Tamburitzans are a family affair for many Pittsburghers
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For Erin and Frank Bozicevic, performing with the Pittsburgh-based Tamburitzans is a family affair.
The Monroeville residents met at Duquesne University, and started dating while performing in the group.
Decades later, Frank still volunteers by driving the tour bus and creating musical arrangements. He’s also on the board of directors and recruiting committee.
Affectionately nicknamed the “Tammies,” the folk ensemble is in its 88th season and is the longest running stage production in the United States.
Erin and Frank’s son, Ryan, a junior at Duquesne, became interested after performing with his dad’s band, Orkestar Zabava.
When the band was in need of a drummer, Frank asked Ryan if wanted to play in their Youngstown, Ohio, show. Afterwards, the group asked Ryan – who also plays piano – if he wanted to join.
“I got the whole experience – getting on the bus at 6 a.m., riding the bus to New Jersey, unloading and setting up,” Ryan said. “After seeing that whole experience, I wanted to join. It was fun … it’s like a whole new family.”
Two of the Bozicevics’ nephews and their significant others also are alumni.
Seven cast members have parents who performed with the ensemble.
Isabella Husnick, a senior at Duquesne, grew up singing and playing the violin. Both of her parents and paternal grandparents were in the group.
Community College of Allegheny County sophomore Caryn Caloiero sings and plays seven instruments in the show. Her cousins, Sam and Sophia Calo, also perform.
Executive Director Alyssa Bushunow is also a third generation Tamburitzan. Like Erin, it’s how Bushunow met her husband.
Erin and Frank’s youngest son, Daniel, is a junior at Gateway High School, and Frankie and Mark – the two oldest – performed in the Junior Tamburitzans.
‘They’re doing it all’
The Tamburitzans are now comprised of 25 college students who attend various Pittsburgh colleges.
Students travel most weekends during the school year and perform on stages across the country, generally kicking off the tour in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.
The group performs one or two shows per weekend, totaling about 60 per year. The show takes audiences on a two-hour world tour to Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Armenia, Poland and Mexico.
Students arrive about four hours before a show.
“There isn’t a crew,” Frank said. “The tour manager, drivers and Tammies load and unload the bus. Lighting, costumes, sales and meal planning — they’re doing it all.”
“They’re in charge of sound, lighting, costumes and sound check,” Erin added.
New members sought
Students can audition their senior year of high school virtually or in person. Entrants are encouraged to showcase their talents; anyone with a background in singing, dancing, ballet, theatre or playing an instrument is welcome to try out.
Artistic director George “Butch” Kresovich and alumni review the auditions and call candidates and their parents in for interviews.
Once students are selected, Kresovich sees where talent lies, and designs a show based on the students’ strengths.
Every student who joins the Tamburitzans and attends a Pittsburgh-based college will receive sort form of financial aid, though scholarships amounts vary.
Auditions will be held in person by appointment on Dec. 7th at 1430 Superior Ave. in Pittsburgh.
For information on auditioning, contact: info@thetamburitzans.org or 412-224-2071.
Gateway performance
For the second year in a row, the Bozicevics will sponsor the Tamburitzans show at 3 p.m. on Jan. 25 at Gateway High School’s Robert A. Read Performing Arts Center. More than 700 patrons attended last year.
All proceeds will be donated to the Tamburitzans scholarship fund.
“Last year, we raised $10,000 and were able to set up a scholarship endowment with the Tamburitzans in memory of Frank’s parents, Frank and Betty Bozicevic, who were passionate supporters of this group,” Erin said.
For more information about the Tamburitzans, visit www.thetamburitzans.org.
The Tamburitzans show from last year, “Reflection,” will air on WQED at 8 p.m. on Nov. 30.