Scythian's Page

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 pair of classically trained dueling fiddlers, toss in a rhythm guitar and the occasional funky accordion, then power it with the driving rhythm of a jazz percussionist, and you've got the ingredients for a show you won't soon forget. Their high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music has one goal in mind; to get people 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.

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.

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 a variety of Celtic tunes combining these with the Gypsy soul of his own Ukrainian ancestry.

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.

Mike Ounallah (Drums/Percussion/Vocals)

Mike comes from a Jazz background and enriches the sounds of Scythian with a wealth of experience and expertise. Mike recently earned a Masters of Jazz Studies degree at the University of Maryland. A true student of music, Mike combines his extensive knowledge with his Middle Eastern heritage which flavors the world music leanings of the band. Although respected for his knowledge of music and technical precision, he is also known as a musician who can flat out "bring it" and rock out with the best of them.