www.montereycountyweekly.com september 7-13, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 31 MUSIC Even though “five for fighting” is an ice hockey term, it suits the politically engaged music that John Ondrasik—the singer-songwriter known as Five for Fighting—has become famous for. These days, his engagement is focused squarely on Ukraine. “My trip to Ukraine started with Afghanistan,” he says. “When the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, I wrote a song, ‘Blood on My Hands,’ critical of the withdrawal. It became a voice for Afghan veterans who were angry and ashamed that we abandoned our allies to the Taliban.” Things got serious when he started receiving emails from people trapped in Afghanistan. Not knowing what to do, Ondrasik started working with NGOs to rescue people. When the war in Ukraine started, many of these NGOs moved their humanitarian operations there. Ondrasik, who is of Slovak origin, wanted to go to Poland to perform his new song “Can One Man Save the World?” which was inspired by the courage of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine. Then he received an invitation to Kyiv. “I was in shock,” he says. “My first question was: Is there even an orchestra existing there?” In May 2022, Five for Fighting performed with a Ukrainian orchestra in the empty hangars of a cargo plane, destroyed by the war. “Every member of that orchestra had a family member killed, missing or on the front line,” Ondrasik says. “You see the fortitude of those people when you pass a blown-up building and there’s a 70-year-old woman sweeping the sidewalk. That’s why they are still fighting this war, even though our generals said the war will last three days.” In Monterey, Ondrasik will be joined by a string quartet consisting of Katie Kresek (violin), Jeremy Kittle (violin), Chris Cardona (viola) and Peter Sachon (cello). “This is how I like my music,” Ondrasik says of the venue, adding that small concerts are perfect for the stories he wants to share with the audience. The Los Angeles resident is planning to stick around for more than just a night. “It’s not a coincidence that we scheduled our day off in beautiful Monterey,” Ondrasik says. “My wife is coming too, and we will celebrate our wedding anniversary with you folks. It’s a treat.” Five for Fighting 8pm Tuesday, Sept. 12. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $29-$79. 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com. NIKOLAI PUC PHOTOGRAPHY World Music Five for Fighting brings an intimate string quartet, and a humanitarian message, to Monterey. By Agata Pop˛eda Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling musician Five For Fighting (John Ondrasik) has released six studio albums. He performs with a string quartet at the Golden State. CAN YOU SOLVE THE MYSTERY BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT? Follow the rabbit. Rob the bank. Travel through time to save the world....and many more. A 60 minute adventure, 9 rooms to choose from each with a different theme. Great for birthdays or special events. Kid friendly. All locations surrounded by great local restaurants. 3 MONTEREY LOCATIONS 765 Wave St, Ste A2 • 599 Lighthouse Ave and Oscar’s Playground 685 Cannery Row (Third Floor) 831.241.6616 BOOK TODAY! Escaperoom831.com Voted Monterey County’s Best Place For a Birthday Party Two Years in a Row ’22 FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 LIVE MUSIC Wednesdays 5–7:30pm Landscape Design From An Interior Perspective Eliza DeCiantis believes that your landscape should be an extension of your interior space. Having received her Master Gardener’s Certification over 28 years ago, Eliza combines her 22 year career in television set design with her life-long passion for gardening to create beautiful custom landscape. Eliza is conscientious of our water management issues while creating a drought tolerant, deer resistant environment custom to your personal taste and budget. With a keen sense of attention to detail, Eliza will spruce up your existing landscape for a special event or create a new landscape to enjoy for years to come. InsideOut Landscape Design, Inc. can increase the value of your home, while enhancing the natural potential and beauty of your exterior space for your home or business. Landscape • Hardscape • Irrigation 831-624-4991 insideout1design@outlook.com www.insideoutcarmel.com CA LIC# 960809
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