Zylawy Brothers reunite
<p>Roman Jr., Kenley and Wyatt Zylawy perform bluegrass and country music during their reunion concert at the River Edge Steakhouse. </p>
ALBERTON – The bonds of brotherhood were celebrated last week as, in a rare one night only appearance, the Zylawy Brothers reunited to perform at the River Edge Steakhouse.
On Wednesday, March 12, Wyatt Zylawy, Kenley Zylawy and Roman Zylawy Jr. set up with a banjo, standing bass and a guitar to serenade the diners with their bluegrass songs.
Watching them, it was clear the brothers enjoyed playing together and performing for the crowd. Even when one of them lost a pick in his instrument, it did not slow them down and they played on.
Kenley said it was great to play with his brothers again. He said it was a good way for them to meet up with their fans and friends throughout the area. He also described the performance as a way to give back to the community while having fun and doing something they love.
The inspiration for their music came from their dad and his preference in musical groups. Kenley said their father, Roman Zylawy Sr., liked the band the Seldom Scene and would play their music in the car. When they would sing along in the car, the guys realized they could harmonize perfectly with the band and sounded good.
“We don’t all want to sing the same thing,” Kenley said. “When that band came on, we could pick out ‘oh, you take an octave up here, I’ll take the middle you take the low.’ It’s an easy way for all of us to sing together and actually sound really good and have fun doing it.”
According to Roman Sr., the guys all took violin lessons while growing up. Wyatt also took some guitar lessons. Since then, they have added a number of other instruments, including the fiddle, cello and mandolin.
“They just picked it up by ear and all the other instruments they learned on their own,” Roman Sr. said.
He said they started playing together around 2010. According to Kenley, the idea came while the guys were hanging out. He said someone suggested they play a gig because of how good they were at music. The brothers arranged a performance and it became something they wanted to do as a regular thing. However, as time went on it became more difficult for them to play as a group.
After high school, Roman Jr. and Kenley left to join the Coast Guard. Since Kenley is stationed in San Diego and Roman Jr. in Kodiak, AK, they are able to get together on rare occasions. Whenever the trio can get together while the older siblings are on leave from their Coast Guard stations, they always try to set up a performance to play together.
Shawn Hagle, co-owner of the River Edge Steakhouse, said the guys have been playing at the restaurant for a long time. The Hagles helped the guys get their start and let them practice in the space when they wanted.
“Every time they’re all together at home they all play here,” Hagle said. “So they always try to do a little reunion thing and every time they put a CD together they play.”
Kenley appreciated the support, both then and now, from the Hagles.
While they cannot be sure when it will be, the brothers always look forward to the next time they will be reunited. When this happens, they will celebrate by playing music together and sharing their talents with their neighbors.