EVENTS: DAKHA BRAKHA CONCERT
On September 15, the world-famous Ukrainian quartet DakhaBrakha performed at Boulder Theater as part of their 20th anniversary tour. DakhaBrakha–which began as a project of the Kyiv Center for Contemporary Art (DAKH), and whose name means “give/take” in old Ukrainian–are renowned for their eclectic sound, which is laced with Ukrainian folk and diverse world music influences, and that they call “ethno-chaos.”
When Sunflower Seeds Ukraine Volunteer Ulana Bihun heard that DakhaBrakha were coming to Boulder to perform, she contacted the Boulder Theater which, with DakhaBrakha’s approval, generously invited Sunflower Seeds Ukraine (SFSU) to collaborate with KGNU as event co-sponsors. In the months leading up to the event, SFSU and KGNU promoted the event in print, on social media, at events, on the air, and with ticket giveaways.
Sure enough, the show drew close to the theater’s max capacity of 850 people, who came ready to be energized by DakhaBrakha’s mesmerizing message. Ulana was honored to be asked to introduce the band and share a bit about the work Sunflower Seeds Ukraine volunteers do to support Ukrainian Defenders and affected civilians. A natural speaker, she had the crowd cheering before the band even took the stage.
For close to two hours, a powerful and somber yet positive energy cast a spell over the theater. The crowd was enthusiastic from the moment frontman Marko opened with “We are DakhaBrakha from FREE Ukraine!” The air was filled with driving rhythms, ethereal voices, and their trademark cacophony of bird sounds. Above the band, who were dressed in their trademark intricate costumes and tall fur hats, hung a screen showing animations that helped everyone understand the meaning of the lyrics–even those who don’t speak Ukrainian. A particularly memorable song was accompanied by a moving video showing scenes of everyday life for Ukrainian Defenders.
At the end of the show, DakhaBrakha conducted a raucous and entertaining musical auction that raised several thousand dollars for Ukraine. Bidders sparred over two special band-related paintings, and drummer Olena auctioned her well-used drumsticks.
Throughout the show, SFSU volunteers took turns working an information table, where we were able to tell guests about the work we do and where Cyndi, our resident artist and Ukraine-themed jewelry maker, and Katya engaged supporters with their conversation and heartfelt dedication.
After the show, Ulana and Andriy were invited to meet the band backstage, where they were able to present the performers with SFSU t-shirts and our sincere appreciation.
According to interviews, DakhaBrakha was about to begin a long-anticipated tour in 2022 when the full-scale invasion began. They felt conflicted about continuing to perform, but like many Ukrainian artists, they decided to support their country the best way they could–by raising awareness and support with their talent. Marko got a huge crowd reaction when he gave the greeting which has become a wartime slogan: Доброго вечора, ми з України (Good Evening, We Are from Ukraine).
If you have opportunities to see and support Ukrainian performers and artists, don’t miss these chances. It’s motivating and inspiring to learn about the culture while spending time with fellow supporters of Ukraine.
Fun Fact: Marko’s voice is sampled on the popular electronic track “Доброго вечора (Where Are You From?)” by ProBass & Hardi.
