I'm sharing the below event invitation on behalf of a friend and organizer. I'll be making the trip down to attend, and would encourage anyone else who is even remotely interested to do the same. The number of Vermonters with connections to Ukraine may be smaller, but they absolutely exist. While attending a few past events, I've met people with just a general interest in the war itself, those with family and friends in Ukraine, and even some who have come to Vermont as refugees. I can tell it means SO much to them to see Vermonters with no prior connections showing up to support them and learn about their history and culture. One of their biggest fears is being relegated to "just another news story". So, if you're at all curious, please do attend! It's free, and Ukrainians are some of the coolest, laid-back, friendly people you'll ever meet.

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A concert, lecture, and presentation of the Lost, Sacred, National Instruments of Ukraine: The Bandura, Kobza, and Torban

Thursday, May 4th at 7PM (doors 6:30PM)
All Souls Interfaith Gathering, 291 Bostwick Road, Shelburne, Vermont

Free event and Fundraiser for Ukraine

Donations will be collected and proceeds will go to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Poltava Kobzar Guild.

Jurij Fedynskyj, a 48-year-old Ukrainian American, was born in the United States and has resided in Ukraine for the past 23 years. Jurij is a musician, researcher and instrument maker, who for decades has been reviving the lost music and spiritual tradition of the Kobzar. The Kobzar were traveling musicians, storytellers and spiritual leaders who for centuries went all around Ukraine spreading their art and wisdom.
With the rise of Stalin and the Soviet Union control over Ukraine, the Kobzar were killed, their instruments destroyed, and their traditions almost forgotten. Almost. Jurij and his colleagues work to recreate lost traditional instruments, including the kobza, the bandura and the torban.

Jurij has witnessed the current war in Ukraine first-hand. When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Jurij and his fellow musicians performed at checkpoints, barracks, and shelters. Wherever possible, his guild performed for desperate civilians and soldiers alike.

On this North American Tour, Jurij will carry on the Kobzar tradition, hoping to enrich the world, sharing the truth about what Ukraine really is through historic songs which have preserved the emotions and national character of Ukraine.

Please share about this event and support Ukraine. Thank you.

Event Info

Dec 26, 2024, 7 to 8 PM

Dec 29, 2024, 5:30 PM

Dec 31, 2024, 4 PM to 1 AM, Jan 1, 2025