Bailey Sutherland, Daily Herald
A second-generation, acclaimed polka band formed by a former Prince Albert resident is set to open up a set at the Prince Albert Exhibition Thursday.
Jordan Rody, along with Tom Reinhart, accordionists for Saskatchewan’s Grammy nominated Polka band, the Western Senators, are set to open for Donny Parenteau at the Prince Albert Exhibition on the Grandstand. The gate admission & grandstand package for Thursday is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for children. They are set to take the stage on Thursday, August 1st at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available at the Prince Albert Exhibition grounds.
Rody is the second generation to play for the Western Senators, following the footsteps of his grandfather, Mike Kushneryk, who cofounded the band in 1976. Rody says it is “kind of neat how things have come full circle and is it an absolute privilege to keep it going”.
His Prince Albert performance will be a memorable one, as Kushneryk is formerly from the city and many relatives are expected to be in attendance. It is also Rody’s first time ever at the exhibition.
Rody recently released his debut album Main Squeeze!, which was nominated for International Style Album of the Year and his song “Bye Bye my Baby” was nominated for Song of the Year at the International Polka Association in Buffalo, New York. Rody says the songs are “Polka standards” and he cannot pick a favourite. He has won awards at the Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships, performed at the 6th Annual PolkaFest at Casino Regina Show Lounge and is a “Special Guest” on Season 7 of PolkaRama! with Walter Ostanek and The Western Senators.
Following the Prince Albert Exhibition, the entire Western Senators line up is scheduled to perform on Saturday, August 3rd, at Danceland in Manitou Beach. Tickets for the performance are available by calling (306) 946-2743.
