A Jiggin’ Good Time – Appaloosa’s 5th year anniversary

Last Saturday marked the 5th anniversary of the county loved music festival, Appaloosa, hosted by the widely known locally-founded band Scythian. The event was packed with folk rock fans, die-hard country lovers, and a plethora of Gaelic spirit marking Scythian’s Irish, among other musical roots. The Virginia Tourism Corporation has awarded the festival the Music Lovers Grant for its role in building Virginia’s reputation as a music destination. With over 6,000 attendees and 33 bands appearing over the weekend, every day was a party, but Saturday was more packed than any other.

Crowds letting loose in the wake of Scythian’s stellar performance

The crowds gathered tightly on Saturday to watch Scythian’s performance. Named after Ukrainian nomads, and famous for their Celtic, Eastern European, and Appalachian musical roots, Scythian founded the Appaloosa Festival as an extension of their love for music. The Band Members, Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka, joined by Fritz McGirr and Ethan Dean, all grew up in Front Royal and view Appaloosa as a homecoming experience.

Scythian sways the crowd in a night of Gaelic cheer

Being a family centered event, Scythian itself is a family. Lead singers Alexander and Danylo are brothers. By combining Alexander’s fiddle and Danylo’s accordion with the angelic voice of Katie Fedoryka, Alexander’s wife, they created a one of a kind harmony.

Alexander, Danylo and Katie Fedoryka

Scythian also partnered with Virginia artist and music therapist Daniel Derrico. Daniel has struggled with Tourettes Syndrome his entire life, but with the help of music therapy he has not only overcome these struggles but become a successful musician in the process. Daniel partners with the “Same Sky” project as part of an organization called “A Place to Be” which helps people with all kinds of disabilities through musical therapy.

Daniel Derrico, a member and advocate of “A Place to Be,” showing that a disability doesn’t have to get in the way of your dreams

Watch a few minutes of Scythian’s spectacular performance right here in this Royal Examiner exclusive video: