Nashville, Tenn. – Contemporary arts center OZ Arts Nashville today announced the return of the defiant and beautiful voices of Ukrainian ensemble DakhaBrakha, who will kick off the organization’s upcoming fall season of programming on September 12, 2024. Following a stirring, sold-out Nashville debut at OZ in 2023, which coincided with the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, DakhaBrakha’s return signals their determination to use the group’s fiercely beautiful music to represent the spirit of a proud, resistant and independent Ukraine at a time of war.
Hailing from Kyiv, Ukraine, DakhaBrakha reflects the fundamental elements of sound, soul and “ethno-chaos” to create a world of unexpected new music. With power and passion, they weave ancient Ukrainian melodies into a subversive musical tapestry that embraces indie rock, pop, hip-hop, the avant-garde and traditional instrumentation from around the world. Throughout the performance, audiences will see projected backdrops showing videos of ravaged Ukraine, and the comments from the stage address their country's currently devastating state.
As the conflict nears three years since Russia’s invasion, the Ukrainian people — from civilians on the frontlines to artists taking their message abroad — have never shied away from political and social activism. DakhaBrakha’s ongoing efforts to raise money and awareness as cultural and humanitarian ambassadors continue this fall: this year, DakhaBrakha’s goal is to raise money for Ukrainian civilians impacted by the war who need prosthetic limbs in line with the mission of the Revived Soldiers Ukraine Foundation.
“We’re thrilled to welcome DakhaBrakha back to OZ this fall as they continue their calls to protect the Ukrainian people from deadly attacks,” said Mark Murphy, OZ Arts Executive and Artistic Director. “We were thrilled that Nashville responded so ecstatically to their Nashville debut at OZ in 2023, and we’re proud to once again host their soul-stirring music and urgently powerful message.”
The name DakhaBrakha means “give/take” in old Ukrainian and reflects their resilience and philosophy. The folk-punk quartet has honed a haunting musical approach based around unearthly vocal harmonies and thunderous percussion, augmented by floating cello and accordion sonorities. Heralded by Rolling Stone as the “Best Breakout” of 2014’s Bonnaroo festival, their irresistible live performances have taken on new meaning for international audiences while the world watches as their artistic endeavors persist through wartime.
The full announcement of OZ Arts’ upcoming season will be shared in the coming months. DakhaBrakha is the first of many exciting shows arriving at OZ for the new season, taking the stage on September 12 in its expansive warehouse. Tickets start at $35 and are on sale now at the following link.
This performance is made possible with generous support from donors and grants. To learn more about upcoming performances, please visit www.ozartsnashville.org.
TICKETS & MORE INFORMATION
Performances:
Thursday, September 12 at 8:00 pm
Tickets: $35 (general admission) | $47 (premium seating)
Tickets are available for purchase at ozartsnashville.org.
About OZ Arts Nashville
Founded in 2013 by the Ozgener family, OZ Arts Nashville has quickly established itself as one of the Southeast's most influential and respected producers and presenters focused on the creation and presentation of significant performing and visual artworks by diverse cultural visionaries who are making vital contributions to the evolution of contemporary culture. Through performances, exhibitions, and community events, OZ Arts focuses on producing and presenting the work of local and visiting artists who reflect our diverse society, utilize new artistic forms and technology in creative ways, and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with audiences, students and cultural and civic leaders. OZ Arts' unique creative warehouse has developed a reputation as a major national and regional laboratory for experimentation and a home for contemporary dance and performance. More than 50,000 audience members have been introduced to adventurous artists from around the world since the organization opened, and hundreds of local and regional artists have used OZ’s 10,000 square-foot warehouse theater to develop new works. For more information, please visit ozartsnashville.org.
About DakhaBrakha
DakhaBrakha was created in 2004 at the Kyiv Center of Contemporary Art “DAKH” by the avant-garde theatre director Vladyslav Troitskyi. Theatre work has left its mark on the band performances — their shows have never been staged without the scenic effects. Having experimented with Ukrainian folk music, the band has added rhythms of the surrounding world into their music, thus creating a bright, unique and unforgettable image of DakhaBrakha. DakhaBrakha has played concerts and performances and has taken part in numerous international festivals across the world, including in Ukraine, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Austria, Slovenia, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Rumunia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norvegia, Belarus, Georgia, Hungary, Poland, Chine, Australia, USA, Canada, Colombia, New Zealand, Brazil. To learn more, please visit https://www.dakhabrakha.com.ua.
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