Kozak Siromaha is coming to Portage next week. Event organizer Yevgeniya Tatarenko was part of the effort to bring him to Portage la Prairie. She says he's an up-and-coming Ukrainian storyteller and performer, who is currently trending in the entertainment world. He was discovered a few years ago on a national television competition in Ukraine's version of The Voice.
Tatarenko contacted Blair Horsdeski here in Portage to see if he could find a venue to finish off the tour in the province.
It's a free event thanks to the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation and Mitch Tilk, Local Immigration Partnership Program coordinator. Tickets are costing a significant amount in all other Manitoba communities. This is the province's grand finale and is a fundraiser for the 59th Ukrainian Motorized Brigade to buy two pickup trucks and drones.
Tatarenko says Siromaha is a genuine Kozak (Cossack) and hails from a long legacy of the Ukrainian warriors known, respected, and feared throughout Europe for centuries, for as late as World War I.
"He doesn't just look like Kozak right from ancient times in Ukraine, but he actually lives like a real one," says Tatarenko. "He wears the clothing as Kozaks were wearing. He lives, following the rules of their lives. He plays and he sings Kozak songs. With everything he does, he showcases the actual Ukrainian Kozak culture, shares a lot of legends and a lot of sayings from the period of time when the Ukrainian warriors were so popular, strong, and powerful in Europe."
The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. at Portage's Army Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada building on 3rd St. NE, with doors opening at 6:30.
"We'll enjoy all those legends, the unique music, and unique singing. It will be a fully bilingual event with translation so everyone can actually get an idea of what is going on, discover a lot about Ukrainian culture, and learn more about the Kozaks. He actually acts, sings, and lives as the Kozaks. He's also very popular in Ukraine because a huge discovery of him took place five years ago. He now creates a lot of projects with other very popular bands to bring this cultural element to their performances or their videos."
Tatarenko adds the performer also works with the winners of Eurovision 2022 with the Kalush Orchestra.
She notes she's from Ukraine, herself, and hails from the very region where the Kozak fortress was located. Tatarenko adds it's always been her dream to bring a real Kozak to Canada.
Blair Hordeski urges anybody that has an interest in learning a little bit more about Ukrainian culture to come and enjoy some entertainment.
"Tickets, although they are free, still have to be reserved at Eventbrite."
The box office is currently open. He adds they didn't have months to organize the event, noting they only had a few days, and appreciate the opportunity for it to have been organized so quickly by Mitch Tilk (PLIP) and Leo Carpenter (Portage Army and Navy).
"We're looking at next Wednesday, already. We do have some tickets available. We urge people to get online right now. Go through Eventbrite and get your ticket," says Hordeski.
- онлайн️ Tickets - online at - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/624882679917 ( https://www.eventbrite.com/e/624882679917 )
