Hot Concert for Ukraine has Grammys Performers and Ukraine Popstars

Even if you missed the 2022 Grammy Awards on April 3rd, you couldn’t help but hear that something remarkable happened on the stage that night – John Legend performed a new song in honor of Ukraine, which was introduced by President Volodymyr Zelensky in a deeply moving and powerful video message. His song, entitled “Free”, is a blend of American gospel and Ukrainian culture. Legend was joined by internationally noted Ukrainians, Siuzanna Iglidan and Mika Newton: Iglidan played bandura – the beloved national instrument of Ukraine and a traditional symbol of rebellion and freedom; Newton – who has an astounding soprano vocal range – sang parts of “Free” in the Ukrainian language. Iglidan and Newton are performing in San Francisco at the Palace of Fine Arts this Friday in an exciting benefit concert for Ukraine, and are joined by headliners from the Ukrainian pop and creative music worlds. None of the performers are big in the American music scene – yet – but they all deserve to be given their incredible world-class talents.

Iglidan is a multi-talented musician, opera singer, and composer originally from Odessa. She has been in the US for the past eight years, but was beyond surprised when Legend invited her to play her bandura instrument at the Grammys. “I’ve often dreamed of singing at La Scala or the Met,” she says. “But to share the Grammy stage with John Legend? I couldn’t even have dreamed of something like that! It was a very deep honor to represent my people of Ukraine in that way.” The bandura is a unique, centuries-old Ukrainian instrument that is a cross between a lute and harp -- sounding just as heavenly too -- and is especially meaningful right now as the country’s traditional symbol of rebellion and freedom. Iglidan is a master bandurist and musician’s musician -- she is simultaneously earthy and ethereal, completely enveloped in the timelessness of her art. Before moving to the US, Iglidan was awarded the lifetime title of “Honored Worker of Ukraine Culture”, a meritorious recognition given to her by the Ukrainian President for her leadership in music and bandura.

Newton is a deeply talented singer and actress from the city of Burshtyn in western Ukraine. In 2011, she placed 4th in the highly distinguished Eurovision competition and subsequently moved to Los Angeles to continue her pop music career and to pursue acting. “It meant so much to me and my home country,” Newton says, “that our Grammys performance was dedicated to Ukraine. It was a complete surprise when I saw Zelenskyy give his video message beforehand – I’ve met him a couple of times, and am so proud of him and what he is doing for Ukraine.” Newton’s vocals are known for their pop-with-a-hint-of-rock sound (she’s been compared to another Newton, Ms. Olivia), although she says she’s reinventing herself on her upcoming album. “My greatest motivation in life,” she says, “is to keep learning and trying to be a better person and artist.”

Newton and Iglidan have both felt the effects of the war personally even though they now reside in the US. Newton’s sister is currently fighting in the Ukrainian army, and she is hosting two families of refugees in her Los Angeles home. Iglidan’s mother, aunt, and grandmother fled to Bulgaria last month, leaving behind her two younger brothers. They recently arrived in the US as refugees, and are now living with Iglidan in Denver. Iglidan notes, “My small apartment now seems like a crowded gypsy camp, but I am deeply relieved and happy to have some of my family with me. I’m grateful they are safe, although I fear for my brothers and pray every day for them and the people of Ukraine.”

Both women perform this weekend with a host of extremely talented Ukrainian stars. The goal is to raise funds to benefit humanitarian aid for Ukraine. It is going to be a hot-ticket concert with great music, and for a great cause! All who share the stage that night should become household names in the US after this performance, simply because they are so good. Using a US-centric comparison for reference with no disrespect intended to anyone, these performers include, among others, Ukrainian super pop star Zlata Ognevich (think Celine Dion), dynamic pop star Alyosha (in the style of J Lo), gritty Billy Idol-ish Bondarchuk , wildly creative instrumental group Dagamba (reminiscent of DeVotchKa), and highly original Balaklava Blues (no US comparison because this singer-musician duo is that unique).

“Through words, art, and music,” says Newton, “we artists must always speak out against injustices, crises, and war.”

Tickets: https://ftiagency.com/we-stand-with-ukraine/. All proceeds go to benefit the following charities dedicated to helping in the Ukrainian crisis:

• Nova Ukraine
• Razom for Ukraine
• Ukrainian American Coordinating Council