Sonomans were gifted a remarkable performance by members of the Ukrainian Cultural Forces on November 16 at the Firehouse #1, on 2nd Street West.
The concert was an appreciation for the 20-year-old ambulance chock-full of medical supplies which recently arrived in Kaniv, Ukraine, Sonoma’s Sister City. In his emotional welcoming remarks, Sonoma Fire District Chief Steve Akre acknowledged the various groups and people behind the gift: the Sonoma Fire District, Sonoma City Council and City manager David Guhin, and Sonoma Sister Cities.
One musician/soldier played the Ukrainian stinged instrument, the Bandura
All professional musicians, at the start of Russian’s invasion of their country, these Ukrainians volunteered to serve. Several sustained major injuries. Subsequently they organized into the Cultural Forces, entertaining troops and going on tours of appreciation. The Ukrainian Consul from San Francisco was in attendance for the event.
The musicians were winding up a 61-day tour of gratitude to America, From the Frontline with Thanks. It is their second tour in the U.S., performing for people all over the country in thanks for their support. They gave 175 performances during this tour.
Sister Cities’ Kaeti Bailie told the Sun that it was particularly powerful and poignant to her that when she introduced herself to one of the performers, mentioning our sister city Kaniv, he said ,“Oh yes, there is a hydroelectric plant there”. Just the night before there were more Russian attacks on the power grid. Bailie said, “We just sent $20,000 to purchase six large back-up rechargeable commercial batteries to keep Kaniv schools open during blackout.” The money was left over from the ambulance fundraising. Bailie wrote to her Kaniv team, “It isn’t often that you have the opportunity of saving lives and I’m very proud of what we’ve done in that regard.”
By Anna Pier
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