the Port Huron Museum, but has since grown and is now held at the Sea Way Terminal. The Festival features numerous booths, food vendors and performances from cultures and countries all around the world (there all ways is a Polish booth or table at the Festival). Wawel has participated in the event for at least the past 10 years.

At the World Festival performance Wawel presented its Sieradz, Podlasie and Rzeszów suites, as well as Kadziałezka and the Karolina polka.

Wawel's next performances are this Friday in Hamtramck, Michigan. Wawel has a private performance on Saturday.

Hamtramck Polish Day Parade

2009-09-09T14:00:00.002-04:00

On September 7, 2009, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated in the annual Polish Day Parade in Hamtramck, Michigan. The Ensemble participates in the parade annually which has been a part of the Labor Day tradition since the early 1980's.

In addition to numerous other Polish folk dance ensembles, the parade featured a float and members of the Polish American Congress commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the start of World War II and the 20th Anniversary of the fall of communism and free elections in Poland.

The Parade's Grand Marshall was Wallace Ozog, President of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, the largest Polish American fraternal in the United States, and one in which many members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble are members or are choreographers or directors of PRCUA Children's folk dance groups.

Wawel's next public appearance will be on Saturday, September 12 at the St. Athanatious Fun Fest in Roseville, Michigan.

One Busy Weekend

2009-09-01T16:10:00.002-04:00

Summer weekends are often busy ones. That's true for people tackling home projects, but it's also true for the Wawel Folk Ensemble. The weekend of August 14 - 16 was one such weekend.

On Saturday, August 15, members of the Ensemble performed at St. Malachy's annual summer festival. The group's performed at St. Malachy's for many years, and the festival is highly anticipated.

On Sunday, August 16, members of the Ensemble performed at a fundraiser luncheon whose proceeds would help to build a church located in Poland at St. Edmund's parish in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The church being constructed in Poland will contain many items which were found in the now closed Our Lady Help of Christians parish, which was located in Detroit, Michigan.

From St. Edmund's in suburban Detroit, members of the Ensemble traveled to the heart of Detroit to Sweetest Heart of Mary Parish and its annual Pierogi Festival. There the ensemble performed between local polka favorites the Kielbasa Kings and area favorites the Polish Muslims.

Despite the heat, Wawel still delivered two highly energized performances. Wawel's next public appearance is on September 7 at the annual Polish Day Parade in Hamtramck, Michigan.

Wawel Bowling Fundraiser

2009-08-03T13:18:00.002-04:00

On Friday, July 31, 2009, the Wawel Folk Ensemble hosted its first ever bowling fundraiser at Regal Lanes in Warren, Michigan. The event was a huge success with over 100 bowlers participating. The event will go toward future costume purchases for the group. Congratulations to the fundraiser's committee as well as all those who assisted with check in and with raffle ticket sales.

Hamtramck Tourism Event

2009-08-03T13:12:00.002-04:00

On Friday July 24, 2009, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated in event organized to bring tourists to the city of Hamtramck and highlight the city's many offerings. The event took place at many locales in downtown Hamtramck, including the Polish Art Center, and Pope Park.

The event featured some accordion playing by Marshall "Big Daddy" Lackowski as well as a performance by the Wawel Folk Ensemble.

For additional information about the event and to see a photo of Wawel performing at the Pope Park in Hamtramck, please click on the following link: http://www.everywheremag.com/articles/1398

Bowling Fundraiser - July 31, 2009

2009-07-02T09:32:00.002-04:00

Wawel will hold a Bowling Fundraiser on July 31, 2009 at the Regal Lanes in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Cost is $20.00 and includes: 3 games, shoe rental, pizza and pop. Check in time is at 7 pm with bowling beginning at 8 pm.

For additional information, please contact 586-758-6083.

Milwaukee 2009

2009-07-02T09:29:00.004-04:00

Summer 1998, maybe you were sitting back and listening to Next’s Too Close, or listening Brandy and Monica fight it out in The Boy is Mine, but in the summer of 1998, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble were most likely listening to polkas as the traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to participate in Polish Fest, the largest Polish Festival in the United States.

Fast forward to June 19, 2009 and members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble were listening to polkas again as the traveled to Milwaukee for Polish Fest. The 2009 edition of Polish Fest, marked Wawel’s tenth appearance at the event (Wawel did not perform at Polish Fest in 1999 or 2005 because of its participation in the triennial Folklor Festival in Rzeszów, Poland).

Members of the Ensemble arrived in Wisconsin on Friday June 19, 2009 to walk the festival grounds, check out the vendor’s wares, hear national and internationally renowned bands and to check out the performance venues for the Saturday performances.

On Saturday June 20, 2009, Wawel participated in a program on Polish Fest’s Cultural Stage with the Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble from Chicago, Illinois. The two ensembles are quite familiar with one another as they were in the same group during workshops held at the 2007 Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas (“PFDAA”) held in Chicago, Illinois. During the performance with Lajkonik, Wawel debuted its brand new Sieradz suite and also presented its Podlasie suite – also a newer addition to the Ensemble’s repertoire.

Later on Saturday evening, Wawel participated in a gala concert of Polish dance featuring PFDAA member groups from throughout the Midwest, including other groups from Detroit, Chicago and Milwaukee. Wawel presented its Sieradz and Podlasie suites during the PFDAA gala. The 2009 gala was extra special for members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble because the group’s director, Tom Skurski, is currently serving as the president of the PFDAA. In his capacity as president, Mr. Skurski acted as the master of ceremonies and narrator for the gala concert.

As is Wawel’s tradition since 1998, on Sunday morning members of the Ensemble attended the Polish Fest mass attired in Polish folk dress. After mass there was time for a group photo, and a quick pass through the festival grounds. Members of the Ensemble then headed toward their cars for the long trip home – happy with the weekend’s results and looking forward to the next set of performances during the summer.
Wawel’s next public performance is July 12, at the American Polish Century Club’s Polish Festival held in Sterling Heights, Michigan. On July 31, 2009, the Ensemble will host a bowling fundraiser at Regal Lanes located in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

2009 Update

2009-04-27T08:45:00.003-04:00

It’s hard to believe that May will start this week. 2009 has really been flying by. Members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble have been busily preparing for the start of the 2009 Festival Season, learning new dances and preparing existing numbers for performances this spring, summer and fall. Here’s an update of all that’s been going on so far:

March 2009

March 21, 2009 – Wawel participated in the Second Annual Polish Folk Dance Festival at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan. This event featured Polish Folk Dance groups from throughout the Metro Detroit area, and was well attended by members of Polonia. Wawel presented its Podlasie, Cieszyn, and Sącz suites. The group received many compliments for the precision and synchronization of its performance.

March 22, 2009 – Wawel participated in the annual Blessing of the Polish Folk Dance Ensembles at St. Hyacinth Parish, in Detroit’s Poletown area. Wawel has participated in this event since it began in 2002. The idea was conceived by St. Hyacinth’s former pastor, Fr. Francis Skalski.

April 2009

April 12, 2009 – Sweetest Heart of Mary – Detroit, Michigan – Resurrection Mass. 2009 marks Wawel’s 31st year participating in Sweetest Heart’s Easter mass. Sweetest Heart and Wawel have a long standing tradition. Many current and alumni members of the Ensemble are parishoners at the parish.

April 25, 2009 – Transfiguration/Our Lady Help of Christians parish festival – Detroit, Michigan. An annual event for the Wawel Folk Ensemble and also the kick off to the summer season. Wawel has a long standing tradition with Transfiguration and is happy to be a part of their annual festival.

April 25, 2009 – St. Tecla Polish Night – Clinton Township, Michigan. Wawel participated in this event several years ago, and was thrilled to be invited back. Wawel presented dances from Nowy Sącz, Podlasie, Cieszyn and the fan favorite Karolina Polka at this event.

April 26, 2009 – St. Louise Mother Daughter Breakfast – Warren, Michigan. Wawel presented its Cieszyn, Nowy Sącz, and Polasie suites as well as the Karolina Polka.

Upcoming Events

June - Festival of the Arts - Wayne State University Campus - Detroit, Michigan

June 19 – 21 – Polish Fest – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
July – Polish Fest – Sterling Heights, Michigan
August – Sweetest Heart of Mary – Pierogi Festival – Detroit, Michigan
August – St. Malachy – Summer Festival – Sterling Heights, Michigan
September – St. Athanatious – Fun Festival – Roseville, Michigan
September – Polish Day Parade – Hamtramck, Michigan
October – Oktoberfest – Northville, Michigan

We hope to see you at one (or many of these performances) over the summer. For additional information about the Wawel Folk Ensemble, please check back here or visit our website.

Polish Night - 2009

2009-02-20T10:03:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, February 14, 2009, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at a Polish night sponsored by St. Clement and St. Dorothy Parish in Warren, Michigan.

The performance was Wawel’s first of 2009 and featured Wawel’s Podlasie and Sącz suites as well as the Karolina polka. After the Karolina Polka members of the ensemble grabbed audience members and danced to the first song (a polka) performed by the evening’s musical entertainment Big Daddy Lackowski and the La Dee Das.

After talking some time off for the holidays, Wawel has been hard at work learning new dances and retooling existing suites as it gears up for the 2009 performance calendar.

Upcoming events include:

March 21 – 2nd Annual Polish Folk Dance Festival (Polish American Cultural Center)
March 22 – 7th Annual Blessing of Polish Folk Ensembles (St. Hyacinth Church)
April 12 - Procession for Resurrection Mass (Sweetest Heart of Mary Church)

Please check back soon for more performance schedule updates. We look forward to seeing you soon!

St. Nicholas Day Party with the Felician Sisters

2008-12-08T08:27:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, December 8, 2008, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the Felician Sisters' Motherhouse in Livonia, Michigan as part of their annual St. Nicholas Day celebration.

The Sisters have had a St. Nicholas Day program at their Motherhouse since 1989 and Wawel has been invited to participate for the past several years. This year's performance saw Wawel present its new Podlasia suite, as well as suites from Rzeszow and Sącz, as well as the Karolina Polka. After the performance, members of the Ensemble joined the Sisters in a holiday sing-along and buffet.

Wawel's next public appearance is on December 24, 2008 at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit for its Pasterka Mass at midnight.

Hamtramck Historical Commission Event

2008-11-17T08:11:00.002-05:00

On Sunday, November 17, 2008, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated in a concert in support of the Hamtramck Historical Museum. The fundraiser, which was held at St. Hugo of the Hills Parish in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan included 8 different piano and vocal performances, as well as a silent auction and reception.

During the reception, Wawel performed its suite of dance from the town of Nowy Sącz. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Hamtramck Historical Commission as they work to preserve Hamtramck’s rich and varied history. Instrumental in the planning of the event, which raised over $10,000 for the Hamtramck Historical Commission, was long-time Wawel friend, Curtis Posuniak.

Wawel will do two private performances in December. Wawel’s next public appearance will be on December 24, 2008 at Sweetest Heart of Mary’s Pasterka Mass, which is a long held tradition in Polonia as well as for the ensemble.

Northville Oktoberfest

2008-10-15T09:11:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, October 11, 2008, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at an Oktoberfest celebration in Northville, Michigan.

Saturday's performance marks Wawel's third appearance at this annual event. Wawel performed its new Podlasie suite, as well as its Nowy Sącz and Cieszyn suites, as well as the always crowd pleasing Karolina Polka.

In addition to Wawel's performance, the Oktoberfest featured a beer tent, classic car, show, food, German bands and dancers, and a wide variety of food options.

Polish Heritage Mass

2008-10-15T09:09:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, October 6, 2008, several members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble attended the annual Polish Heritage Mass at historic St. Albertus Church in Detroit, Michigan.

St. Albertus was established in 1872 and was the first Polish parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Although officially closed in the 1990’s St. Albertus has monthly masses and is available for weddings.

This year’s Polish Heritage Mass was celebrated by Fr. Walter Ptak, National Chaplain of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA) and marked the 135th Anniversary of the founding of PRCUA which was founded at St. Albertus. Members of the many PRCUA dance schools in southeastern Michigan attended mass in various national and regional folk dress.

Summer 2008 Round-Up

2008-09-22T09:24:00.001-04:00

With fall coming today at 11:44 EDT, it’s probably a good time to take stock of the occurrences over the past summer months. For Wawel it was a busy one. Here’s a quick run down of Wawel’s performances these past couple of months:

June 2008

Festival of the Arts – Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Polish Fest – Milwaukee, WI

July 2008

APCC Polish Festival – Freedom Hill County Park, Sterling Heights, MI
Rzeszow Folk Festival – Rzeszow Poland

August 2008

2 Wedding Performances – Metro Detroit, MI
Pierogi Festival – Sweetest Heart of Mary Church, Detroit, MI
Summer Fest – St. Malachy Church, Sterling Heights, MI

September 2008

Hamtramck Polish Day Parade – Hamtramck, MI
Fun Fest – St. Athanasius, Roseville, MI
Centerline Fall Festival – Centerline, MI
International Festival – Port Huron, MI

Upcoming Events:

October 2008

Oktoberfest – Northville, MI

December 2008

Christmas Performance – Felician Sisters’ Mother House, Livonia, MI (Private Performance).

We hope to see you at one of these upcoming performances.

Also, Wawel is currently selling Enetertainment coupon books good for many Metro-Detroit area restaurants, movie theaters and other entertainment venues. If you’re interested in purchasing an Entertainment book, the profits of which will go toward the purchase of new costumes for the group, please email: dntskur@aol.com.

Wawel at Freedom Hill

2008-07-14T13:01:00.002-04:00

On Friday, July 11, 2008, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated in the annual American Polish Century Club's Polish Festival at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

A yearly tradition for the Ensemble, the event is attended by many Wawel alumni, family and friends. This year's performance saw Wawel participate in the Festival's opening ceremonies. Following the opening ceremonies, the Ensemble presented a fifteen minute program which included the Krakowiak, Nowy Sącz and the Karolina Polka.

The Nowy Sącz presented by Wawel at Freedom Hill was slightly different than the usual suite. While at the Rzeszow Festival next week, Wawel will present this version of its Nowy Sącz suite. So the Freedom Hill Performance served as a test run for 5 minute Nowy Sącz.

The group put forth a strong performance and was well received by the crowds. Wawel's next performances will occur in Rzeszow and its surrounding areas in Poland between July 17 and July 24. Several members of the ensemble are already in Poland. The remaining members of the ensemble will embark for Poland on July 16.

Wawel's next public stateside performance will take place on August 10 at the annual Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival in Detroit, Michigan.

Wawel Goes to Milwaukee

2008-06-23T09:57:00.001-04:00

On the longest day of the year, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble found themselves in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the annual Polish Fest. They put the extra day light on June 20 and indeed the rest of the weekend to good use.

Milwaukee’s Polish Fest is the largest Polish festival in the United States and features Grammy award winning polka bands, a variety of Polish foods, folk art and folk dance groups. Since 1998, Wawel has annually visited Milwaukee to attend Polish Fest. The 2008 edition was held from June 20 – June 22.

On June 21, Wawel performed on the cultural stage in a performance with the Syrena Folk Ensemble from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During this performance, Wawel presented its Nowy Sącz and Podlasie suites. Podlasie is the newest addition to Wawel’s repertoire. In 2007, Wawel participated in the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas (PFDAA) festival which featured dance workshops teaching the region of Podlasie.

Later that evening, Wawel participated in the PFDAA gala concert on the cultural stage. In addition to Wawel’s performance of its Krakowiak, Nowy Sącz and Podlasie suites, performances were given by Syrena and Syrenka from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Polish Falcons from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lajkonik from Chicago, Illinois and Wici from Chicago, Illinois.

As the gala concert concluded, the skies around the festival ground opened up with a brief, but torrential downpour, which sent the dancers scrambling to make sure none of their folk dress items were damaged by the rain.

On Sunday, June 22, Wawel participated in procession at the annual Polish Fest mass. This year’s mass was celebrated by Bishop Thomas Paprocki, an auxiliary bishop in Chicago and the Archdiocese of Chicago’s liaison to Polonia.

After mass, members of the Ensemble passed through the vendor booths looking for that last minute souvenir said their good byes to new and old friends and began the long trek home to Detroit – happy with the weekend and looking forward to Polish Fest 2009.

With the Polish Fest performances completed, Wawel now shifts its focus to preparing for its trip to the Rzeszow festival in July. The group’s next Metro Detroit area performance will be July 11, 2008 at the American Polish Century Club Polish Festival held at Freedom Hill Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

You Gotta Have Art

2008-06-10T08:51:00.002-04:00

On Friday, June 6, 2008, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the International Institute’s All World Market, which was part of the 22nd annual Festival of the Arts held on the Wayne State University Campus in Detroit, Michigan. Wawel has participated in this event annually going back to when the event was held in the fall and in Southfield.

Wawel presented the Krakowiak, the Karolina Polka, its Nowy Sacz suite and debuted its newest suite, songs and dances from the region of Podlasie. Wawel has long been preparing the Podlasie suite and participated in workshops featuring the songs and dances of Podlasie when the ensemble traveled to Chicago in the summer of 2007 to participate the Polish Folk Dance Association of the America’s festival.

Wawel will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to participate in the annual Polishfest the weekend of June 20 through 22, 2008. This will be a milestone Polishfest appearance for Wawel as they first appeared at Polishfest in 1998. After Polishfest, Wawel will perform at the APCC Polish Festival on July 11 held at Freedom Hill Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Three days after the Freedom Hill performance, members of the Ensemble will board planes as they travel to Rzeszow Poland to participate in the triennial Rzeszow Folk Festival. In addition to lots of dancing, the Ensemble will tour visit several cities in Poland including Krakow, Zakopane and Wroclaw.

For the past several months the Ensemble has been busily preparing for these summer performances with twice a week practices.

Upcoming Events

2008-06-03T09:55:00.002-04:00

It's shaping up to be an exciting summer for the Wawel Folk Ensemble. If you're in the area, be sure to check out the Ensemble at the following events:

June 6 - Detroit Festival of the Arts (Wayne State University Campus, Detroit, Michigan)
June 20-22 - Polishfest (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
July 11 - APCC Polish Festival (Freedom Hill County Park, Sterling Heights, Michigan)
July 17 - 24 - Rzeszow Folk Festival (Rzeszow Poland)
August 9 - Pierogi Festival (Sweetest Heart of Mary Church, Detroit, Michigan)
August 16 - Summer Festival (St. Malachy Church, Sterling Heights, Michigan)
September 1 - Labor Day Parade (Hamtramck, Michigan)

Hope to see you there!

Polish Constitution Day

2008-05-02T09:57:00.001-04:00

Poles and Polonia celebrate the adoption of Poland's Constitution on May 3. The 1791 Constitution contained many of the same ideas brought about by the European enlightenment that fueled both the American and French Revolutions and served as the basis for the American Declaration of Independence.
The 1791 Constitution granted equality between the nobles and peasant and effectively did away with serfdom in Poland. This brought about reactionary responses from Poland's neighbors and brought about the demise of the Polish republic and the partition of Poland by its neighbors Russia, Prussia and Austria in 1795. Poland remained partitioned for the next 123 years and did not re-appear on the European map until the Treaty of Versailles signed in 1918.

Spring Has Sprung

2008-04-28T09:12:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, April 27, 2008, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the Our Lady Help of Christians/ Transfiguration Parish annual Spring Festial in Detroit, Michigan. The Ensemble presented its Cieszyn, Lubelski, and Rzeszow suites as well as the Karolina Polka.

Wawel performs annually at the festival and has close ties with the parish and parishoners. Additionally, the Transfiguration performance serves as the unofficial opening of Wawel's summer schedule. Pretty much from here to mid-October, most weekends will feature a Wawel performance (or two) somewhere in the Metro Detroit area.

In addition to the various summer festivals and weddings this summer, Wawel will also travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to participate in their annual Polish Fest, Wawel has participated in this event since 1998. In July, Wawel will travel to Rzeszow, Poland to participate in the triennial Rzeszow Folk Festival.

25th Anniversary

2008-04-14T08:39:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, April 12, 2008, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed for Ron & Carol Hyso's 25th Wedding Anniversary Party. The Hysos are former members of the Ensemble and their daughter, Katie, is a current member of the Ensemble. Wawel presented its Lubelski suite, along with Polka Warszawska and the Karolina Polka.

Wawel is currently busy preparing for its performances in Rzeszow, Poland this July. Wawel's next public performance will be on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at the Transfiguration/ Our Lady Help of Christians Annual Spring Festival.

Wesolego Alleluja

2008-03-27T08:39:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, March 23, 2008, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble celebrated their 30th Anniversary of participating in the Resurrection Mass at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, Michigan. In addition to participating in Easter services, Wawel regularly participates in holiday and special liturgies at Sweetest Heart.

In 1978, Sweetest Heart parishioner and Wawel member, John Zaporski approached Sweetest Heart’s then pastor Fr. Bohdan Kosicki with idea of Wawel’s participation in the Easter Resurrection mass procession in Polish folk dress. Fr. Kosicki enthusiastically approved.

Wawel was sent an invitation to participate which accepted by Wawel’s then Director and Choreographer, Marcia Lewandowski, and the members of the ensemble. The ensemble made an immediate and positive impression on Sweetest Heart’s congregation as the prepared to take their place in the procession. The ensemble was attired in the elaborate folk dress of the town dwellers of Zywiec, Poland. Members of the Ensemble also brought their families for Wawel’s first Easter Mass at Sweetest Heart. For many of the members, it was their first time in the Church.

Members of the Ensemble were awestruck at the beauty and majesty of the church although in 1978, the interior of the church was in dire need of restoration and repair. Paint was peeling off the walls in certain areas and there was visible damage to certain areas of the gold leaf canvas ceiling. Still, the Resurrection Mass of 1978 is remembered as one of the most beautiful masses celebrated at Sweetest Heart. The mass featured the singing of Sweetest Heart’s choir, an increase in mass attendance and Wawel’s participation.

The Wawel Folk Ensemble’s participation in Sweetest Heart’s events has grown throughout the years to include participation in the Christmas Eve Pasterka procession, several May crownings, and performing at the parish’s annual Pierogi Festival since the festival’s inception.

For Easter 2008, the Wawel Folk Ensemble, attired in folk dress from the region of Kaszuby, processed in the beautifully restored church interior. Wawel continues to participate in Sweetest Heart of Mary’s vibrant parish community with its pastor, Fr. Mark Borkowski dedicated to the preservation of the Polish Heritage.

Marching In

2008-03-15T13:07:00.002-04:00

On March 1, 2008, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated in the first annual Festival of Polish Dance sponsored by the Polish American Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan. The event featured 31 different performances by Polish Folk Groups from the Metro Detroit area. Wawel presented its Rzeszow suite to a standing room only crowd and also had a table at the event with information about the group's history, performances, and booking.

On March 2, 2008, Wawel participated in the 6th annual blessing of the Polish American Folk Dance Ensemble's mass at St. Hyacinth Parish in Detroit, Michigan. This is a now annual event started by St. Hyacinth's pastor emeritus, Fr. Frank Skalski. Wawel has participated in this event since its inception.

Wawel's will next appear in procession on Easter Sunday at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church for their Resurrection Mass. 2008 will mark the 30th Anniversary of Wawel's participation in the Easter Sunday services. In addition to participating in Easter services at Sweetest Heart of Mary, Wawel annually participates in their Pierogi Festival and in procession at their Christmas Eve Pasterka Mass.

Wawel will next perform at a private event on April 12 and then again on April 27, 2008 at Transfiguration/ Our Lady Help of Christians' Parish for their annual Spring Festival.

If all that wasn't enough, the members of the Ensemble are hard at work rehearsing the Polish suites and American novelty number they will present at the Rzeszow Folk Festival in Rzeszow, Poland this summer.

Upcoming Performances

2008-02-24T11:01:00.006-05:00

The Wawel Folk Ensemble will perform on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the American Polish Cultural Center, in Troy, Michigan as part of the Festival of Polish Dance. The event is free and starts at 4:00. Many other adult and children's dance groups from southeastern Michigan will also participate in the event.

On Sunday, March 2, 2008, Wawel will participate in the sixth annual blessing of the Polish Folk Dance Ensembles at St. Hyacinth Parish in Detroit, Michigan. Wawel has participated in this mass since its inception in 2002.

On March 23, 2008 (Easter Sunday), Wawel will participate in the Resurrection Mass' procession at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, Michigan. Wawel has a long history with Sweetest Heart of Mary performing annually at their Pierogi Festival in September and participating in their Pasterka procession on Christmas Eve, and for the Resurrection Mass on Easter Sunday.

On Sunday, April 27, 2008, Wawel will perform at Transfiguration/ Our Lady Help of Christians Spring Festival.

Upcoming Events

2008-01-12T20:55:00.000-05:00

Wawel's first performance will be on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at St. Clement Parish in Centerline, Michigan. Wawel will share the stage with Marshall "Big Daddy" Lackowski.

American Polish Century Club - Oplatek Dinner

2008-01-07T13:19:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, January 6, 2008, the American Polish Century Club (APCC) in Sterling Heights, Michigan hosted its sixth annual Oplatek dinner.

Upon entering the hall, guests received a traditional Polish welcome with bread and salt. The dinner began with a performance of the Polonez and a polka choreographed by APCC and Wawel Folk Ensemble Member, Tommy Lisiecki. The dance also featured Rachael Kasparek, choreographer of the Zajaczek Ensemble, Stephanie Buchalski, APCC Polish Heritage Queen, Genny Buchalski, APCC Polish Heritage Princess, Monica Szczerbinski, APCC Polish Heritage Princess, APCC members Gus Zielinski and Rich Kolasinski and Wawel Member Nick Nowakowski.

After the dances, the guests shared the oplatek and shared wishes for a healthy new year. Dinner included all the Wigilia favorites: beets, mushroom soup, sledzie, pierogi, naleszniki, mushroom and rice golabki, and tasty desserts.

Between the Wigilia courses, the guests were provided with the origins and meanings behind the Wigilia dishes and traditions. They were also serenaded by the APCC Choir.

Wesolych Swiat - 2007

2007-12-25T20:42:00.001-05:00

On December 24, 2007, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated in the Midnight Mass celebration at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, Michigan. Wawel has been closely tied with Sweetest Heart throughout its existence and participates yearly in its Christmas Eve and Easter Sunrise services and performs yearly at its annual Pierogi Festival.

Merry Christmas! More to come in 2008!

Felician Sisters - December 2

2007-11-23T16:29:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, December 2, 2007, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed as part of a Christmas luncheon for the Felician Sisters at their motherhouse in Livonia, Michigan.

Wawel presented its Cieszyn, Lubelski, and Rzeszow suites as well as the Karolina polka. After presenting these numbers, members of the Ensemble and the Sisters participated in a brief dance along.

After the dancing, Sw. Mikolaj visited, refreshments were served, and carols sung.

St. Cletus - November 2007

2007-11-23T16:27:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, November 29, 2007, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed as part of a Christmas program for members of St. Cletus' Parish in Warren, Michigan.

Wawel presented its Rzeszow and Lubelski suites, the Krakowiak and the Karolina Polka at the performance, which was well received by the audience.

Wawel's next performance is for a holiday party at the Felician Sisters' motherhouse in Livonia, MI on December 1. Wawel's next public appearance will be on December 24 at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, MI for procession during Midnight Mass.

Tancuj Macha Dam Ci Pierog

2007-11-17T09:50:00.000-05:00

Well, if you dance the Mach you probably won't get any pierogi, however, Wawel is currently spending many of its weekend mornings and afternoons making pierogi. Wawel makes potato and sauerkraut pierogi every fall/winter as one of its major fundraisers.

This year's fundraiser is even more important as the group will travel to Poland in July 2008 to participate in the Triennial Rzeszow Folk Festival. The funds raised during the pierogi sale will go toward defraying the cost of traveling to Poland as well as help the group to purchase new costumes.

For additional information about Wawel's pierogi, please email mail@waweldancers.com

Wawel Upcoming Events

2007-11-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

Wawel's next performances include a dinner at St. Cletus on November 29, 2007, at the Felician Sisters Mother House as part of their Christmas celebration on December 2 and at the Lawyer's Dinner on December 7.

Wawel's next public appearance will be on December 24, 2007 at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, Michigan. Wawel will appear in procession during their midnight mass celebration. Wawel has a long history with Sweetest Heart of Mary Church and participates annually in their Pierogi Festival and Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Easter Sunday Sunrise service.

Mazowsze

2007-11-17T09:26:00.000-05:00

As part of its first North American Tour in 10 years, the State Song and Dance Ensemble of Poland, Mazowsze performed at the Music Hall in Detroit, Michigan. Many members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble attended the performances.

The dancers of Mazowsze were treated to several standing ovations during the course of their performance and provided the audience numerous encore performances of both songs and of their dazzling finale. Their performance was truly a feast for the senses.

Indepence Day - Dzien Niepodleglosci

2007-11-17T09:19:00.000-05:00

The 11th of November is a special day for Poles, celebrated as Independence Day, marking Poland’s return to the map of sovereign European states after 123 years of foreign rule. Naturally, regaining independence is not an event that could be discussed in terms of one specific date in calendar, but rather a long and complex process. This special date, however, marks a series of important events that gave the day a symbolic meaning. Among those events: an armistice was signed, ending long and bloody World War I; German troops deployed in Warsaw since August 5, 1915, were disarmed; and Jozef Pilsudski, the most esteemed politician at that time, held talks on assuming power and re-creating the Polish state.

[The foregoing is adapted from material disseminated by the Polish Information Agency.]

Polish Film Festival in Ann Arbor

2007-11-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

On November 10 and 11, 2007 the Fourteenth Annual Polish Film Festival was held in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Polish Wedding

2007-11-17T09:06:00.000-05:00

On October 27, 2007, the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the Sadowski wedding in Riverview, Michigan.

As is the tradition in Poland, members of the Ensemble presented the bride and groom with bread and salt - while explaining the significance of these customs to the guests. After the bread and salt presentation, the Ensemble performed its Lubelski suite which contains dances that would have been performed at weddings and the Karolina Polka, because after all, what wedding is complete without a Polka.

American Polish Assistance Association

2007-11-17T08:59:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, October 18, 2007, the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the American Polish Assistance Association's ("APAA") annual fundraising dinner - presenting its Rzeszow and Lowicz suites. Also appearing at the fund raiser were the Lajkonik Folk Ensemble as well as a Bosnian Folk Dance group.

After the various ensembles' performances, Dr. Ted Radzilowski from the Piast Institute gave a brief talk about October being Polish Heritage month and the importance of preserving the Polish heritage.

The APAA was founded in the late 1960's by the late Michal Krolewski in addition to its cultural preservation programs it regularly collects goods and donations to send to orpahages located in various Polish cities.

September/October 2007 Wrap Up

2007-11-17T08:54:00.000-05:00

In addition to its appearances at the Labor Day events in Hamtramck, Wawel also performed at the St. Athanasius Fun Fest in Roseville, Michigan on September 8, 2007 as well as at Troy Daze in Troy, Michigan on September 16, 2007.

On September 22, 2007, Wawel performed at the Polish Falcons' District Convention held at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan. Wawel presented it Rzeszow and Lubelski suites followed by the Karolina Polka. During discussions with some of the Polish Falcons, it was mentioned that Wawel had performed at their district convention 20 years earlier.

On October 13, 2007, Wawel performed at Northville's annual Oktoberfest. While it might seem strange to have a Polish Folk Group perform at what is largely considered a German Festival, it really isn't - In October, the whole of Europe celebrates the harvest. Wawel's appearance at the Oktoberfest is doubly appropriate because of October's celebration of Pollish American heritage month.

At the Oktoberfest performance, Wawel presented its Kaszuby, Lowicz, and Lubelski suites as well as Kadzioleczka and the Karolina Polka.

Labor Day 2007

2007-11-17T08:28:00.001-05:00

As summer wraps up, Labor Day weekend is often a busy one. Picnics, back to school and parades dot everyone's calendars. The same held true for members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble this Labor Day weekend.

Sunday, September 2, 2007 featured the Polkapalooza event at the annual Hamtramck Labor Day Festival in Hamtramck, Michigan. The event began with a Polka Mass featuring music by Big Daddy Lackowski and celebrated by Ks. Bogdan Milosz. After the mass, the Polkas began. The bands included in the lineup were the Kielbasa Kings, Big Daddy Lackowski, and the Misty Blues.

In addition to the bands, Polkapalooza featured the first annual Polka with the Stars - Polka Competition. Many current and alumni members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated as "Polka Professionals." Also participating as Polka Professionals were Rachael Kasperek of the Zajaczek Folk Ensemble, Basia Grabas of the PRCUA Gwiazda Dancers and Nick Modelski from Lajkonik. Each Polka Professional was paired with a "Polka Star" from Hamtramck. The Polka Stars included:

Karen Majewski - Mayor of Hamtramck
Rachel and Andrea Karpinski - From the Polish Sea League
Nate Bonkowski - Warren City Council Candidate
Chester Kristy - Hamtramck Business Owner
Raymond & Kathleen Bittner - From the Polish Art Center
Larry Liszewski - Editor of the Main Street Newspaper
Tim Nowakowski - Former Hamtramck City Council Person
Andrew Oleksiak - Hamtramck Firefighter
A Giant Yellow Chicken - From The Hamtramck Chicken Shack

The Polka with the Stars Competition consisted of three rounds followed by the judges' scoring the rounds and then the elimination of some participants. In the final round, the judges asked that the audience vote by clapping for their favorite final couple, which was factored in with the judges' score. The judges were: Tom & Donna Skurski, Director and Artistic Director of Wawel, and Cindy Cervenak, director of the PRCUA Gwiazda Dancers of Hamtramck.

After the three rounds a winner emerged...Rachel Karpinski from the Polish Sea League and her partner Wawel member Chris Ozog.

Both audience and participants in the event had a wonderfull time. Discussions have already taken place about the 2nd Annual Polka with the Stars event for the 2008 Labor Day Festival in Hamtramck. Hopefully Chris and Rachel will return to defend their Polka Crown.

On Monday, September 3, 2007, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble marched and Polkaed down the streets of Joseph Campau in Hamtramck, MI during the annual Polish Day Parade.

St. Malachy's 2007

2007-11-17T08:19:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, August 18, 2007, the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at St. Malachy's annual parish festival in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Wawel performs annually at St. Malachy's and it is one that the performers always look forward to. To change things up a little this year, the Ensemble wore folk dress from several regions of Poland, rather than the ensemble just wearing one single regional folk dress. Members of the Ensemble wore folk dress from Rzeszow, Kaszuby, Lublin, and Cieszyn. Suites of dances from each of these regions were also presented as well as the every popular Karolina Polka.

After the performance, members of the Ensemble stayed at the festival to enjoy polka and other music as played by the Tri-City Plus orchestra.

Congratulations

2007-08-10T11:45:00.000-04:00

Congratulations go out to Wawel's director, Tom Skurski. At the annual meeting of the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas, held in Chicago on August 4, 2007, Tom was elected president of the Association.

Congratulations Tom!

Summer Round - Up

2007-08-08T00:29:00.000-04:00

The lazy hazy days of summer haven't held members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble back. So far it's been a whirlwind of traveling and summertime performances.

From June 22 - 24, 2007, members of the Ensemble traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to perform at the annual Polish Fest. At Polish Fest, Wawel gave performances with Dolina from Minneapolis - St. Paul, Minnesota and with the Wici Dancers from Chicago. Wawel also performed in the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas (PFDAA) gala on Saturday evening. At Polish Fest, Wawel presented its Kaszuby, Rzeszow and Cieszyn suites as well as its Polonez and Kadzioleczka. On Sunday, June 24, 2007, members of the Ensemble attended the Polish Fest mass in traditional folk attire. The Milwaukee Polish Fest trip has been a Wawel tradition since 1998, and is highly anticipated by members of the Ensemble.

The weekend of July 13 - 15 saw Wawel performing on July 15 at the American Polish Century Club's Polish Festival at Freedom Hill Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan. While at Freedom Hill, Wawel presented its Kaszuby, Lubelski, Cieszyn, and Rzeszow suites as well as Kadzioleczka and the Karolina Polka.

At the end of July, members of the Ensemble traveled to the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois to participate in the PFDAA Festival from July 28 - August 4, which was hosted by the Wesoly Lud Polish Folk Group of the PRCUA.

While in Chicago, members of the Ensemble participated in dance work shops where the learned dances from Eastern Krakow, Spisz, Wielkopolska and Podlasie. In addition to the week of dance work shops, Ensemble members attended mass at the Holy Name Cathedral, visited the Polish Museum of the Americas, visited Navy Pier, toured the City of Chicago, took a fireworks cruise on Lake Michigan and rode to the top of the Sears Tower.

On August 3 to conclude the week, Wawel presented its Kaszuby and Rzeszow suites as the PFDAA gala concert, held at the Aerie Crown Theater in Chicago. Wawel received many compliments from dance workshop instructors as well as other choreographers from Poland about the precision and authenticity of the steps included in these two medleys.

After a few days rest, Wawel will return to the stage this Sunday at the Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival. After that, Wawel will appear at the St. Malachy Festival on August 18, 2007 and on Labor Day in the Hamtramck Labor Day parade. Summer may be waning, but Wawel's energy and enthusiasm is not.

Sunday: A Day of Rest? II

2007-06-17T17:34:00.000-04:00

Sunday, June 10, 2007 was another busy day for members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble. In the morning, they attended mass and performed at the 50th Anniversary for Sister Angelica at Transfiguration Parish in Detroit, Michigan. Wawel presented its Lubelski suite and Karolina Polka at the party. Wawel has a long affiliation with Transfiguration and was honored to be asked to participate.

Later that day, Wawel performed at the primiere of celebrity chef Keith Famie's new documentary, Our Polish Story. Wawel performed its Rzeszow suite to an audience of over 700 people attending the premiere. Our Polish Story made its television debut yesterday on Channel 7 in Detroit.

Wawel's next performances will take place at Milwaukee Wisconsin's annual Polish Fest the weekend of June 22, 2007.

Festival of the Arts

2007-06-17T17:24:00.000-04:00

On Friday June 8, 2007, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed at the International Institute's annual Old World Market during the Festival of the Arts on the Wayne State University Campus. Wawel performed its Cieszyn, Rzeszow, Lubleski and Kadzioleczka numbers.

Wawel has performed at this function for many years, it is a favorite of the Ensemble.

Sunday: A Day of Rest?

2007-05-06T21:11:00.000-04:00

That might have been the original plan, but Sunday May 6, 2007 was a busy one for members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble.

In the morning, the Ensemble participated at the 11:00 mass and procession at St. Hyacinth's parish in Detroit, Michigan. The mass and procession were celebrated by His Eminence, Adam Cardinal Maida, Archbishop of Detroit in celebration of the parish's 100th Anniversary. St. Hyacinth is the 9th oldest Polish parish in the Archdiocese and has a long tradition of serving Polonia and America.

In the afternoon, the Ensemble presented its Rzeszow suite at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan at a talent competition sponsored by the United States' Postal Service.

The Ensemble is now busily preparing for its upcoming summer season. Performance this summer include: the Milwaukee, Wisconsin's annual PolishFest and the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas Festival held in Chicago, IL. Wawel's next public performance will be on June 8, 2007 at the Detroit Festival of the Arts on the Wayne State University Campus.

Gwiazda: Dancing with the Stars

2007-05-06T21:09:00.000-04:00

On April 29, 2007, the PRCUA Gwiazda Dancers presented their 47^th Annual Recital at the St. Florian Church Hall in Hamtramck, Michigan.

The program began with the singing of the American and Polish National Anthems followed by a welcome and introductory comments from Gwiazda’s Choreographer, Ms. Laura Hejza.

The recital began with Gwiazda’s presentation of the national dances of Poland. Included were Groups 1, 2, 3 & and the Alumni members presenting the Polonez followed by Group 1 and the Alumni presenting the Mazur. These dances were the picture of dignity with the men in their military uniforms and the ladies in their stately ball gowns.

Gwiazda continued its presentation of the national dances of Poland with a Kujawiak – Oberek performed by Alumni members Natalia Maska (2004) and Nick Nowakowski (1997). The national dances were rounded out with the entire ensemble presenting the Krakowiak which included a visit from the Lajkonik, played by Alumni member Jonathan Kobeski (2000), and the entire ensemble singing Płynie Wisła

Following the national dances, Gwiazda took its audience on a virtual tour of Poland. The tour began in the forests of northeastern Poland with dances from the region of Kurpie presented by Group 2.

From Kurpie, Gwiazda moved east to the region of Kaszuby located on the Baltic Sea and home to beautiful beaches and the birthplace of the Solidarity movement. Groups 3 and 4 presented suites of dances from Kaszuby. The movements of the Kaszubian dances incorporate many elements and movements of the sea which was pivotal in the lives and livelihoods of the people from this region.

Gwiazda next took the audience southwest almost to the Russian border to the region of Lublin. Group 1 presented a suite of dances from Lublin which included Mach, Polka Podlaska, and Osa.

Following a quick costume change, the Ensemble returned to present their own versions of some toe tapping American Polkas. Included were Group 4 dancing to the Regina Polka, Group 2’s Hanusia Polka, Group 3’s interpretation of the classic Zosia polka and Group 1’s presentation of the Sally Polka.

Next Gwiazda took its audience westward and across the pond with its American numbers. This year’s theme was Dancing with the Stars. Performances included Group 4’s Quick Step to Sing, Sing, Sing, Group 2’s Jive to the chartbusting hit SOS by Rihanna, Group 3’s Disco to Shake your Grove Thing and Group 1’s Cha Cha to Everbody to the Cha Cha.

After a second intermission, the entire Gwiazda dance school concluded its performance with a suite of dances from the mountains of Zywiec. Included in the suite were Siustu, Sarna, and Hajduk. The audience was wowed by the athletic stunts and intricate footwork demonstrated by the dancers.

Congratulations go out to all Gwiazda students and parents on a fine performance, especially Ewa Sztandera, who received her 5 year trophy. Special thanks to Ms. Laura Hejza, Choreographer - Group 1 & Alumni, Ms. Basia Grabas - Choreographer, Groups 2, 3, and, 4, Dominika Koper, Assistant Teacher, Cindy Cervenak, Director, the Officers of the Gwiazda Dancers: Kim Hancasky, President and April Kobeski, Vice President, Natalia Maska (2004), who provided Polish narration for the recital, the Alumni Members of the Gwiazda Dancers and to St. Florian’s pastor, Fr. Tomasz Sielicki for the use of the Parish’s facilities for practices and the recital.

After a busy 9 months, its time for some well earned rest and relaxation. See you in September.

Gratulemy

2007-05-06T21:02:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Wawel's Choreographer, Donna Skurski and Wawel member Tommy Lisiecki. In addition to their involvement with Wawel each choreographs a children's group which recently presented their annual spring recitals. Donna teaches the PRCUA Opole Dancers and the PWA Lowicz Dancers, Tommy teaches the PRCUA Halka Dancers.

Congratulations also go out to Wawel members recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Warren Polka Boosters. They include Alumni member Jim Chmielewski, Vice-President, Adella Pietryzk, Corresponding Secretary and Nick Nowakowski, Procedure Director. The Warren Polka Booster's next dance is its Beach Party themed dance on July 28, 2007.

Congratulations to all!

Polish Constitution Day

2007-05-02T11:57:00.000-04:00

Konstytucja 3 Maja 1791 by Jan Matejko

The 1791 Constitution granted equality between the nobles and peasant and effectively did away with serfdom in Poland. This brought about reactionary responses from Poland's neighbors and brought about the demise of the Polish republic and the partition of Poland by its neighbors Russia, Prussia and Austria in 1795. Poland remained partitioned for the next 123 years and did not re-appear on the European map until the Treaty of Versailles signed in 1918.

It's Like Comparing Apples to Potatoes

2007-04-30T21:18:00.000-04:00

The Wawel Folk Ensemble initiated its summer 2007 performance season with back-to-back performances at Transfiguration Parish in Detroit, Michigan's annual Potato/ Apple Festival.

Wawel performed on Saturday April 28 and Sunday April 29 during the festival. Wawel's performance on Saturday consisted of its Lubelski, and Rzeszow suites as well as its Polka Warszawska and the Karolina Polka. The Sunday performance featured Wawel's Cieszyn, and Lubelski suites as well as the Karolina Polka. In addition to those dances, Wawel also debuted a new addition to its repertoire, the Podlasie waltz.

The Podlasie Waltz is just the first dance culled from a suite of dances from the region of Podlasie that the group is currently rehearsing. The group plans to add additional dances to its Podlasie medley over the course of the summer performance season.

After the performances, members of the Ensemble remained at the festival sampling Polish food, some of which was prepared by Dave LeForge of the Boss Catering (See earlier post) and listening to the musical stylings of Pan Franek & Zosia and the Polkatowners from Muskegon, Michigan.

Wawel's next appearance will be this coming Sunday, May 6, 2007 at St. Hyacinth's Church in Detroit, Michigan for its 100th Anniversary Jubilee Mass celebrated by his Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Wesolego Alleluja

2007-04-30T21:10:00.000-04:00

On Easter Sunday (April 8, 2007), members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated in the Easter procession at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, Michigan. Ensemble members carried baskets of eggs as well as decorated palms in the triumphant procession about the Church.

Wawel regularly participates at Sweetest Heart of Mary's functions including its annual Pierogi Festival in August and its Christmas Eve Midnight Mass.

Like Wawel's Pierogi?

2007-03-28T11:33:00.000-04:00

Then try the Boss!

Blessing of the Polish Folk Dance Ensembles

2007-03-18T20:27:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, March 18, 2007, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated in the annual blessing of the Polish American Dance Ensembles at St. Hyacinth's Church in Poletown, Detroit.

Members of the Ensemble wore folk dress from Rzeszow and led the gathered ensembles in the Polish and American National Anthems and made gift presentations during the offeratory

2007 marks the fifth anniversary of this event, established by St. Hyacinth's pastor emeritus, Fr. Francis Skalski. Wawel has participated in the event since its beginnings.

The event has grown since the first annual blessing. This year's mass featured 21 different Polish folk ensembles from the Metro-Detroit area. Groups come from as far as Flint, Michigan to attend this annual event.

Mazowsze on PBS

2007-02-24T11:25:00.000-05:00

We received the following email, reproduced below, earlier this week. Check your local PBS Station for scheduling!

Dear Friends,

An exciting new television production celebrates Polish culture and heritage this March - The Music & Dance of Poland: Mazowsze. This high-energy performance by the world famous troupe at the Polish National Opera House will premiere on Public Television March 1 throughout the country (http://www.pbs.org/stationfinder).

A program like this is more than a television broadcast – it is a means of preserving and promoting cultural legacy to the young generation of Polish Americans and connecting them to their family history. The performance special also provides a rare opportunity for American audiences to experience the incomparable Mazowsze troupe, and share the beautiful and unique artistry of traditional Polish music and dance.

I hope you will join us and help spread the word about the television special’s debut, and make the show a success so that all the PBS stations will want to air it. Many programmers have never heard of Mazowsze and don’t realize what a large fan base they have, and how many Polish Americans they have in their viewing area who will want to see this.
Public television stations will air this show as a fundraiser, and if the stations recognize that there is a good response to the show with many contributions coming in, they will be more likely to air it. A list of the stations that have reported their intention to air follows below.

How it works: stations will offer a DVD and VHS of the Mazowsze performance with bonus material not available anywhere else. This thank you gift is an incentive for people to contribute to their PBS station and tell the programmers that there is a demand for Polish programming. Viewers will get the DVD or VHS when they donate $90 to their station. This may seem like a lot of money to buy a DVD but it is not a regular retail purchase, this is an investment in cultural programming. Your contribution counts as a vote of “yes” for Polish programming. Any dollar amount counts towards the overall goal, but a minimum of $90 gets you the DVD or VHS.

Please tell your family, friends and associates around the country to look out for this program and join our community outreach to preserve this great cultural heritage. You can send this email to anyone you’d like, and we also have printed flyers we can mail you if you belong to an organization or know of a store or restaurant that would post this information.

I thank you in advance for your support in our efforts. We had a great success with our documentary “The Polish Americans” thanks to community members like you, and I hope we can count on you again.

Dziekuje,

Susan Susan HellmanDirector of Communications & Station Relations
WLIW New York

The Music & Dance of Poland: Mazowsze
TV Schedules as of 2/15/07
Alaska One – Saturday, 3/3 at 2:30 pm
Buffalo NY - WNED Wednesday, 3/7 at 7:30 pm
Chicago IL - WTTW Sunday, 3/11 at 6:30 pm
Cleveland OH - WVIZ Saturday, 3/10 at 5:30 pm
Denver CO - KRMA Sunday, 3/11 at 1 pm
Johnstown PA - WPSU Saturday, 3/17 at 11:30 am
Los Angeles CA - KCET Sunday, 3/11 at 1:30 pm
Minneapolis MN - TPT2 Saturday, 3/3 at 4:30 pm
Nebraska Network - Sunday, 3/18 at 2 pm
New York tri-state area – WLIW21 Thursday, 3/1 at 8 pm
Pittsburgh PA - WQED Tuesday, 3/20 at 8 pm
San Antonio TX - KLRN Sunday, 3/18 at 4:30pm
San Francisco CA - KRCB Monday, 3/5 at 7 pm
Seattle WA - KBTC Wednesday, 3/7 at 9 pm
Springfield MA - WGBY Monday, 3/5 at 9 pm

Visit http://www.pbs.org/stationfinder to search for contact information in other cities.

THE MUSIC & DANCE OF POLAND: MAZOWSZE is a thrilling kaleidoscopic display of dazzling movement, vibrant color and stunning beauty. The incomparable Mazowsze (Mah-ZOV-sheh) performance troupe whirl and leap, stamp and glide in a glorious outpouring of sound and motion, rhythm and music that celebrates the cultural legacy of Poland. Polish-American entertainer Bobby Vinton narrates.

While the choreography and musical arrangements represent 39 distinctive ethnographic regions of Poland with traditional performance styles, the appeal of Mazowsze’s dynamic stage show goes beyond audiences of Polish descent. An ensemble of 65 dancers and singers are arrayed in a seemingly never-ending series of handmade traditional costumes -- more than 1,000 in total, one more dramatic and colorful than the next and some weighing as much as 30 lbs., making their energetic gravity-defying leaps, twirls and lifts even more impressive. A full 23-member orchestra performs music ranging from Chopin to simple folk melodies beloved by the Poles for centuries. Strategically mounted high definition cameras and microphones capture this stellar performance, recorded live at the Polish National Opera House in Warsaw, Poland.

Mazowsze is internationally recognized as Poland's cultural ambassadors. In the last 50 years they have performed more than 6,000 shows in cities around the world. The troupe’s founders, singer/actress Mira Zimiñska and conductor/composer Tadeusz Sygietyñski, dedicated themselves to preserve the rich music and dance traditions of Poland after the devastation of World War II.

Produced by WLIW New York. Executive Producer/Director: Roy A. Hammond. Producer/Editor: Roman Brygider. CC and ST.

Program
“Kolem, Kolem”
“Piekna Nasza Polska Cala”
Tramblanka Polka
Oberek
“Co Ja Mysle” – w strojach Kurpiowskich
Karnawal w Wilamowicach
Krakowiaczek
Krakowiak
Piesni i Tance z Jurgowa na Podhalu
Bamberki
Przyspiewki i tance z Podegrodzia
Winobranie w Lubuszu
Tance Goralskie z wysokich Tatr
Zywiec – Taniec z Chusteczka i chodzony
“Cyt, Cyt” w strojach Lowickich
“Furman” solista: Stanislaw Jopek
Tance z Lowicza
Tance Sannickie
Final

Paczki Day 2007!

2007-02-20T08:20:00.000-05:00

It's Paczki Day. How many will you have?

Mardi Gras

2007-02-18T18:16:00.000-05:00

On February 18, 2006, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble peformed at Transfiguration/O. L. Help of Christians and St. Ladislaus' Mardi Gras.

Wawel performed a short program consisting of its Rzeszow and Cieszyn suites as well as the Karolina Polka.

This performance was Wawel's first for 2007. This performance was also videotaped by celebrity chef Keith Famie for use in his upcoming documentary about Detroit's Polonia

Filling the Dance Card: Upcoming Wawel Performances

2007-02-01T08:32:00.000-05:00

February 2007

2/18/07 - Transfiguration Parish, Detroit, Michigan
Mardi Gras
Time: TBD

March 2007

3/18/07 - St. Hyacinth Church, Detroit, Michigan
Blessing of Polish Folk Ensembles
Time: TBD

April 2007

4/28 & 4/29/07 - Tranfiguration Parish, Detroit, Michigan
Potato/Apple Festival
Time: 5:00 pm

June 2007

6/10/07 - Novi Expo Center, Novi, Michigan
Keith Famie Polish American Documentary Premiere
Time: TBD

6/23 - 6/25/07 - Summerfest Grounds, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Polishfest
Time: TBD

July 2007

7/28 - 8/4/07 - Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois
PFDAA Festival

Happy New Year - 2007!

2007-01-21T13:36:00.000-05:00

Wawel held its first practice of 2007 on January 17, 2007. In addition to running through the Polonez, Cieszyn, Lowicz and Zywiec, Wawel welcomed a very special guest to its practice.

Keith Famie, celebrity chef, documentary film maker, and former Survivor contestant visited practice to collect footage for his upcoming documentary about Polish Americans in Detroit.

Celebrity Chef, Keith Famie

2007 should be another exciting year for Wawel. The group will travel to Chicago in July for the PFDAA Festival. Also on the 2007 performance calendar are appearances at Transfiguration Parish's Mardi Gras in February, St. Hyacinth's blessing of Polish Folk Ensemble mass in March and an appearance at Milwaukee, Wisconsin's annual Polish Fest. More events will follow as the year progresses

Wesolych Swiat

2006-12-26T10:13:00.000-05:00

Best Wishes for a very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

More to come in 2007...

Cicha Noc

2006-12-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, December 24, 2006, members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble participated in procession at Sweetest Heart of Mary's midnight mass in Detroit, Michigan.

Wawel has a long history with Sweetest Heart of Mary, participating in its Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, Sunrise Easter Sunday Service and in its annual Pierogi Festival in the late summer/early fall.

Sister Act

2006-12-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, December 3, 2006, the members of the Wawel Folk Ensemble performed for the Felician Sisters at the Felician Motherhouse in Livonia, Michigan as part of their Christmas Party.

Wawel presented its Nowy Sacz, Rzeszow, and Lubelski suites as well as the Karolina Polka for the sisters. Following the performance, members of the Ensemble partnered up with sisters for a group dance along to the Karolina Polka.

After the performance, the ensemble enjoyed lunch with the siters, a visit from Swiety Mikolaj and with sisters, who were unable to attend the party.

Wawel's next appearance will be at Sweetest Heart of Mary for Midnight Mass on December 24, 2006.

Polish Night with the Elks

2006-12-26T09:54:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, November 18, 2006, Wawel performed at the Mt. Clemen's Elk's Polish Night.

Wawel presented its Nowy Sacz, Rzeszow, and Lubelski suites as well as the Karolina Polka. After the performance, members of the ensemble were treated to Polish Buffet featuring items prepared by Wawel alumni David Laforge and current Wawel member and Mt. Clemen's Elk member David Porzondek.

After eating, members of the ensemble enjoyed the Elk's hospitality while listening to a D. J. spin Polka, Waltzes, and other Polish top - 40 favorites.

Wawel's next performance will be on December 3, 2006 at the Felician Motherhouse in Livonia, Michigan.

Windsor Folklorama

2006-10-29T18:48:00.000-05:00

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).

Kwasniewski in Michigan

2006-10-21T10:04:00.000-04:00

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.

General Pulaski Awards

2006-10-16T15:13:00.000-04:00

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!

Northville - Oktoberfest

2006-10-16T15:08:00.000-04:00

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

2006-10-16T15:07:00.000-04:00

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.

On the Road Again

2006-10-01T13:58:00.000-04:00

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.