Koleczkowianie Kashubian Folklore Ensamble
Koleczkowianie Kashubian Folklore Ensemble, established in 1973, is a prominent regional folk group based in Szemud, Poland. The ensemble operates under the Gminne Centrum Kultury, Sportu i Rekreacji and was founded by Franciszek Majkowski, with Jerzy Kieliński as the first musical director. From 1988 to 2024, Tadeusz Dargacz led the ensemble. The group comprises a band, dance, and singing sections, utilizing traditional instruments such as the bazuna, burczybas, rynczyk, and devil's fiddle.
Koleczkowianie is recognized as one of the most active Kashubian ensembles, having received numerous accolades, including the Gold Tur in 1992 and the Gold Tulip at the Northern Lands Folklore Festival in Gdańsk in 1984. The ensemble also secured top positions in various regional festivals.
The group has collaborated with Jarek Śmietana's jazz quartet on the "Jazz with Kashubian Folklore" project, performing in Poland and Copenhagen. They have toured extensively across Europe, visiting countries like Lithuania, Germany, France, Russia, Ukraine, and Slovakia.
Koleczkowianie has appeared in radio and television programs and films, such as "Popiełuszko, wolność jest w nas" and "Miasto z morza." They have received several honors for their contributions, including the "Medal Zasłużonym Ziemi Gdańskiej" and the "Amber Griffin" award.
Their repertoire includes traditional songs and dances, such as "Reboce na młerze" and "Marëszka," as well as contemporary compositions like "Od se cos dac."