2022 Madison Mustach

Madison (Maddie) Mustach is the daughter of John and Julie Mustach, and the granddaughter of Barbara and the late Steve Mustach and maternal grandmother Lorraine Asquith.  Maddie has a large extended Croatian family through the Seattle area, Woodland Hills, Zagreb and Obrez where her grandfather Steve was born.

Croatian heritage has been an important part of her life.  From an early age, Maddie always was putting on “a show” for anyone who would watch.  Impromptu singing and dancing were always on the showbill.  Maddie joined the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans (SJT) at the age of 9, singing, dancing and playing the prim.  She continued with the group until her high school graduation.  She was fortunate to have traveled with the SJT’s  to the Croatian Fraternal Union Junior Federation Tamburitza Festivals in Chicago and Zagreb. 

Maddie graduated from King’s Schools in Shoreline WA, where she played soccer, participated in track, was part of several vocal ensembles, and was a cheerleader.  She excelled in marketing and within her marketing classes Maddie was able to be part of the DECA program which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in careers in marketing, finance, management and hospitality in high school and colleges around the globe.  Maddie’s efforts paid off and she was able to go to the DECA International Competition every year during high school.

Currently a senior at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh PA, Maddie is majoring in Business Management and Digital Marketing and Analytics.  Maddie is also a performer beginning her fourth year with The Tamburtizans (formerly the Duquesne University Tamburitzans).   As a singer, dancer and musician, Maddie mostly enjoys the travel!  While COVID did hamper The Tamburitzans performance calendar, the group has been able to take their show on the road again.  Maddie’s favorite performances have been at the renown Calumet Theater in upper Michigan, and their traditional spring break tour in Florida. Maddie is the first student from Washington State have the honor to perform with the Tamburitzans. 

“I am honored to receive this recognition from the CroatiaFest members. I am lucky to be part of a supportive Croatian community.  I’ve made lifelong friends during my time in the SJT’s and The Tamburtizans. The Tammies have given me an outlet to express my cultural side.  It has allowed me to feel closer to my grandfather even with his recent passing.  Being able to start this journey in Seattle and continue in Pittsburgh is something I never thought I would be able to do, and I am extremely grateful for these opportunities.  I want to thank everyone who have been part of my experiences along the way.”

A special thanks goes out to Joanne Abdo, who encouraged Maddie to join the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans; and to Johnny Morovich, who encouraged her to try out for The Tamburitzans.

Madison (Maddie) Mustach is the daughter of John and Julie Mustach, and the granddaughter of Barbara and the late Steve Mustach and maternal grandmother Lorraine Asquith.  Maddie has a large extended Croatian family through the Seattle area, Woodland Hills, Zagreb and Obrez where her grandfather Steve was born.

Croatian heritage has been an important part of her life.    Maddie joined the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans (SJT) at the age of 9, singing, dancing and playing the prim.  She continued with the group until her high school graduation. She was fortunate to have traveled with the SJT’s  to the Croatian Fraternal Union Junior Federation Tamburitza Festivals in Chicago and Zagreb. 

Currently a senior at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh PA, Maddie is majoring in Business Management and Digital Marketing and Analytics.  She is also a performer beginning her fourth year with The Tamburtizans (formerly the Duquesne University Tamburitzans as a singer, dancer and musician.

Maddie will be honored at CroatiaFest on October 2nd.   

You can read Maddie’s complete bio in the 2022 CroatiaFest souvenir program and on the CroatiaFest website www.croatiafest.org.