10-03-24

32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 3-9, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC No matter how deeply the Ukrainian folk-art quartet DakhaBrakha delves into their music and the lengthy tapestry of the nation’s culture, the more their focus sharpens on one topic: the war. “There have been so many moments of loss in our history,” says band member Marko Halanevych. “We know the future because we know the past. Russia tried to destroy our language, culture and country before. This is the last chance for our people and our country. We have no other choice.” Created in Kyiv in 2004, the alternative music foursome’s popularity rocketed first in theater circles, culminating in invitations to join the music festival circuit throughout Eastern Europe, where the trend continued. Eventually a world tour was planned, but then the war broke out, leaving the group conflicted about whether to abandon country and countrymen in the face of the brutal invasion. They ultimately chose to go and serve as ambassadors for their country’s causes. “The decision to tour definitely was the right choice,” Halanevych says. “By now we can feel it even more clearly than before as we raise awareness of our struggles and receive military and financial support from all over the world. It’s even more important now than before.” Last heard here for a rousing soldout show in 2022, the group’s unique take on traditional Ukrainian folk combined with musical elements from cultures from around the world, both ancient and modern, left a trail of believers in their wake. The sound is a sinewy blend of seductive harmonies and complex rhythmic and melodic structures incorporating elements of a gypsy/folk fusion—not only from within Ukraine, but also from Indian, Arabic, African, Russian and Australian roots. And while the group remains true to tradition, from their music escapes fleeting influences of jazz, spoken word, rap and even punk. Still, the war persists. “The war theme is the most painful and important for us,” Halanevych says. For a group so versed in Ukrainian roots, the current precipice makes the performance of that heritage both more poignant and more urgent. “The end is very clear to us,” Halanevych adds. “If we want to live, we must be strong.” DakhaBrakha 7:30pm Thursday, Oct. 3. Sunset Center, San Carlos and 9th, Carmel. $40-$70. 620-2040, sunsetcenter.org. HELEN BOZHKO Fight Song For DakhaBrakha, the war in Ukraine gives their performances a greater purpose. By Paul Fried “Ukraine has never been top of mind for most people,” says DakhaBrakha’s Marko Halanevych. “For us, every minute is priceless” as death and destruction continue. The Peninsula’s Downtown Shops, restaurants, hotels and businesses Spend some time with us Downtown… oldmonterey.org 11:30am-close, 10am Sat & Sun 484 Washington Street Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 www.melvilletav.com WOOD FIRED PIZZAS, BURGERS, PASTA, SAlADS & SANDWICHES INDOOR, PATIO DINING & TAKEOUT HAPPY HOUR FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS SUN-tHUR 4-6PM wEEKEND BRUNCH ’24 Celebrating 10 years in Downtown! Sunday–Thursday 11:30am-10pm Friday–Saturday 11:30am-11pm 426 Alvarado St. Monterery 831-655-BEER asb.beer Monterey County’s BEST LOCAL BEER/BREWERY BEST BAR FOR MiLLEniALS BEST BAR FOR GEn XERS 447 Alvarado St • Monterey • 375-5332 www.gaspersjewelers.com Voted Monterey’s Best Jewelry Store 19 years 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

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