Toronto journalist and musician Nate Hendley has been feeling helpless every night when he watches the news. “Ukraine has suffered more than its share of devastation, warfare, and calamities throughout its history, he says. “(It) is heartbreaking.” So when he was invited to be the Master of Ceremonies at a musical benefit for Ukraine, he jumped at the chance to make a difference. “We have to stop Putin’s aggression,” says Hendley. “Now.”
The benefit will raise money for the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, which sends humanitarian aid to the war zone. It takes place Sunday, May 15 at 7pm, at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Protection (33 Leeds St., Toronto). The lineup features a diverse array of musical acts: dancers (the Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance), Ukrainian singers (Kalendar), folk singers (Lunar Bloom), and more.
Melodies can unite disparate groups, says Hendley. “The power of music is that… (it) is universal.” Hendley hopes the concert will entertain audiences, raise money, and also spread awareness about Ukraine’s predicament. The benefit’s performers are already sharing a common purpose as they’re volunteering their time and talents. “Even though we might be thousands of miles away, we care,” says Hendley.
For Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance performer Oksana Luczkiw, the invasion strikes especially close to the bone because of her Ukrainian heritage and identity. The twenty-three-year-old has been dancing since the age of three, and always feels exhilarated by the fast-paced music of her forbears. “Even though you’re doing something physically demanding you come off feeling more energized,” says Luczkiw. “There’s nothing like it.”
But lately dancing has taken on a new urgency for Luczkiw. Russia has long tried to suppress Ukrainian culture, she says. But no matter how many times it’s tried, the aggressor hasn’t managed to erase it. Dancing in the Ukrainian diaspora has helped preserve its traditions. “No matter what Russia does to Ukraine, the culture is still alive everywhere,” says Luczkiw.
Syrian oud-player Esmaeel Abofakher is also thrilled to put his gift in the service of Ukrainians. The Middle Eastern musician and his wife, singer Rahaf Alakbani, can relate to their suffering – the couple lost their house, their possessions, and their homeland after the civil war erupted in Syria in 2011. . “We feel a connection between us and Ukrainians,” says Abofakher.
Music has the power to channel that bond, says the song-writer. The couple will sing one of their original compositions, We are in this together, at the fundraiser. “It’s a message of being united, being human,” says Abofakher.
Other musicians appearing at the concert include the Quintageous Woodwind Quintet, David Kroo’s pop band and the Marty and Friends bluegrass band. There will be a silent auction, featuring Ukrainian handicrafts, and Ukrainian baked goods like donuts and cheesecake will be available for purchase during intermission.
You can buy both in-person and livestream tickets through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unite-for-ukraine-a-musical-benefit-live-and-livestream-tickets-310796469607. Some tickets will also be available at the door.
