CULTURAL FORCES PERFORMS AT UKRAINE HOUSE IN WASHINGTON D.C. IN MAY ON THEIR GRADITUDE TOUR ACROSS AMERICA. | PHOTO COURTESY CULTURAL FORCES

Ukraine’s Cultural Forces, a group of military members who were professional artists before the Russian invasion more than two years ago, will be presenting seven concerts in Pittsburgh June 24-27 as a tour of gratitude to America. 

The concerts are free, although donations will be accepted.

On the U.S. tour, they have performed so far in Washington, D.C., New York, Detroit and other cities.

“This tour not only highlights the resilience of the Ukrainian people but also underscores the vital role of artistic expression in times of conflict,” said June Esser, in a statement. She and her husband, Ron “Moondog” Esser, brought this group to the Pittsburgh region. The group will be performing at the Essers’ club, Moondogs in Blawnox, on Tuesday, June 25

“These will be rich events helping us to understand how Ukrainians are living with the trauma of war while staying true to their profession of music,” she said.

Performers include Yurii Ivaskevych, known as “Pavarotti” for his operatic background; Taras Stoliar (who plays the bandura, a string folk instrument); Olha Rukavishnikova (violin); and Mykhailo Oliinyk (piano); who will share not only their music but their poignant stories. Valeriia Vovk, a special guest on the tour, is a performing master of folklore songs.

CULTURAL FORCES PERFORMS | PHOTO COURTESY CULTURAL FORCES

Mykolai Sierga, a popular Ukrainian TV presenter, musician and producer who helped create the Cultural Forces, told an audience in Washington, D.C. that the performances are an outlet to honor their Ukrainian identity.  

“We are fighting for the soul,” he said. “And you are helping us fight for the soul.” 

Here is the Pittsburgh schedule:

• Monday, June 24: Steamworks Creative, 4967 William Flinn Highway #6, Hampton. 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 25: Market Square, Downtown. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 
• Tuesday, June 25: Moondogs, 378 Freeport Road, Blawnox. 7 p.m. (With Billy The Kid)
• Wednesday, June 26: Ukraine American Club, 302 Mansfield Blvd., Carnegie. 5–6:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, June 26: Starlite Lounge, 364 Freeport Road, Blawnox.7 p.m.
• Thursday, June 27: Market Square, Downtown. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 
• Thursday, June 27: Pittsburgh Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick. 7 p.m. (With the Jimmy Adler Band)