Walter Kuzyk, a lifelong fiddler from Portage la Prairie, joins the Manitoba Fiddle Hall of Fame in Carman Sunday, April 27. The induction, organized by the local musicians’ association, recognizes his decades of dedication to preserving traditional fiddle music.
A family tradition and reluctant recognition
Kuzyk, now in his late 70s, jokes that the honour “wasn’t my idea.”
“They’ve been after me for two or three years now,” he says.
His musical journey began at age eight, inspired by family.
“My father played fiddle. Grandfather played fiddle. So it kind of runs in the family,” Kuzyk notes.
His brother was with him during the interview and adds, “It was either pick up the fiddle and start to learn or do the dishes. That was a no-brainer.”
Decades of performances and shifting trends
Kuzyk’s early career included playing in his father’s orchestra, which once booked six gigs a month. Though he never recorded an album, his influence spans generations.
When asked about the genre’s future, Kuzyk reflects on changing tastes.
“The younger people do not take interest in this kind of music,” he adds. “Taylor Swift, the new country sensation, she’s worth over a billion dollars. But that shows you where the audience is.”
Honouring legacy amid challenges
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony includes a plaque and dinner, with fellow inductees Boris Novosad and Bob Marginet. Kuzyk downplays the recognition but acknowledges its significance.
“Feels good though,” he continues. “I’ve got compliments just from [the] general public.”
A multi-instrumentalist’s perspective
Though fiddle remains his passion, Kuzyk plays “anything that’s got strings,” including guitar and banjo. His advice for aspiring musicians is pragmatic.
“You have to work pretty hard to be a fiddle player,” he says. “My father played fiddle at weddings. I played fiddle at funerals. That shows you the trend.”
For now, the lifelong musician remains characteristically humble.
“I’m very honoured,” he concludes. “That’s about all I can say.”