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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 ministries. 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, Seann McGovern, Stephanie Fehringer, Bobby Logergren, Randy and Rose Hella, Frank B. Bucar, Leslie Bucar, Mark Spehar, Jen Brown, Barb Smolnikar-Larson, Denice Maciej, Joe Jagunich, DJ McClain and John Stark.
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