Killarney

UKRAINE COLUMN
By Natalya Krasnenkova
<h3>On Sunday morning, a small van arrived at the Innisfallen car park and in it was very valuable cargo, which Ukrainians were looking forward to!</h3>
After a few minutes the doors of the van opened, and we saw an absolutely fantastic picture &#8211; a stage for live music performances.
The concert began and included Irish musicians James Moore on vocals and guitar, Deirdre Johnson on vocals and guitar, Damian Greer drums/percussion and Vairis Burcaks keyboard/synthesizer which gave the audience such positive emotions especially those who are still experiencing many fears and anxieties about the war.
&#8220;Music unites, it carries history and emotions in different languages, and when there are types of Irish music sessions, worries are left behind for a while when music prevails,&#8221; organiser, Gemma Tipton, said.
Then Ukrainians took to the stage. The traditional &#8216;One Viburnum Outside the Window&#8217; was performed by Olena Basko, guitar by Yevhenia Omelchenko and vocals by Tetiana Neliepova supported by Irish musicians. Singing together brings a lot of surprises and laughter but everyone was ready to improvise and support with one round of applause.
Festival in a Van started in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Arts Officer with Kerry County Council, Kate Kennelly, found funding, and the festival was able to take place that day in Innisfallen.
&ldquo;Initially, I organised a Festival in a Van to help theatre masters and artists work during COVID. I want to find a safe way to continue live performances, as well as give hope and enjoyment to people who are isolated from the pandemic,&rdquo; Gemma added.
Since then, Festival in a Van has toured schools, nursing homes, town centres, city squares, remote places &#8211; where art does not always reach.
&#8220;Like so many people all over the world, I&rsquo;m shocked, saddened, upset and angry at the Russian attacks on Ukraine, and while I know there&rsquo;s not much I can do to help at a political level, Festival in a Van is an obvious way of bringing the arts to where you are currently staying,&rdquo; she added.

Outdoor music festival brings smiles and laughter

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