The 2012-2013 Concert Series presents...
Kolo Club “Marian”
January 12, 2013
Performances at 11 am and 1 pm
at Martin Library
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With support from Shipley Energy and Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Appell, Jr.
This event is part of a series developed by the Susquehanna Folk Music Society and the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, made possible by a grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.
A part of our Martin Library series, presented in cooperation with Martin Library.
Kolo Club "Marian", from Steelton, brings their colorful costuming and lively music and dance to Martin Library for two family-friendly programs. Founded by eastern European immigrants who settled in Steelton and surrounding areas, this group is one of the oldest Croatian folklore ensembles in the USA. For decades they have maintained the music, costumes, and dances of their original homeland.
The group sings Croatian folk songs, has its own tambura orchestra, and makes its own costumes representing the various regions of Croatia. The ensemble is a major means of maintaining and disseminating Croatian culture through the community. Kolo Club "Marian" will perform and the audience will also have the opportunity to learn a Croatian dance. The group's leader, Rick Vukmanic, will provide commentary on the dances and lead a question and answer period.
Two Performances: 11 am and 1 pm
at Martin Library
159 E Market St, York, PA 17401 Directions
A FREE event!
Please pre-register by contacting the library.
Seating is limited!Register by phone:
call 717-846-5300 ext 222...Or register online:
visit the "Events" section of the library's website.
To Learn More...
More about Kolo Club "Marian"
With the Croatian people who migrated to Steelton, Pennsylvania at the turn of the 20th century, came a vast treasure of folklore. Through the years that followed, this culture became enmeshed with a great variety of others and gradually faded. Then, in 1953, a Franciscan priest, Fr. William Primorac, arrived at St. Mary's Croatian Catholic Church bringing with him hopes for a strong revival of this brilliant heritage.
In January of 1954, with the help of four women, Mary Kamenar, Barbara Yablon, Mary Maljan and Frances Zerance, Fr. Primorac organized a group of teenagers and young adults for the purpose of preserving and promoting their Croatian heritage. The name "Marian" was chosen in honor of the Marian Year of 1954 proclaimed by the Catholic Church and "kolo" after the national circle dance of Croatia. Through presentations of songs and dances, these young people brought back to life the traditions and culture of their forefathers.
Some fifty-five years later, the group continues strong in membership, consisting of first, second, third and fourth generation American Croatians, divided into junior, senior and alumni ensembles. Each spring, the Kolo Club "Marian" presents a new concert which entails months of research and rehearsals. Authentic and colorful costumes are created for each phase of the program.
Today, Fr. Primorac's foresight has assured that the Croatian community of south-central Pennsylvania is alive and thriving. Although to a smaller degree, his openness to explore other cultures has also assisted in preserving the traditoins of other nationalities in the area.
Concert Series
