Free concert: Ukraine’s active-duty military tour coming to Shreveport, New Orleans and others

SHREVEPORT, La. ( KTAL/KMSS )—From the Ukrainian frontlines, Cultural Forces’ gratitude tour will tour the United States for the second time, stopping in Shreveport, New Orleans, Dallas, and more. The 60+ day tour will feature active-duty soldiers and volunteers who were professional artists before the war.

This tour aims to celebrate Ukrainian culture, foster international solidarity, and express appreciation for America’s support since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2024.

They are set to perform various music, from Ukrainian and world classics to popular hits, to show support and gratitude through music. The group comprises two bandura players, an opera singer, a violinist, a pianist, a country singer, and a poet. The bandura is a traditional 64-string Ukrainian folk instrument.

They detail that these artists returned to playing music after recovering from injuries. Cultural Forces unite active servicemen and volunteers, boost morale, and provide psychological support to soldiers in combat and recovery zones.

Hosting the Ukrainian world-class musicians from October 18-21 are Razom for Ukraine , a U.S. non-profit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and the top advocate for the U.S.-Ukraine bilateral relationship.

Cultural Forces concert details:

• Cultural Forces will perform a free performance at LSU Shreveport University Center on Saturday, October 19th, at 5:30 p.m.
• On Sunday, October 20, Cultural Forces will perform at Downtown’s Caddo Common Park (861 Texas Avenue, Shreveport) from 3 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., followed by the Shreveport Symphony till 4 p.m.

The Tour of Gratitude is scheduled to visit Washington DC, Richmond (Va.), Charlotte (N.C.), Columbia (S.C.), Atlanta (Ga.), Miami, Tampa, and Orlando (Fla.), Montgomery (Ala.), Jackson (Miss), New Orleans (La), Houston, Austin, Dallas, and Amarillo (Texas), Santa Fe (N.M.), Phoenix (Ariz.), Los Angeles and San Francisco (Calif.), and other cities.

See the musicians and staffer bios here:

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