Lake Charles, Louisiana — Ukrainian theater and music group YAGODY will bring their unique “ethno-drama” performance to McNeese State University on April 24, marking one of the final stops on their first North American tour.
The four-member ensemble from Lviv, a city on the western edge of Ukraine, combines traditional vocals and percussive instruments to create what they describe as a “tight, transportive sound.” Their performance style has been characterized as ritualistic, with the band noting that their music is “like the wind wandering through fields” and “the call of wild tribes.”
The group recently participated in Ukraine’s national selection for the Eurovision 2024 song contest with their entry “Tsunamia,” bringing international attention to their distinctive sound.
Their North American tour began in New Mexico and includes performances in major cities including Chicago, Seattle, Vancouver and Boulder before concluding with Louisiana performances in Lake Charles and at Festival International in Lafayette on April 25 and 26.
The YAGODY McNeese performance is presented by Banners 2025, the university’s cultural series. Tickets for the general public are available on the Banners website. Free tickets are available for seniors over 80, children under 12, military personnel, first responders and educators by contacting 337-475-5997 or emailing [email protected].
For those unfamiliar with the term “ethno-drama,” it refers to a performance style that combines traditional cultural elements with theatrical presentation, often incorporating folk music, storytelling and visual elements that reflect cultural heritage.
As Ukraine continues to face challenging times amid ongoing conflict, cultural exchanges like Yagody’s tour provide opportunities for Ukrainian artists to share their traditions with international audiences.