www.ukrainianfestival.com
Ukraine’s rockabilly group Ot Vinta, Edmonton’s Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and Detroit’s Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus will headline a lineup of international performers at the 2015 Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival running from September 18 to 20.
Ot Vinta, the four-member Ukrainian rockabilly group from Rivne, Ukraine, brings its energetic, irreverent, upbeat music and antics to the Festival on Saturday, September 19. Their vibrant mix of guitar, banjo, harmonica, goat-bass, flute, ukulele, percussion and vocals make for a hand-clapping, foot-stomping good time. The group is sponsored by Ukrainian Credit Union Limited.
“They might sing in Ukrainian but everyone understands the infectious sound of rockabilly music,” said Jurij Klufas, chair of the Festival. “If you’re looking for an original, high-energy band and a reason to dance in the street, this is it.”
The high-energy action continues with the international-touring Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. This Edmonton-based group has been captivating crowds for more than 25 years with its acrobatic dance steps, colourful costumes and mesmerising choreography.
Festival goers will also enjoy the rich, melodic sounds of the Detroit-based Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus. Uniquely combining Ukrainian bandura and choral music, the Chorus has captivated audiences for generations in concert halls across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Ukraine.
The Northland Power Festival Stage and the Runnymede Community Stage will also feature non-stop entertainment by an array of dancers and musicians from the GTA, courtesy of a grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage. The complete 2015 entertainment line-up can be found at: ukrainianfestival.com/performer_bio_2015.htm
The 19th annual BWV Toronto Ukrainian Festival runs from September 18-20, 2015 on Bloor St. W. between Runnymede Rd. and Jane St. in Toronto. The event attracts more than 620,000 visitors and also features popular Ukrainian foods (perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht and more), beverage garden, street parade, film festival, art exhibit, youth program, arts and crafts, vendor market, sidewalk sale and cultural exhibits. Admission is free. (www.ukrainianfestival.com)
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