On Friday, February 24 at 8 p.m., join the Midwest Trust Center for an evening with the Ukrainian folk-punk quartet, DakhaBrakha. In a performance unlike any other, the ensemble weaves fundamental elements of sound and soul, creating a world of unexpected new music.
“The group mixes everything from punk-pop to traditional Ukrainian songs in cool yet beguiling textures, often with the close harmonies usually associated with Balkan music. But it’s really the live shows that take DakhaBrakha beyond mere curiosity to utter brilliance.” — NPR
Since joining forces in 2004 at the Kyiv Center of Contemporary Art “DAKH,” DakhaBrakha has taken their uniquely Ukrainian “entho chaos” sound around the world and back again. They were initially brought together by the avant-garde theatre director – Vladyslav Troitskyi – and given the name that means “give/take” in the old Ukrainian language. That early theatre work has stayed with the ensemble for nearly twenty years, as they incorporate a strong visual element into all their shows.
Accompanied by Indian, Arabic, African, Ukrainian and Australian traditional instrumentation, the quartet’s astonishingly powerful and uncompromising vocal range creates a trans-national sound rooted in Ukrainian culture. At the crossroads of Ukrainian folklore and theatre, their musical spectrum is at first intimate then riotous, plumbing the depths of contemporary roots and rhythms, inspiring “cultural and artistic liberation.”
In March 2010, DakhaBrakha won the prestigious Grand Prix prize named after S.Kuriokhin, in the sphere of contemporary art, and confirmed its place in the culture once again. In March 2011 DakhaBrakha was discovered by Australian Womadelaide and began their ascent in the international music scene. Their performances have taken them to major international festivals throughout Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, Asia, Australia and North America.
A major goal of their music and tours is to open the potential of Ukrainian melodies, bringing it to the hearts and consciousness of the younger generation in Ukraine and the rest of the world. The quartet, comprised of Marko Halanevych (vocals, darbuka, tabla, accordion), Iryna Kovalenko (vocals, djembe, bass drums, accordion, percussion, bugay, zgaleyka, piano), Olena Tsybulska (vocals, bass drums, percussion, garmoshka) and Nina Garenetska (vocals, cello, bass drum), has consistently worked to use their artform to raise awareness for their culture and their country. When war broke out in their home country early last year, DakhaBrakha partnered with several organizations to raise funds for relief efforts. With each concert they strive to preserve the music and history of their beloved homeland while sharing an unforgettable evening with their audience.
To learn more, visit jccc.edu/MidwestTrustCenter. Purchase tickets here.
