Introducing a phenomenon

The city of Chicago is full of hundreds of talented bands. Many of these bands are unknown and trying to make it in the big-time pop culture. One of these ‘underground’ bands is the American-Ukrainian group Yavyshche (Phenomenon).

Yavyshche, which has been together for three years, now, is in the process of writing and producing its first album, to be released sometime this summer. The band is made up of four guys, all Ukrainian who all share one common thing: their passion for music.

Their names are Mark Krutiak, 17, lead vocals and guitar; Andrew Luczak-Glubisz, 18, vocals and bass; Steve Zelenko, 18, drums; and Taras Demberekyj, 15, keyboards.

When the four musicians got together in 1998, they had some decisions to make. In the Chicago music scene, most bands perform and write their music in English, knowing that is what will be recognized and accepted. Yavyshche decided to stay true to its Ukrainian roots and write and perform songs in Ukrainian as well.

"We are all so dedicated to our Ukrainian community and don’t want to hide our nationality. It’s just the opposite- we want to stand out for our talents as bi-lingual musicians with a talent for writing in both languages," said Krutiak, who writes the Ukrainian music.

In the band's early period of performing, they played many events to get its name known. Some of these included fundraisers and dances sponsored by the American Ukrainian Youth Association, and Ukrainian Days, the yearly festival held in Chicago’s Smith Park.

"I loved the time when we played in the beginning before anyone really knew our talents and who we were. We wanted to show them just what we could do and the road getting here was amazing. We were out there having fun and playing our own music- it was a great feeling," said Luczak-Glubisz.

As they became better known and popular among the Ukrainian community, their talents were noticed in other cities as well. This past January, they played a New Year’s 2001 dance in Minneapolis, and they have been asked to play at a Ukrainian Festival in Manitoba, Canada for a stadium that seats 100,000.

In our own Windy City, Yavyshche played a Ukrainian New Year’s Ball at the Renaissance Hotel this past January, and they are expecting to play at Chicago’s music club, Metro.

The most important part of their practicing and playing is focusing and working on their soon-to-be -released album. The album will consist of 12 songs, 10 original written by Krutiak, and two revamped Ukrainian folk songs.

"I am so excited to release the album," Zelenko said. "I love playing the drums and more than that, I love that I can play with my friends and have fun. It’s an amazing feeling to see a crowd enjoying your music- it’s an instant connection. I just want all of our hard work to pay off."

For a demo sample, information on the band’s album, or booking, contact Mark Krutiak at (773) 772-2878.

To order Yavyshche T-shirts, get performance dates, pictures and more visit the band's site at: http://www.geocities.com/yavyshcheband.

Listen to a clip of Yavyshche's song "Teenie Bopper Queen."

PHOTOS:
Drummer Steve Zelenko, bassist Andrew Luczak-Glubisz and keyboardist Taras Demberekyj doing a warm-up song.
Luczak-Glubisz practicing vocals.
Guitarist Mark Krutiak practicing at the studio.

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