Abby's Inklings: Band backs Ukraine

By Abby Cowels
Staff Writer

I had the pleasure of seeing one of my favorite bands for the second time a couple of weeks ago at the Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor.

DakhaBrakha is a Ukrainian quartet from Kyiv. Its music is chaotic and beautiful and I fell in love with the band’s music in about 2019.

The first time attending one of the band’s concerts, I took a train out to Chicago and had no idea what to expect heading to the venue.

This was in April of 2022, only two months after Russia began its full invasion on Ukraine. There was no way this performance would not be political in some way.

It was a moving performance. Between songs, you would hear people shouting “Slava Ukraine!” from every corner of the venue by Ukrainian community members.

DakhaBrakha is a popular band in Ukraine and around the world, but it has evolved to represent something more political in the last 18 months.

Once again, I see images of destruction and violence behind the quartet as the band performs songs proudly and aggressively. At one point, the screen “Russia is a terrorist state” brought a new energy to the performance.

It was a very cathartic experience, seeing a “Ukraine Will Win” banner and remembering that this war continues.

DakhaBrakha is donating all of its proceeds to support Ukraine during this time of need. Individuals who wish to support virtually can donate here.