About the Band

Multi-instrumentalist Danny Knicely, originally from the Shenandoah Valley, has used his roots in old-time and bluegrass to explore various types of music from around the world. He has shared his music and collaborated with musicians in over a dozen countries spanning four continents, including U.S. State Department tours in Tunisia, Morocco, Russia, and Cabo Verde. For this year’s annual collaborative showcase, he presents The Melichenko Family, a virtuosic trio from Ukraine. The Melichenko Family features accordionist and professor of Ukrainian Folk music Sergiy Melichenko; his son Vladyslav, who plays accordion and guitar; and daughter Anastasia, who plays violin. Each member has won many awards nationally and internationally for their musical expertise. The Melichenkos, originally from Rivne, Ukraine, fled Belarus in early 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and now make their home in the Shenandoah Valley. They will be joined by multi-genre singer/violinist Julia Kwolyk, a second-generation Ukrainian American, and versatile upright bassist Neil Knicely. Expect an extravaganza of dynamic, fast-paced Bluegrass, Ukrainian Folk, and original music!