Following their win of Eurovision Kalush Orchestra has started their North America tour to raise funds for Ukrainian frontlines. On Friday, Nov. 4, they made Chicago debut at Concord Music Hall, in front of a sold out crowd.
About Kalush Orchestra
Founded in 2019, Kalush, is a rap group that consists of rapper Oleh Psiuk, flutist Tymofii Muzychu, multi-instrumentalist Ihor Didenchuk, Vocalist Sasha Tabs, and MC Kylymmen (Carpetman). The Orchestra is a side project that the main group Kalush is working with, with newer songs featuring them.
Before entering the Eurovision contest a member of the band was fighting alongside Ukrainian Armed Forces in Kyiv. Other members establish volunteer efforts to help find ways to help the Armed Forces.
Different than others
Something that really stood out as different was the way MC Kylymmen was selling merchandise before the show. That was totally something that a concert goer may not be used to. Kylymmen personally helped fans find the right size Panama, the iconic pink bucket hat Psiuk wears. Just that little moment really made the night for some fans.
This moment seemed so simple. Yet, reminded goers that these members of the band also care so deeply what they are standing for. It really was a personal touch that is not seen as much these days at more westernized concerts.
Uniting the world through music
As Putin’s war on Ukraine has killed thousands and forced even more out of their homes. Which have lead to Ukrainian unity over music. Not only did the support Ukrainians lead to the win of Kalush’s hit Stefania, but all of Europe. The Eurovision Song Competition is a single song competition between European countries to promote corporation between European nations. Stefania won the completion with 631 points, making it the first rap song to win. Also becoming the first song to ever win the competition to fully be in Ukrainian.
The song has over 42 million hits on YouTube, as the song has become motivation to push Russian forces out of the country. In the description of new official Eurovision video, the band opened up about what the new meaning that this song has taken on for Ukraine.
“I once dedicated this song to my mother, and when the war broke out, the song took on a lot of new meanings. Although there is not a word about the war in the song, many people began to associate the song with mother Ukraine. Moreover, society began to call it the anthem of our war! But if Stefania is now the anthem of our war, I would like it to become the anthem of our victory,” said Psiuk on Stefania meaning and how it has changed since the songs release.
Helping Ukraine
Following the conclusion of Kalush’s North American tour Resilience Entertainment, will continue to promote other Ukrainian artists. These shows will also raise funds for Ukraine. Artists such as Alyona Alyona, Jerry Heil and Kola will be going on tour next. Tickets and information for this show and others can be found here.
Help Heroes of Ukraine, is a Carol Stream, ILL based charity that raises funds for Ukrainians in need. They are currently taking donations and looking for local volunteers to help package goods to send to Ukraine. Help Heroes of Ukraine has been a main partner through these tours, as they have also worked with Bez Obmezhen earlier this year.
