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First, at 62, from an amazing run as a CEO across multiple businesses. And now, at 81, from his lifelong love: performing on his fiddle
Dennis picked up the fiddle at 7, began performing at 14, and over his career, recorded 17 albums. After retiring from the corporate world nineteen year ago, he created The Dennis Nykoliation Band, and got back on the road, playing more than 400 gigs!
His love for Ukrainian music, and vibrant energy on stage, truly moved people literally and figuratively!
In April, he was recognized and honoured by the Manitoba Legislature, inducted into the Manitoba Fiddlers Association Wall of Fame in 2017, and awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Canadian Ukrainian Musicians Association in 2015 for a legacy of sharing Ukrainian music with Canadians for nearly seven decades.
On June 8, over 300 people packed the hall in Fraserwood, Manitoba to celebrate his final performance. They clapped, danced, shed some tears of thanks, and smiled ear to ear from the joy of his band's music. Dennis has spent his life bringing joy to others through music, and it shows. His legacy plays on in every note, every memory, and each person who got to experience his magic.