The Kawa Family Band have been playing together off and on since 1977. They are thrilled to be performing once again and providing the dance music on Friday, July 11, 2008 at the Kimberley Civic Centre. Leading the group is proud father and grandfather, Edward Kawa of Edmonton, AB.

Ed has been attending and enjoying Kimberley’s Accordion Festival for over 10 years, and it is a thrill for him to be performing for the fourth year at the wonderful age of 71 with his family.

Austin Kawa, grandson, already a KIOTAC veteran at the age of 18, adds to the band with his great accordion talent, energetic showmanship and love of Old Time Dance music. Austin was the winner of the Happy Hans Open Competition in 2005 at the age of 15 and repeating his win in 2006 his playing and enthusiasm for the music just gets bigger and better.

Andy Kawa, father of Austin, also from Edmonton and the eldest Kawa son, plays the bass guitar, acoustic guitar, and saxophone, sings a fantastic Elvis and manages the band.

Drummer Rick Kawa, hailing from Lethbridge, Alberta, adds a lively dynamic and keeps the beat with a never ending supply of energy, humor and wit.

Evon Olsen, from Vancouver, British Columbia, plays the keyboard, sings, tries to keep the Kawa boys in line and smiles the evening away.

Since their debut performance at KIOTAC last year, the Kawas have performed at the German Club in Edmonton and will be opening for Walter Ostanek and the Western Senators May 9 – 11, 2008 at the Calmar, Alberta Spring Dance and Music Festival. They are also scheduled to perform at the Edmonton Accordion Extravaganza in September, 2008 and are looking forward to sharing their love of music once again in Kimberley this summer with a wide variety of musical styles; from old time, country,swing to rock n’ roll.

A little bit of something for every person’s musical taste and dancing pleasure.