By Eugene A. Luciw
Sun., Aug. 24, 12:00 n 8:00 PM – The 23rd Annual Ukrainian Folk Festival and Outdoor Summer Concert will be held at the Ukrainian American Sport Center, County Line and Lower State Roads, Horsham, PA.
For details: www.tryzub.org[email protected]
Exciting, spectacular, dazzling, breathtaking, exhilarating, spirited, soulful, enchanting, captivating, and intriguing n 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, rhythm and strength of “HOPAK” n the world’s most exciting ethnic dance – and every brilliant “Kolomiyka” (polka) and soulful folk song in between, experience the 23rd Annual Ukrainian Folk Festival and Outdoor Summer Concert.
Gala Outdoor Stage Concert (2:00 n 4:30 P.M n best photo & film opportunities) Features:
1. Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Jenkintown, PA) is internationally renowned for the vigor and resplendence of its performances. Its 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 portrayal of Ukrainian dance is testament to a vibrant and enduring culture steeped in rich history. www.voloshky.com
2. Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Whippany, NJ) was formed in 2011 by professional dancer teacher and choreographer Andrij Cybyk. The Iskra Ensemble is comprised of 20 Professional and pre-professional dancers hand-picked by Mr. Cybyk to express his unique style of Ukrainian dance. To date, the Ensemble has amazed audiences at many local New York and New Jersey festivals, as well as the Ukrainian Folk Festival in the Philadelphia area and “Wild West Ukie Fest” in Phoenix, Arizona.
3. Violinist Innesa Tymochko Dekajlo (Lviv, Ukraine) starting at the age of six, Innesa has studied violin with some of Europe’s greatest masters. She has fused the beauty, power and soul of traditional Ukrainian folk music with the classical string instrument – the violin. Her fresh, inventive style has gained acclaim from both classical and traditional music critics. Innesa has toured throughout Europe and North America. www.Innesa.com
4. VOX ETHNIKA BAND (New York City) is a unique vocal and instrumental orchestra, whose compositional approach has received wide recognition in North America and Europe; its style of transforming East European folk music is influential. Vox Ethnica is the only ensemble that performs all manner of Eastern European Folk and Pop music (Ukrainian, Lemko, Rusyn, Czech, Slovak, and Polish) set to unique modern arrangements. The band also flourishes as one of the most popular niche dance bands in America. It carries a wide, varied and rich repertoire of timeless Ukrainian, American and World dance music n rock n’ roll, pop, polka, ballroom, jazz, blues, Latin, folk, the twenties, contemporary, and top hits. Enjoy Vox Ethnika on stage and as your band for social dancing. www.voxethnika.com
5. SPIV-Zhyttya (Living.inSONG) Choir (Washington, DC). With 16 singers, this a cappella group has delighted audiences at concerts, churches and festivals in Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Their repertoire includes both the familiar and the new (including premieres of songs by Victor Morozov), and focuses on rarely heard folk, classical and sacred gems of their shared heritage, including selections by Ukrainian composers of note such as Leontovych and Liatoshynksy.
PROGRAM: 12:00 noon n festival begins; concessions open.
1:30 PM – Opening ceremonies
2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Outdoor Summer Concert
4:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. – Social Dance (“ZABAVA”)
n The Vox Ethnika Band: traditional, modern, contemporary, ballroom and Polka
FOOD: Ukrainian ethnic foods (pierogies, holuptsi, kowbasa sausage, etc.);
Homemade baked goods and desserts
Picnic fare, drinks and cool refreshments
BAZAAR: Ukrainian folk arts and crafts market and displays
KIDS’ FUN: Children’s games, amusements and fun area; free face-painting
The sponsor is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt charity: PROCEEDS BENEFIT YOUTH SPORTS and ARTISTIC and CULTURAL PROGRAMMING
Admission (Open to General Public): $15; Students – $10; kids under 15 free; Free Parking
