Eastern Europe is coming to Jefferson in a special concert sponsored by Razom for Ukraine, a U.S. non-profit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and the top advocate for the U.S.-Ukraine bilateral relationship.
The group has partnered with the Friends of the Jefferson Arts and Cumberland Presbyterian Church to host Cultural Forces for a concert at 10:30a. Other conerts are also available in Shreveport on October 18-21.
Cultural Forces is a unit of world-class musicians who have participated in some of the fiercest battles in Ukraine. Several musicians were wounded but, after recovery, returned to active military duty. The group is composed of two bandura players, an opera singer, a violinist, a pianist, a country singer, and a poet. The bandura is a traditional 62-string Ukrainian folk instrument.
This tour aims to celebrate Ukrainian culture, foster international solidarity, and express appreciation for America’s support since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2024.
As a special treat, Ukranian skater Oksana Baiul will also be on hand to introduce the group. Baiul is the first Olympic Gold Medalist under the independent Ukranian flag in any sport. She won the gold in 1994. She has been living in the U.S. participating in skating tours and shows.
The Steamboat Inn is also hosting a private luncheon for the group following the concert.
The Jefferson concert is free and open to the public.
The Shreveport concerts will be 5:30p Saturday at LSU Shreveport University Center Theatre, and 3p Sunday, October 20 at Caddo Common Park prior to the scheduled Shreveport Symphony concert. These are also free and open to the public.