My surname is "Beekeeper" in Ukrainian. In Ukrainian circles I am also nick named "Ludwig". I am of Ukrainian / Irish descent and come from a musical family. My Mum's cousin was Eddie Rabbit, the Irish/American Country singer who wrote "Every which way but loose" for the Clint Eastwood film with an Orangutan, and "Kentucky Rain" sung by Elvis Presley. I was piano accordionist & co/songwriter with the original line up of The Ukrainians founded by ex-Wedding Present guitarist Pete Solowka, for the Vorony, Kultura & Smiths covers EP. Roman Remeynes, (original mandolinist co/songwriter) & I grew up participating in our respective Ukrainian communities which gave us both a good grounding in traditional music. "The Ukrainians" achieved considerable international success performing at venues ranging from Ukraine's second anniversary of Independence in Kyiv, Ukraine, through to the Bumbershoot & Glastonbury festivals in the USA & England, & numerous European festivals & venues. We also recorded a sound track to a Nike sports wear advert. I toured with "The Ukrainians" taking "Vorony" & "Kultura" LP's, & the Smiths covers EP on the road around Europe and the Canadian/US first tour. I also went with them to Ukraine for the joint tour with Ukraine rock giants V V. Radio appearances included Peel & Kershaw sessions & other British, Canadian, US, & European Radio & TV. Since leaving The Ukrainians I have worked on the following: Music for BBC TV Football programme hosted by Mark Wright "Row Z". Music for London theatre, Frederic Molnars "Husbands and Lovers", London City Lit. Bass singer in Ukrainian male voice choir “Bulava”directed by international opera star Pawlo Hunka Bulava for their first tour "Vyrkhovyna". Accordionist for Welsh Folk Rocksters Here Be Dragons Here Be Dragons 2007 to 2014. Joined them for American ABC TV Debut and Celtic Music Festival in Chicago in 2007, and subsequent Italy tours of 2011 and 2012. Headlined at Cardiff International Arena for Welsh Beer and Cider Festival 2013. Last gig - Normandy, France November 2014. Still "in the squad" as reserve accordionist, but looking for another musical challenge at present. Any "folk rockster" bands out there in need of an accordionist, just contact me! Session work on: The Bishop of Buffalo, Rev Hammer, produced by Justin Sullivan, New Model army. The Bridewell Taxis's release "Cage" produced by Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera. Accordion on NY Ukrainian duets "Darka and Slavko" last release. Accordion on latest release "Elvis Lives Here", by The Swagger Band featuring Swill (Phil Odgers) also of The Men They Couldn't Hang. English translations of Orange Revolution hit, Ya Patriot, and "Children of Orange" by Ukrainian artist Lessia Horova (Atlantic Records). Releasing original material and my own translations of Ukrainian traditional songs digitally and doing the occasional gig here and there solo or as part of a 3 piece singing and playing accordion or guitar, accompanied with bass and drums.