Dennis Nykolation reflects on a career that stretches back more than 70 years, beginning when his parents first encouraged him to practice violin at the age of seven. By 13, he was already playing in adult dance bands in Fisher Branch, Manitoba, joining musicians on accordion, guitar, and drums.
He says his musical path later took him to Winnipeg for work, where he reunited with friends to form the Interlake Polka Kings in the early 2000s. That led to the creation of The Polka Drifters in 2007 and 2008, performing across Manitoba and Saskatchewan while also recording two albums.
As his job with NCR relocated him to cities like Kitchener, Vancouver, and Brockville, Nykolation stepped away from professional performing for more than 30 years, though he kept playing casually at home.
In 2003, Bill Walsh called him with an invitation to reunite the Polka Kings for a Malanka party in Fisher Branch. They picked up where they left off, playing gigs across the Prairies until the group eventually retired. Nykolation then launched The Dennis Nykolation Band, which remains active today.
Looking back on hundreds of shows
He estimates they have played 350 shows since 2008, many in Manitoba but several in Saskatchewan as well.
“We just decided that this is a good time to wrap it up,” he notes. “We’re really looking forward to our gig on June the 8th in Fraserwood, Sunday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00. Hot lunch. And it’s just some good fun.”
He adds, “It’ll be bitter-sweet, but it’s time. So, I’m grateful for a lot of things. Grateful for my health. Grateful for my music buddies.”
Fraserwood holds special meaning
The Fraserwood Hall is a fitting location for Nykolation’s final show. Less than an hour from Winnipeg, it sits not far from where his career first started.
“It’s less than an hour from Winnipeg, from the airport to Fraserwood probably 45 to 50 minutes,” he notes. “Great hall, great dance floor, wonderful stage, great people to work with. And they put on a lunch like no other.”
Farewell tour brings memories
Over recent months, Nykolation has played several venues that have felt like unofficial farewell stops, including shows in Saint Claude and Siglavik.
“They absolutely do,” he says. “It’s been sort of a farewell tour every time. We never were playing the final time. But like you said, Saint Claude and Siglavik, that’s kind of what it’s been. I’ve been just grateful. And frankly flattered with some of the kind comments.”
Crowds keep the music alive
While the love of music keeps Nykolation on stage, it’s the crowd that has motivated him to keep performing.
“If people didn’t respond or the crowds weren’t there, you didn’t do it,” he adds. “There’s no money for the musicians. You’re not doing it for money. You’re doing it for love and just gratification and staying in touch with friends.”
Technology changes the stage
Advancements in sound equipment have transformed the way Nykolation performs. Modern technology allows him to recreate the full sound of a band as a solo performer.
“It’s worlds apart,” he says. “You get the various new equipment and recordings and the sound adds. You can have a drum and bass guitar, a horn, whatever. In addition to the fiddle. And you think there’d be five or six people on the stage, but it just be little old me.”
A diverse setlist through the years
Nykolation says it's impossible to narrow down a favourite song with so much variety in his sets.
“We play a variety of music as you have to today,” he says. “We advertise ourselves as old-time fiddle, classic country, classic rock, and Ukrainian. You kind of need to make sure you can do a good enough job on each one so that people relate to it.”
He adds that line dancing has become a regular part of his shows in recent years, while classics like the Butterfly Dance and polkas still make occasional appearances.
“It’s really gratifying and fun to do some really good country songs, whether it’s George Jones or Merle Haggard or Johnny Cash or whoever,” he continues. “You see them dancing, the floor's full and they sing along. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Returning to where it all started
Nykolation recalls his first show as a teenager at Fisher Branch’s smaller original hall.
“I was 13, going on 14, when I first started playing with an adult dance band,” he says. “There was an accordion, a guitar, drums, and me and the fiddle. That’s how it all started and they didn’t chase me off the stage.”
One final show ahead
The final performance is set for Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Fraserwood Hall from 1 to 5 p.m., complete with a full hot lunch served around 3 p.m.
“We’re going to have some fun to the last,” he says. “Fraserwood and Highway 7, you go past Stony Mountain, Stonewall, come on over. It’s easy to get to, about 45 minutes from Winnipeg. I hope to see you.”
A fond farewell celebration
Now, Nykolation officially prepares to retire the fiddle for good with his Fond Farewell Celebration.
The old time dance will be held at Fraserwood Hall on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m., including a hot lunch. Tickets are $20 and can be reserved by calling Lois at 204-643-5541 or Nancy at 204-861-0098.
It is being billed as The Fond Farewell Celebration: The Dennis Nykolation Band.
“Thank you for your support over the years,” Nykolation says.
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