Ukrainian band brings ‘Odessa gangsta folk’ to the Northwest

A band from Ukraine is taking the stage in cities around the Northwest. 

Kommuna Lux plays what it calls “Odessa gangsta folk:” a blend of traditional Jewish and Ukrainian tunes with “a dose of rocket fuel.” There’s a trumpet, a trombone, an electric accordion, drums, a guitar and even a clarinet. 

“It’s a unique style that we created,” said Volodymyr Gitin, the clarinetist. “It includes different styles of music and different cultures because Odessa is a special city.” 

Many of the band members have been playing together for years. So, when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, they came together to talk about how they could help their country.

“It was a good question for us: what we can do the best,” Gitin said. “And we understood that the best we can do is to share our music with people all over the world.” 

The band began an international tour. It started in Europe and, last fall, came to the United States for the first time. 

“We were excited about that,” Gitin said of last year’s U.S. tour, which was on the east coast. “It was a very interesting experience for us. People were very open, and we understood that we have a possibility to continue our mission.” 

At each stop, the band collects money that goes directly to the war effort. The funds have helped buy cars, drones and more for Ukrainian soldiers. 

That said, the band has not forgotten how to entertain. 

“We invite people to come to our show, because we bring unique culture, unique music,” Gitin said. “They will have the possibility to be a part of this world that we bring.” 

Then, he added: “Don’t forget your dancing shoes.” 

Kommuna Lux performs at Walla Walla’s Gesa Power House Theatre on Oct. 18. That’s followed by a dozen more concerts throughout Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.