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"Scythian's enthusiasm is contagious,
and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting
glasses." - The Washington Post
BIOS
and IMAGES
 Alexander
Fedoryka: Violin/Mandolin/Harmonica/Bass/Vocals
Trained classically, Alexander started playing at the age of 3 and
has performed in such venues as the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap.
Of note, Alexander spent six months in Japan studying under Dr.
Suzuki, the renowned founder of the Suzuki School of Music. Alexander
also spent four months playing in the streets of Ireland where he
picked up the Celtic spirit and combined it with the Gypsy soul
of his own Ukrainian ancestry.
 Josef
Crosby: Violin/Bass/Vocals
Trained classically, Josef studied at Duquesne under Joe Petron
and has performed in venues such as the Benedum Center and Soldiers
& Sailors memorial hall. Making the switch to Celtic fiddling,
Joe forms the second half of Scythian's signature "dueling
fiddles" and is known for his jazzy "dirt & grit"
style.
 Danylo
Fedoryka: Rhythm Guitar/Accordion/Vocals
Trained as a classical pianist, Danylo made the switch to rhythm
guitar in order to make music with his brother Alexander. Having
performed at the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap as a classical musician,
Danylo enjoys the free and somewhat loose spirit of Celtic music.
Putting his keyboard skills to use, Danylo also picked up the accordion
which he sports during the bands Gypsy and Klezmer pieces.
 Ben-David Warner: Banjo/Fiddle/Viola/Guitar/Tenor Banjo/Mandolin/Vocals
Picking up guitar and classical violin in his early teens, Ben-David quickly found a passion for music-making and it wasn't long before the years of live music in the home and listening to his dad's recorded cassette tapes of NPR's Celtic radio show "The Thistle and Shamrock" had him playing Celtic music with devotion. (Credit goes to his dad, David Warner, for also introducing the Fedorykas to the world of Celtic music through the same cassettes!) Wanting to share the joy of the music with others Ben-David spent time busking the street corners of Virginia and Ireland before being added to the Scythian roster to fill out the expanding sound of the band with five-string banjo and a few other things.
 Andrew Toy: Drums/Percussion
Since picking up the drums at an early age, Andrew has always enjoyed the versatility, power, and visual impact of the instrument. This led to, among other things, a long stint as a cruise ship musician, in which Andrew had the opportunity to perform on all seven seas and visit almost 70 countries. During this time, Andrew developed a fondness for the many different cultures and musical traditions of the world, which has enhanced his cosmopolitan (and sometimes over-the-top) approach to the drums.
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Teaser - for website use
Rousing and raucous, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays kicked-up Celtic and world music with hints of Gypsy and Klezmer, all infused with a touch of punk-rock sensibility. Take a trio of classically trained dueling fiddlers, toss in a rhythm guitar, a banjo and the occasional funky accordion, then power it with the driving rhythm of a world percussionist, and you've got the ingredients for a show you won't soon forget. Scythian's high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music is the result of their origins as street performers and has one goal in mind - to get people up on their feet and dancing. Their repertoire ranges from traditional and contemporary Celtic and folk music to the alluring and dramatic strains of Gypsy and Eastern European tunes, and then crosses back over the border to pick up some good old-fashioned bluegrass licks. Scythian is: Josef Crosby (Fiddle/Bass), Alexander (Fiddle/Mandolin) & Danylo Fedoryka (accordion/guitar), Ben-David Warner (Fiddle/Banjo) and Andrew Toy (Percussion).
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Press
and Reviews
"In
concert, Scythian proves to be one of Washington's most energetic
and eclectic bands… Scythian's enthusiasm is contagious, and
shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around, or hoisting
glasses."
- The Washington Post
"Scythian's
"Immigrant Road Show" is an adventure of some hard kicking,
infectiously hypnotic fiddling music. Once you start listening you
just can't get enough and suddenly you find yourself dancing across
the floor, the walls, the furniture and then right out the door
to find where the heck are these boys playing so I can get some
more! Gypsy Fiddle is just a masterful piece and showcases their
classical roots, their street roots and their obvious musical talents.
Make no mistake, the sound of these boys is hard rocking –
but with the musical genius of their classical background makes
for an unbelievable dancing experience. Kesh Jigs is a hard rocking
tune and definitely places them in the realm of Celtic Rock. Stonehenge
Revisited – a mystical embracing of our Celtic Roots. Technoccordian
will just put a smile on your face with its Celtic Techno sound
– and the list just goes on. This is a superb CD, the quality
incredible, the talent top notch. 5 Golden Celtic Radio Stars for
the Scythian boys!"
- CelticRadio.Net
"With
all the bows sawing back and forth at breakneck speeds it's a wonder
that somebody doesn't get an eye put out or something during their
set. With only a thirty to forty minute framework, Scythian took
the sedate Monday night crowd aback from the start with a fierce
twin fiddle instrumental and rarely let up on the intensity after
that with polka and gypsy songs thrown in among the more obviously
Irish-inspired tunes. By set's end the crowd was on their feet,
clapping in rhythm and even stomping their feet, chairs forgotten
for the moment. True entertainers know how to work the crowd, and
Scythian accomplished this with ease. Fans were singing and clapping,
but most of all, dancing -- the kind of dance that cultivates joy
and spreads it around. This is music that makes you feel good inside."
- Kevin Oliver, Music That Matters
"Scythian
brings first-generation authenticity to their unique hodgepodge
of Irish, Celtic, klezmer, and gypsy influences. Drawing inspiration
from the storytelling songcraft of traditional Irish music, [they]
move their sound into a much more indefinable realm by infusing
the traditionalist main course with modern-day flavors.... Immigrant
Road Show, is a resounding listen that lends raucous rock and roll-style
gusto and volume to their acoustically driven songs. All four members
prove to be engaging, talented, and inventive performers along the
way. With the recent trend of success for "traditional fusion"
acts such as DeVotchKa, Man Man, and Gogol Bordello, it's no surprise
that Scythian is closing in on widespread recognition as well. Having
won over audiences at this year's Merlefest with multiple shows,
the band are staring down a laundry list of concerts and festivals
in 2008 that will surely bring their Immigrant Road Show streaking
to the front of the pack. How could one resist their tour website's
greeting - "Come and join us for some pints and a jig or two!"
- Bryan Rodgers, Homegrown Music Network
"Classically
trained Scythian is popularly considered to play Celtic music for
people who hate Celtic music, but love rock."
- Washington Post Express
"Scythian
is developing a rabid following with interwoven playing that is
sure to deliver a grand time for all who see them. Scythian's set
could best be described as an interactive reel-based frolic, all
of the members of the band play a variety of instruments and are
natural showman, engaging the audience on every number."
- Glide Magazine
"The
word is out - Scythian kicks musical butt! Their impact on audiences
has been a bit like love at first sight/sound."
- Old Town Crier (Alexandria, VA)
Awards
2008
Album of the Year - Homegrown Music Network
2008
Voted Best Band in DC - Washington City Paper
**
XM
Radio's Bob Edwards Show Interview
**
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Testimonials
Promoters
"I
have seen a great number of bands in my years, though only a few
can relate to the crowd the way Scythian does. I have seen this
band in a club setting and on a stage in front of 5000 people, and
they whip a crowd into a frenzy! Tight grooves, outstanding musicianship,
and a spontaneity that few bands possess, I will be booking this
band at Summerfest for years to come!"
Doug
Johnson, Talent Buyer
Summerfest, Milwaukee, W.I.
"From
the rousing late night party to the Sunday afternoon stage jumps,
Scythian delivers with the kind of energy any festival with quality
programming deserves. I'll book them again and again."
Kris
Hodges
FloydFest
"Wildly
entertaining! Completely charismatic! Refreshingly professional!
And most importantly, so very talented! Scythian give 1000% of their
everything on and off stage. Bringing a natural energy coupled with
an extremely tight stage show, their considerable musical abilities
have never failed any promoter or let down any audience. In a short
time, Scythian has jumped to the forefront of the Celtic music scene.
Instrumentally and vocally they are forcing other performers to
reevaluate direction, content and substance. When we are able to
add Scythian to our festival line-up, we know we will have a winner.
Bill
Reid, East of the Hebrides Entertainment
Philadelphia, P.A.
With
so many new bands in the Celtic market...Scythian stands out. They're
innovative and fun: a blend of classical, Gyspy, bluegrass and Celtic
music. While you're sure to enjoy their CDs, nothing can match their
live shows where audience participation and dancing is a prerequisite.
Barry
Stapleton, Entertainment Director
Milwaukee Irish Fest, Milwaukee W.I.
"There
is now a Celtic folkrock band of which America can be shamelessly
proud. It's name is Scythian."
Michael
Jaworek, The Birchmere
Alexandria, V.A.
Press
"In
concert, Scythian proves to be one of Washington's most energetic
and eclectic bands."
The
Washington Post
"One
listen to Scythian - especially live - and you'll understand why
their high-energy, original brand of 'Celtic with an Edge' tunes
keep people yelling for more."
On
Tap Magazine
Playing
the I-95 corridor Scythian is developing a rabid following along
with interwoven playing that is sure to deliver a grand time for
all who see them . . . all of the members of the band play a variety
of instruments and are natural showmen, engaging the audience on
every number.
Glide
Magazine
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TESTIMONIALS . . .
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