Formed in 2014, Kommuna Lux is a group of seven musicians, all proud sons of Odesa, the Pearl of the Black Sea and the birthplace of Ukraine’s urban chanson movement. “A street gang equipped with musical instruments instead of knives.” they began with wild performances in the backyards of the Jewish quarter of Odesa. Surprised residents were soon reporting “noisy flash mobs of the gangsters making music all around town”: at Privoz Market, on the old #5 wooden tram line; on Primorsky Boulevard promenade; and on rusty rocking boats on the popular Lustdorf beach. Local success led to national success, first under the band’s original name of Dengi Vpered (Cash Up Front). Since the beginning of the war, donations at all Kommuna Lux concerts have gone to support humanitarian causes.
The band’s Manhattan debut at DROM will close The Village Trip’s day of fundraising for Dr Irwin and Karen Redlener’s Ukraine Children’s Action Project. Don’t miss this spectacular concert in the heart of New York City’s historic Ukrainian community which will both honor and benefit their home country.
A quote from a local hit affirms the symbolic expression “Odesa Mama,” which locals affectionately call their city. “For me, Odesa is my mother, we just belong together. And if you want songs – there are many of them in Odesa; and I carry them all in me, just like the love for my mother.”
“In Odesa, people find togetherness. In Odesa, all will laugh and sing.”
September 10 @ 7:30 pm – 10 pm
From Odesa: Kommuna Lux plus special guests