DakhaBrakhaMarch 14 at Spa Little Theater

Groundbreaking quartet from Ukraine to make Saratoga debut with their hypnotic blend of folk traditions, global influences and contemporary edge

Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and Caffè Lena announce that they will co-present DakhaBrakha, the groundbreaking quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine known for their hypnotic blend of folk traditions, dub, hip-hop and global influences to make what The Rolling Stone has called "folkdrone Bjorkpunk." The self-proclaimed “ethno-chaos” ensemble will make its Saratoga debut on March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Spa Little Theater.

“Caffè Lena has a long history of presenting not only American folk music, but Traditional music from other cultures. It's a thrill to work with this band that has introduced so many people around the world to the roots of Ukrainian music with a contemporary twist that's exciting and compelling,” says Sarah Craig, executive director of Caffè Lena.  

DakhaBrakha, meaning “give/take” in the old Ukrainian language, was created by avant-garde theater director Vladyslav Troitskyi at the Kyiv Center of Contemporary Art “DAKH” in 2004. Accompanied by Indian, Arabic, African, and Ukrainian traditional instrumentation, the quartet’s astonishingly powerful and uncompromising vocal range creates a trans-national sound rooted in Ukrainian culture. At the crossroads of Ukrainian folklore and theater, their musical spectrum is at first intimate then riotous, plumbing the depths of contemporary roots and rhythms, and inspiring “cultural and artistic liberation.”

With over 300 performances worldwide and collaborations with renowned international artists, DhakaBraka has captivated audiences at major festivals across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The ensemble features Marko Halanevych (vocals, darbuka, table, accordion), Iryna Kovalenko (vocals, djembe, bass drums, accordion, percussion, bugay, zgaleyka, piano), Olena Tsybulska (vocals, bass drums, percussion, garmoshka), and Nina Garenetska (vocals, cello, bass drum).

Their mix of contemporary, cosmopolitan savvy and intimacy with local traditions cuts to the heart of DakhaBrakha’s bigger mission: To make the world aware of the new country but ancient nation that is Ukraine. “It’s important to show the world Ukraine, and to show Ukrainians that we don’t need to have an inferiority complex. That we’re not backward hicks, but progressive artists. There are a lot of wonderful, creative people here, people who are now striving for freedom, for a more civilized way of life, and are ready to stand up for it,” Marko Halanevych of DakhaBrakha has stated.

DakhaBrakha’s appearance at Spa Little Theater is part of a unique and ongoing collaboration between SPAC and Caffè Lena. The partnership first launched in 2017, encompassing jointly curated and presented programs at both venues and is highlighted by their annual “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” fall festival.

Tickets for DakhaBrakha at Spa Little Theater cost $40-$55 and will be available beginning on January 9. Visit spac.org for details.

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Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its tranquil setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as Caffè Lena @ SPAC and initiatives in culinary, literary, healing and visual arts.  

SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s thriving education program, community outreach efforts, and the vibrancy of its programming. For more information visit spac.org.

Caffè Lena

Caffè Lena presents extraordinary music in an intimate setting steeped in history. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States, having opened its doors in 1960. The Library of Congress calls Caffè Lena “An American treasure,” and it’s been recognized by The GRAMMY Foundation for its important contributions to the development of American music.