Yagódy are a Ukrainian folk-pop band driven by the haunting four-part vocal harmonies of Zoryana Dybovksa, Vasylyna Voloshyn, hand percussionist Tetiana Voitiv, and accordionist Nadiia Parashchuk. Founded by Dybovksa in Lviv in 2016, the charismatic group (whose name means “berries”) have a repertoire that consists primarily of Ukrainian, Slavic, and Balkan folk songs translated into a highly theatrical style that draws on pop, rock, hip-hop, and various global sounds. The women create tension and drama as they interweave their voices, so that their songs feel like they’re ringing out from the hills with a primal energy that’s been polished up and projected across the sky.
In 2021, Yagódy dropped their self-titled debut full-length, which features ten reimagined traditional songs. They’ve since released a steady stream of singles, including 2024’s arresting protest song “Tsunamia,” which is also their first original composition. Its lyrics cast everyday people as mighty and healing seas in the face of a mutual threat, and though they’re in Ukrainian, the song’s message of survival, resistance, and rage comes through loud and clear no matter what language you speak. “Tsunamia” was shortlisted for Eurovision 2024, and in January, Yagódy competed in the international music contest again, this time with “Bramaya,” which dreams of peace throughout the land. They have plans to release a second album later this year or in 2026. This show is part of Yagódy’s first U.S. tour, and it comes at a pivotal historical moment for their country and ours, as alliances are broken and reshuffled in service of authoritarian power grabs. While music alone cannot save Ukraine (or any other country), the collective experience of a Yagódy concert can help shore up your spirits and renew your commitment to solidarity. In that sense, I expect Chicago to give Yagódy a spectacular welcome.
Yagódy Wed 4/9, 7:30 PM, Old Town School of Folk Music, Maurer Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln, $30 VIP meet and greet, all ages, free
