“In Odesa, people find togetherness. In Odesa, all will laugh and sing." 

Ukraine’s Kommuna Lux validates these words from an old poem, performing their own style called "Odesa Gangsta Folk:" thrilling klezmer music and common gangster folk songs from their hometown. Klezmer, Balkan, and Urban Chanson, with a dash of Ukrainian Folk and powered by rocket fuel, Kommuna Lux impacts the crowd with a nostalgic, high-energy Big Band sound from the bygone days of speakeasies and rum runners.

These conservatory-trained musicians started out playing flash mobs in the markets, piers, and streets of Odesa, and quickly moved up to local and national stages. After winning Germany’s “Iron Eversteiner” prize for folk music, they began touring the world. They have played some of the most famous festivals of Klezmer Music, including Stuttgart and Frankfurt, and have become a “go to band” for Klezmer music in both Germany and Poland. 

Dancers from Tapestry’s International Folk Dance committee will be on hand to lead some simple dances during select moments in the concert. You won’t be able to resist getting caught up in the joy of these playful, passionate Ukrainian musicians!