I started my life as a performing musician with the Penn Balalaika Orchestra in 1972, then directed by Stephen Wolownik. I stayed on to direct the orchestra until about 1978. I played with Tom Walker and Patty Guz in the Troika Balalaika Trio.
When Steve returned to Philadelphia in 1980, he, Judy Sherman and I formed the group The Gypsy Balalaikas. We played together for over twenty years in the Gypsy Balalaikas and the reknowned cabaret ensemble Balalaika Russe, until Steve's death in 2000.
Below are some selections of recordings I made with Steve and Judy as The Gypsy Balalaikas
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