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RUKUS - ruk-us

Pronunciation: 'r&-k&s also 'rŸ- or 'ru
Function: noun
Etymology: probably blend of ruction and rumpus
Date: circa 1890
Synonyms: Commotion, furore, fuss, rumpus, shindig, shindy, to do, uproar.

Any combination of human body sounds and movements such as screaming, yelling, hooting, hollering, shouting, whistling, banging, while dancing, jumping, shaking, twisting, gyrating, etc. in the spirit of letting off steam and having a good time. He or she who exerts the loudest sounds and wildest movements raises the best RUKUS.

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".... just wanted to tell you what a fantastic show you put on at Butchart Gardens!  First time I have heard your group and thought it was great.  Of course, growing up in the 50s and 60s I am very partial to rock and roll music..."--Kathleen Leach

"...I have been an annual pass holder for years and I get the pass mainly to take in the entertainment throughout the summer.  I've been to several shows this summer and enjoyed them all.  One in particular really stands out as my favourite and it was "Rukus" !!  Absolutely blew me away.  No one in the audience was sitting still, feet, and bums were grooving to the beat of the oldies. . . .  everyone around me was sorry to see it end....."--Linda Snelling

"We thank you for all the wonderful entertainment and the groovy tunes. It has been fabulous getting to know you all and we look forward to a spectacular new year full of happiness, joy & great music.....you are one fine band"--Lulu and Paisley

"I just wanted to say how much we appreciate all you did to contribute towards my 60th birthday celebration. The event was a huge success and we received many compliments on the superb program and excellent music you provided. Many thanks to all of you"--Jim and Diane Gordon

..."I think they are really one the the premiere bands of Vancouver Island for sure...they play great music, people enjoy them"--Jim Smith (Victoria's first Rock'n'Roller)

"They play just about everything you want to hear"--Maxine

"...the music is all songs we know and enjoy so you're not only dancing but singing along with it"--Red E

"I'm their number one fan!"--Diane Barry

"I am pretty sure that none of my predecessors ever had a 'house band' like Rukus"--Her Honor Iona Campagnola, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia

"I wanted to thank you and the rest of the band for helping make such an occasion of my surprise 60th birthday party at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. The whole evening was a complete success....your choice of numbers, the great arrangements kept everyone dancing"--Regards, John and Diane Carter

"Just wanted to say Thank You for all your organization and energy with regards to "A Night At the Tango" at Legends.  Your professionalism shone through from sound check to the end of your evening performance. Bravo"--Colleen Scott

"..how very much we enjoyed your music and what a pleasure it was working with all of you.  Even the younger generation enjoyed the evening. Thank you once again to even be able to come to Courtenay to begin with!  There will absolutely be no hesitation from any of us to highly recommend your group. Thank you so much. Hopefully we'll see you again in the future."--Regards Jill Hansen from Remax

"...you guys rock...everything you do well so follow your hearts"  Debora Abood

"...we're Rukus groupies!"  Linda MacNaughton

"Thank you for an enjoyable evening...to bring joy to others is an important gift"  Keith Varga

"You guys are just great"  Ed Greer

"We really want to thank you for all the fun you have given us over the past year. We have had more fun dancing to "Rukus" than should be legal and we are holding each one of you responsible for all the laugh lines that continue to form on our faces.
Thanks for the laugh lines--thanks for the memories--thanks for the fun.--Bonnie Segger and Ron Smailes

"What a show! The best band in Victoria." - Red Robinson, Hall of Fame radio personality.

"I had great fun performing with Rukus once again this year.  You're a superb band." - Scott MacDonald (Virtual Elvis)

"All your music is great!  Thanks for all the Elvis songs.........good singer and a good band."  -  Penny Metcalfe  White Rock, BC

"Just a short note of thanks to you and your band RUKUS for your good rockin' music. It was a big success, more people dancing than we've ever had. We would like to book you again for the next year's dance." - Ian Flint, President, Victoria Mixed Fastball League.

"Thank you for your performance at the Club. The place was rockin'. The members and their guests had a great time. We look forward to having you back." - Ed Life, Vice Commodore, Royal Victoria Yacht Club.

"We would like to thank you for the amazing performance you provided us with on our wedding day. We had nothing but compliments and praise for RUKUS from all generations. Your wide range of music made the evening enjoyable for all. We would certainly recommend you for any event." - Casey and Tanna Lewis.

"...you know them all...you guys are just great"  Glenys McArthur

"..best band in years for us"  Ray Lefebyre

"A note to say how much support we received for the music provided at Uplands Golf Course on Saturday. A huge thanks to the RUKUS group for another great evening. See you next year." - Jack Bowers, Treasurer, Camosun Gyro Club.

"Thanks so much for doing a great job for me on this gig, guys. By all accounts, everything went very smoothly. I hope to work together again." - Tom Watson, The Timebenders.

"Thank you for a great evening of music at the M/M Tournament. The members have asked for a repeat performance next year." - Shelley DeHoog, Catering & Event Coordinator, Colwood Golf Club.

"The dance/auction was a huge success. The music got everyone up and jiving to the tunes belted out by a great bunch of guys - RUKUS. It was the best live music most of us heard in a long time, truly a gift. The people who attended had just THE best time and so much of that was due to the fabulous music you all provided. The whole evening was a great success." - Richard and Selena Ordell.

"Many thanks for the superb performance that you and your band members put on for my 60th birthday party. The authenticity of your music was certainly the highlight of the evening. Fun was had by all our guests and the fact that the dance floor was fully occupied from the very beginning until the end of the evening speaks for itself. My heartfelt thanks to the band for such a terrific performance." - Gordon Smith, Executive Director, Center for Global Studies, UVIC.

"We want to send our thanks to you and RUKUS. Julie's birthday bash was a great success and we've had a lot of positive feedback, phone calls, cards and comments and our friends thanked us for a wonderful time...included in the remarks were kudos for the dance music and your Elvis Impersonations. Everyone enjoyed dancing to the 50's music, it seemed that once the dancing started, no one wanted to sit down. RUKUS will be long remembered." - Jack McNeill.

"I'd like to thank you and your band for providing the "live" entertainment at my husband's surprise 50th birthday party. It went real well and the RUKUS band played a big part in the moment of surprise. We had many good comments on your 50's and 60's music. It brought back a lot of great memories." Nancy Dand.

"Your performance was so well received at our annual Valentine's dance that our club would like to book your band for our upcoming 1995 Valentine's dance." - Mike Hooper, President, Vancouver Island Street Rod Association.

"Thanks for making my birthday very special. You and your band are outstanding and I look forward to your next event." - Ken Clapham

"Thanks to you guys for the great concert - really great to see folks of all ages blissed out on the music! The acoustics were great. Possibly our favorite RUKUS event since Crystal Gardens." - Bill and Linda.

"My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed your fabulous performance at Government House. Bob's rendition of Roy Orbison was top-notch. The commentaries between songs brought back lots of fond memories. You guys should all be very proud of yourselves. You have captured and presented a treasured memory for many many people." - Glenys McArthur.

"We totally enjoyed your show last night in the gardens. Also, your music at the legion the other weekend." - Naomi Lange.

"Bob was again in fine voice at Government House. Keep Rockin'." - Mel Lewis.

"Thanks so much, everyone had a great time and enjoyed the music." - Ian Copus, President, Brentwood Community Club.

"A great success, we would like to have the RUKUS band back in the future." - John Farry, Executive Director, Friends of Music Society.

"Enjoyed hearing a band that treats the songs the way they should be treated. Let me know what you would charge for a show in the United States. Perhaps in our bookings we can line something up for you." - Larry Kelley (US promoter)

"Their performance is such a good reminder of the excellent dances they did at the crystal Gardens. It was fabulous." - Jim Gordon

"Hi guys. We're big fans of RUKUS...heard you at the Hall of Fame Pharaohs Induction a few months back. I wonder if you can help us. We're looking for a band with your sound to play at our wedding in Vancouver May 27. (We would love to have you guys, but the cost of bringing you over might be too prohibitive!!?). Can you suggest a band this side of the water?" - Cynthia Williams (& Andrew)

"I would be happy if you guys would record my original song, 'The Bongo Man'." Norm Pringle (Victoria disc jockey on CKDA in the 50's)

"Good looking website. Looks like you're working quite a bit. God bless." Ray Walker (bass singer, the Jordinaires)

"A special thank you to all who attended the Tsunami benefit show at Diego's on Saturday night. RUKUS started the night out with upbeat 50's and 60's hits from Elvis, The Beatles, and Jerry Lee Lewis, from there the dancing was on." - Gord Grand, Co-ordinator.