They call it Ethno-Chaos.
The unique group DakhaBrakha has set itself to reignite Ukraine’s traditional folk music and you’ll want to hear what they are up to when they come to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, Sept. 22 starting at 7:30 p.m.
It’s not all swirling cossack trousers and shiny red boots, according to these people.
Think Eastern European folk music blended with indie folk-rock, urban hip hop and pop music.
Their name and their sound is original, outstanding and authentic at the same time.
DakhaBrakha means “give/take” in the old Ukrainian language.
Their sound is a blend of Indian, Arabic, African, Russian and Australian instrumentation and influences. They describe it as “ethno-chaos” so look for some unexpected musical experiences.
Created in 2004 at Kiev’s Centre for Contemporary Art, their costumes, which include crimson beads and towering black lambs-wool hats, all serve as a striking backdrop for the show.
The three women multi-instrumentalists, Olena Tsibulska, Iryna Kovalenko and Nina Garenetska, appear like visions from a village wedding, decked out in white lace dresses, foot-tall black wool hats and cascading strands of black bead necklaces.
They are joined by Marko Halanevych, dressed in a traditional embroidered tunic playing tabla, didgeridoo, accordion and trombone.
The group’s performances are also staged for dramatic effect. And, since they are working at the crossroads of Ukrainian folklore and theatre, their performance ranges from intimate to riotous.
DakhaBrakha’s unusual trans-national sound has become a cult phenomenon around the world.
They have played concerts and taken part in numerous international festivals across Europe, plus China, Australia, U.S., Canada, Columbia, New Zealand and Brazil.
They’ve been everywhere, man. They’ve won awards and many, many fans along the way.
Tickets are $36 each with some $5 eyeGO seats available for card-carrying students who come to the Cowichan Ticket Centre in person.
Call the ticket centre at 250-748-7529 or order your seats online at cowichanpac.ca and get ready for a surprising evening.
