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| Biography |
The Singing Slovenes
Under the direction of Frank Bucar and assistant director Mary Spehar White,
“The Singing Slovenes” were formed in the multi-ethnic community of Gary-
New Duluth in 1980. The mission of the Minnesota group is to preserve
Slovenian music and cultural heritage. Slovenia is an alpine country nestled
between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Though the name of the troupe
is indicative of the Slovenian heritage, the group boasts a wide and varied
number of nationalities. The “Singing Slovenes” represent countries far and
wide; Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Poland, France, Norway,
Finland, and Sweden.
Sharing the joy of their musical heritage helps promote good fellowship and
love of their neighbors through the use of their time and talents. These
performances are educational as well as entertaining. Dressing in native
costumes for performances at educational facilities gives the students the
opportunity to experience other cultural attire. There are also geographical
and language lessons that transpire during the course of the performance.
The singers also appear at festivals, senior centers and nursing homes, as
well as area churches with their musical ministry. Instrumental
accompaniment for the troupe is provided with accordions, guitars, and
drums. “The Singing Slovenes” promote fellowship through music and cultural
education, sharing the Slovenian heritage and preserving it for current and
future generations.
The following members make up ”The Singing Slovenes”: Frank and Sharon
Bucar, Mary Spehar White, Joe and Alice Janchar, John and Polly Stojevich,
Ann Menart, Gail Keefe, Seannn McGovern, Stephanie Fehringer, Bobby
Logergren, Randy and Rose Hella, Frank B. and Leslie Bucar, Mark Spehar,
Jen Brown, Barb Smolnikar Larson, Denice Maciej, Joe Jagunich, John Stark,
and D.J. McLain.
Under the direction of Frank Bucar and assistant director Mary Spehar White,
“The Singing Slovenes” were formed in the multi-ethnic community of Gary-
New Duluth in 1980. The mission of the Minnesota group is to preserve
Slovenian music and cultural heritage. Slovenia is an alpine country nestled
between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Though the name of the troupe
is indicative of the Slovenian heritage, the group boasts a wide and varied
number of nationalities. The “Singing Slovenes” represent countries far and
wide; Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Poland, France, Norway,
Finland, and Sweden.
Sharing the joy of their musical heritage helps promote good fellowship and
love of their neighbors through the use of their time and talents. These
performances are educational as well as entertaining. Dressing in native
costumes for performances at educational facilities gives the students the
opportunity to experience other cultural attire. There are also geographical
and language lessons that transpire during the course of the performance.
The singers also appear at festivals, senior centers and nursing homes, as
well as area churches with their musical ministry. Instrumental
accompaniment for the troupe is provided with accordions, guitars, and
drums. “The Singing Slovenes” promote fellowship through music and cultural
education, sharing the Slovenian heritage and preserving it for current and
future generations.
The following members make up ”The Singing Slovenes”: Frank and Sharon
Bucar, Mary Spehar White, Joe and Alice Janchar, John and Polly Stojevich,
Ann Menart, Gail Keefe, Seannn McGovern, Stephanie Fehringer, Bobby
Logergren, Randy and Rose Hella, Frank B. and Leslie Bucar, Mark Spehar,
Jen Brown, Barb Smolnikar Larson, Denice Maciej, Joe Jagunich, John Stark,
and D.J. McLain.
