By Eugene A. Luciw
TO: PUBLIC SERVICE/ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT/ WEEKEND LOCAL/COMMUNITY/ EDITORS
FROM: Contact Person: Eugene A. Luciw
267.664.3857 (day) or
eluciw@comcast.net
Date: Sunday, August 23; 12 PM
18th Annual Ukrainian Folk Festival, Celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day
Where:UKRAINIAN AMERICAN SPORT CENTER Bios and PressPhotos:
County Line and Lower State Roads www.voloshky.com
Horsham, PA 19044 (www.tryzub.org) www.lunaband.com
Photos & Article – last year’s festival: www.innesa.com
www.tryzub.org/independence_day08_article.php www.thekozaks.com
GALA STAGE SHOW SPECTACULAR
Best photo ops: 2:00 – 4:30
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Ukrainian American Sport Center, Horsham, PA – Exciting, spectacular, dazzling, breathtaking, exhilarating, spirited, soulful, enchanting, captivating, and intriguing – modest words which describe but by no means capture the essence of Ukrainian folk art, music, and dance. From the rich color and deep symbolism of the delicate “pysanka” (Ukrainian Easter Egg) to the thunderous, climatic, power, rhythm and strength of “HOPAK” – the world’s most exciting ethnic dance – and every brilliant “Kolomiyka” (polka) and soulful folk song in between, we invite you to experience the 18th Annual Ukrainian Folk Festival, celebrating the anniversary of our ancestral homeland’s independence. This year’s extravaganza will take place on Sunday, August 23, beginning at 12:00 Noon, at the Ukrainian American Sport Center – Tryzub (www.tryzub.org) located at County Line and Lower State Roads, Horsham, PA. 19044
Gala stage show (2:00 – 4:30 P.M – best photo opportunities)
The Kozaks (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)will take you on a journey back in time to the 1500’s – before the use of muskets and gunpowder was widespread, a time when the sword and spear were the weapons of choice. They perform in a unique cabaret style that blends traditional Ukrainian folk dance with the history, magic, spirit and passion of the Ukrainian Kozak warrior – the national protector of Ukraine and its people. Interactive and engaging, the Kozaks feature high-energy acrobatic dancing replete with extreme kicks and jumps. They sweep the audience away in a whirlwind of music and excitement: Audiences tap their feet, clap their hands and cheer wildly. See www.thekozaks.com for information and photos.
The Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Jenkintown, PA) has earned international renown for the vigor and resplendence of its performances. The Voloshky style is bold, powerful, and one of sparkling athleticism. The Ensemble generates a dynamic blend of art and energy characterizing the vitality of the Ukrainian people. Voloshky’s artistry and portrayal of Ukrainian dance is testament to a vibrant and enduring culture steeped in rich history. See www.voloshky.com for press info and photos.
Violinist Innesa Tymochko Dekajlo (Lviv, Ukraine)began studying the violin at the age of six with the legendary Halyna Ivanina Kubij. Innesa graduated the famed Lviv Musical Conservatory, with High Honors and continued her classical studies throughout Europe, studying privately under internationally recognized virtuoso violinist Professor Fischer in Hanover, Germany. The beauty, power and soul of traditional Ukrainian folk music enthralled Inna; she developed a unique fusion style, performing traditional Ukrainian folk genre on the classical string instrument – the violin. The blending of rich Ukrainian melodies with classical performances captivates Innesa’s audiences. Her fresh, inventive style has gained critical acclaim from both classical and traditional music critics. Innesa has toured throughout Europe and North America. This will be her premiere performance in the Philadelphia area. See www.Innesa.com .
The Luna Band (New Jersey) is an extremely talented vocal and instrumental quartet orchestra, which presents a very versatile repertoire of Ukrainian music arranged in various styles: folk, pop, jazz, rock and classical. Luna is composed of highly trained professional musicians and singers that have appeared on stages throughout North America.
See www.lunaband.com for press info and photos.
The Sisters Oros Folk Duo (New York) are acaptivating folk artists. The Sisters demonstrate incredible talent and versatility, as they perform their own folk and modern arrangements of Ukrainian music and song. Their voices harmonize the beauty of folk.
The festival starts at 12:00 noon. Opening ceremonies are set for 1:30 P.M., followed by a Gala Stage Show from 2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
A Ukrainian Public Dance (“ZABAVA”) – traditional, modern, ballroom and Polka will commence at 4:30 p.m. to the rhythm, music and song of THE LUNA DANCE BAND (N.J.).
Ukrainian ethnic foods (pierogies, holuptsi, kielbasa, and the like) and baked goods, standard picnic fare and cool refreshments will be available to satisfy your hunger and thirst in the midst of a Ukrainian Bazaar — authentic folk arts and crafts for viewing and purchase. Children’s games, amusements and fun area will be available throughout the day.
Admission is $15 per person; Children under13: free; Free Parking
UASC – TRYZUB IS A 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable institution.
PROCEEDS BENEFIT CULTURAL PROGRAMMING AND YOUTH SOCCER.
