VIROQUA, Wis. – Bringing a highly popular band from the Ukraine to Vernon County, Wis. is no easy task, but after contacting the Ukraine Ministry of Culture and Information and plowing through some international red tape, the Driftless Music Festival got it done.
The Ukrainian ensemble Komunna Lux is one of the featured bands at the 2024 Fest, which will be held in Eckhart Park, Viroqua on Saturday July 13. Kommuna Lux celebrates the heritage music of their beloved seaport hometown Odesa. As lead singer, Bagrat Tsurkan, says “In Odesa, people find togetherness. In Odesa, all will laugh and sing.” The band validates those words, performing in an energetic and infectious style they call “Odesa Gangsta Folk.” Odesites have always been known for their great tolerance, easy-going lifestyle, and very special sense of humor, all of which translates well to the group’s music.
Since the War with Russia, Kommuna Lux has widely toured Europe to enthusiastic crowds, and has been fundraising for the people of Ukraine at its shows since 2022. In 2023, they raised $16,000 in donations on their first 2023 tour to the United States. All of the income they raise is funneled into a 501(c)3 charity, ensuring that 100% of funds received at their concerts are used to donate money and goods to agencies and people affected by Russian aggression.
To aid the band in its mission, the Driftless Music Festival will be donating a percentage of raffle proceeds to the charity. And Kommuna Lux will be accepting tax-deductible online donations on the website https://kmlx.org/
The Driftless Music Festival will run Saturday, July 13th from 12:00 noon until 9:00 PM, and is free to attend. Eckhart Park is located on East Decker Street in Viroqua, just a few blocks West of Main Street. In addition to a diverse lineup of live music, the festival offers a spacious lawn, a playground, shaded areas with Oak trees, and a picnic area. Local food vendors and a beer garden will also be available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
More information on the event is available at driftlessmusicfestival.com.
To learn more about the performers visit https://driftlessmusicfestival.com/bands-schedule.
Questions about the Festival can be directed to Christina Dollhausen at pleggenhausen@gmail.com.
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