Ruslana wows rain-drenched crowd at Toronto festival (09/19/04)

Ruslana wows rain-drenched crowd at Toronto festival

by Maria Sochan

TORONTO - Ukraine's award-winning singing sensation Ruslana was a hit at the Bloor Street Village Ukrainian Festival. The anticipation of the public, and particularly of youths, for this performance was noticeable throughout the city, culminating during the first two days of the festival as long lines of admirers - many dressed in "Ruslana Wild Dances" t-shirts - waited for autographs.

The main festival show on Saturday, August 28, featuring Ruslana went on in the rain, as the large crowd of mainly young people listened and danced to the rhythmic music on the street, on chairs and tables, some with umbrellas, but many without.

And she did not disappoint.

The excitement and energy felt throughout was not dampened by adverse weather. Ruslana's talented dancers graced the stage with "Wild Dances," and Ruslana performed the over 90-minute fast-paced concert without a break, including her powerful signature songs from the CD of the same title.

She frequently joined the rain-soaked youths, coming to the front of the outdoor stage, which was only partially covered, and continued to sing and connect with her fans in the pouring rain. Her rapport with the audience was outstanding, demonstrating that Ruslana is truly a gracious and professional performer.

Before her return to Ukraine, Ruslana commented excitedly about the warm and enthusiastic reception she had received from the predominantly young North American audience, stating that she was thankful that she could evoke such a great response and draw out the strong patriotic feelings from the North American Ukrainian community's youth.

But she also quickly added that perhaps the effect was as overwhelming in the other direction: she felt strong support and enthusiasm from young people in the diaspora who are also a part of Ukraine, and she felt an even greater pride in her Ukrainian heritage.

Ruslana's stated goal is to shine a positive light on Ukraine in the world arena through her unique, folk-based music. The winner of the 2004 Euro-Vision Song Contest, Ruslana is succeeding as an effective musical ambassador, earning the support and admiration of many fans throughout the world.

Ruslana's stated plans include a soon-to-be-released English-language recording and more concert tours throughout Europe and North America, focusing on her Carpathian-inspired songs. Her CD "Dyki Tantsi" (Wild Dances) became the first recording by a Ukrainian performer to go platinum, that is, to reach sales of over 1 million. (The CD may be obtained from Yevshan at 1-800-265-9858 or www.yevshan.com.)

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