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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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