Illustration by Daria Filippova
On March 28, St. Volodymyr's Institute transforms into a speakeasy where jazz, Cajun and traditional Ukrainian folk music join forces in support of a women’s shelter in Ukraine, featuring Louisiana-style dance band Swamperella, the acclaimed Tymish Koznarsky Jazz Quartet, and the vocal group Sing with Ukraine.
Password to gain entry at the door: BUDMO!
In addition to music and dancing, expect theme Molotov Cocktails, traditional Ukrainian food, a silent auction, items for sale, and even ancient Ukrainian fortune telling. It’s an underground event, so expect some surprises. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite or at the door for $20, $40, or $60, with larger donations accepted.
About the shelter: The shelter is located in a village in western Ukraine and houses about 25 women, some with their children and parents, who have fled Russian occupation in the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk and Donetsk regions. Ukrainians who remain in occupied territories face torture, deportation to Russia, and death. Funds raised will go toward renovations of the former office building where the shelter is located.
This venue is accessible.
The event is supported by St. Volodymyr Institute
The Music!
Swamperella
Swamperella is not only Canada’s own Cajun/Zydeco band w 25 years under their shiny belts - Swamperella is an experience!
What puts the swamp into Swamperella?
Driving accordions -Gutsy fiddling- Sultry vocals and a Killer rhythm section that pumps out a ’cant sit still ’ authentic Cajun / Zydeco groove.
Whether acoustically, at back porch b b q s, street parties or in barns, or plugged in for large festival stages and massive corporate events, Swamperella will captivate audiences with infectious rhythms and impassioned melodies. Since 1997 Swamperella is known for spreading the Cajun/ Zydeco Gospel, both traditional and homegrown, all over Canada. The band has shared performances with notable trad. greats such as Tracy Scwartz and Louisiana’s own Mamou Playboys as well having been accompanied by The Niagara Symphony Orchestra!
With authentic pride in the Cajun and Zydeco tradition, Swamperella’s heart felt vibe and magnetic dance grooves, deliver unforgettable performances.
The hallmark of a Swamperella event is Fun! Fun! Fun!...and of course those enthusiastic crowds, big or small, that can’t help but bust out their dance moves!
Tymish Koznarsky Jazz Quartet
Tymish Koznarsky is an award-winning jazz saxophonist hailing from Toronto, Canada. He frequently performs at top venues in the city’s top venues such as the Jazz Bistro, the Rex Jazz and Blues Bar, and the Jazz Room, both as a sideman and bandleader of the Tymish Koznarsky Quintet. Tymish has collaborated, recorded, and studied with internationally acclaimed artists, including Kirk Macdonald, Harold Mabern, Terri Lyne Carrington, Kiya Tabassian, Lorne Lofsky, Mike Downes, and Pat LaBarbera and he was a featured soloist on Caity Gyorgy’s Juno award-winning album “Featuring.”
Accolades for his work include the Lou Williamson Woodwind Scholarship Award, The Lionel C. Wooster Award, the Kira Payne Memorial Bursary, the Greg Wells Scholarship, and selection for Canada’s prestigious National Youth Jazz Combo in 2019, a pivotal experience that set him on the path to a professional career. As a recent recipient of the Intercultural and Creative Music Fellowship, he was commissioned to compose music for the Aga Khan Museum alongside his fellow collaborators. Tymish is currently working on his debut album, which is on pace to be released in early 2026.
Sing With Ukraine
Sing with Ukraine is a grassroots effort by Eastern European artists, started after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb 24th. What began as a gathering of friends processing grief together through song, has now become a journey and resistance effort through Toronto’s bars and music venues. We interrupt the pre-scheduled programming to celebrate Ukrainian identity, to show the humanity and culture of those affected, and to awaken ourselves and our city from indifference.
Organized by Women for Ukrainian Solidarity
We are a group of students, educators, artists, and community leaders in Toronto.
We are Marusya Bociurkiw, Marta Baziuk, Oksana Hawrylak, Violetta Petrova, Halyna Perun, Annie Boss, Kate Kostyshyn, Yuliia Strokan, Sofiia Halchenko, Vira Votchenikova, Halya Moroz, and more.