Odesa Urban Folk: Kommuna Lux from Ukraine

Description

Outrageously fun Kommuna Lux from Odesa, Ukraine perform thrilling klezmer music, folk songs and urban chanson from their hometown, all with a dose of quirky rocket fuel and rooted in their vibrant port city. Odesites are known for their great tolerance, easy-going lifestyle, and special sense of humor. The multicultural port city is world-famous for its significant Jewish culture and as the birthplace of the Urban Chanson genre with streets rich with nostalgia and a bohemian Black Sea coastal vibe. Kommuna Lux has entered a new era with a renewed lineup and an even more urgent artistic mission — to carry the living spirit of Ukrainian culture through music that uplifts, unites, and endures. At its core are two defining voices of the band’s signature sound: bandleader and virtuosic clarinetist **Volodymyr Gitin**, and trumpeter **Serhii Zhuravel** — whose dynamic interplay continues to shape the ensemble’s unmistakable musical identity. They are joined by a new generation of musicians: **Taras Luka** (accordion), **Mykola Shevelov** (drums), and **Yevhenii Beltiukov** (vocals, guitar). Seamlessly blends Ukrainian folk traditions with klezmer, Balkan swing, and contemporary influences into a sound that is both deeply rooted and globally resonant Kommuna Lux performances pulse with infectious rhythm, fearless improvisation, and emotional intensity. From richly reimagined classics such as “Hutsulka Ksenia” to high-spirited anthems like “Odesa Bulgar,” the band crafts a powerful musical journey that bridges past and present, homeland and diaspora inviting audiences into the depth, resilience, and radiant joy of Ukrainian identity. In a time of ongoing war, Kommuna Lux’s mission extends far beyond the stage. Their concerts serve as cultural lifelines — offering solace to displaced Ukrainians, building bridges with international audiences, and amplifying a narrative of Ukraine that transcends headlines. More about their charitable mission can be found on the website of their non-profit organization: www.kmlx.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JaDXoDlI_U If you require ADA access, please let us know 24 hours in advance by emailing: [email protected] \--- FAQ on tickets, seating, students, photography/video, parking, ADA and more can be found at TheLocalSaugerties.com Beer, wine, sake, food, snacks, refreshments are available.