Yagódy 

Yagódy has one clear driving purpose: to preserve Ukrainian folk traditions while demonstrating their continued relevance during a time of ongoing turmoil. One of the most charismatic contemporary Ukrainian folk bands to have emerged in the past decade, the group was founded in Lviv, Ukraine, in 2016 by Zoryana Dybovska. Yagódy (meaning “berries”) is rooted in Ukrainian and Balkan musical traditions, but the ensemble has created its own modern and gripping sound by showcasing theatrical singers supported by musicians playing drums, percussion, guitar, bass, and accordion.

For centuries, folk music has carried history, identity, and collective memory through periods of occupation, censorship, and attempted erasure. As Ukraine continues to endure sustained attacks, Yagódy’s art serves as a living expression of resilience and continuity.  Praised as “mesmerizing” by the Chicago Sun-Times, a Yagódy performance is ritualistic and self-described as a musical trance based on the pulse of humanity, like a love letter from the past that hasn’t arrived yet. -EL

Zoriana Dybovska – Vocals & Percussion; Vasylyna Voloshyn – Vocals; Tetiana Voitiv – Vocals, Tibetan Bowl, Percussion, & Drymba; Nadiia Parashchuk –Vocals & Accordion; Teimuraz Gogitidze – Drums; Vasyl Parashchuk –Cymbals

SATURDAY 10:30 – 11:35am West Stage
SATURDAY 4:40 – 5:50pm Global Ties that Bind West Stage