Swinging Comrades and the Ukraine Sinatra
With the end to the Cold War, those we once suspected now learn to swing the Western Way.R. Keller takes a peek behind the Iron Curtain and finds it draped in velvet...
On a recent trip to western Ukraine, I happened to spend a few nights at the Hotel Rivne in, well, Rivne (also called Rovno by the hated Russians). In the crumbling splendor of the restaurant/bar/lounge, there were these crazy young people up on stage who could really go to it. All songs were in English, but it was evident that no one in the group could speak it with any proficiency. No one found it a problem.
Ukrainians by nature are a rather subdued lot, constantly steeling themselves for the next major catastrophe which they are certain is just around the corner. On this night it was different. Whether it was the vodka or the music or indeed the presence of yours truly, I'll never know, but the place was a scene of a near-riot once those young people broke into "Besame Mucho." Being in something of a jaunty mood, my beefy Ukrainian brothers and sisters began tossing around furniture, dancing on the tables and feeling up the waitresses. This lasted for good half hour until the police showed and took their turn feeling up the wait staff to the strains of "Summer Samba." It was a very bizarre evening. Sadly, the next evening paled in comparison; the band played the same songs, but there were no ensuing shenanigans.
If by some twist of fate you happen to land in Rivne, the Hotel Rivne awaits you with digestable food, a resonably clean bed and a fine band. Perhaps the mood may pitch toward the interesting. Who is to say in this crazy mixed-up world?
P.S. I have a cousin, Volodya Bahan, who is one of Ternopil, Ukraine's favorite vocal stylists. He sings in a few clubs and is frequently featured on television in crudely made videos where he strolls through the sparse city parks crooning sentimental ballads to the available bushwork. Another cousin described him as the classic Ukrainian "tall, dark and handsome" type. Dark Volodya certainly is, but based on my estimates of his height, he couldn't be taller than 5'4". And as for handsome, family pride compels me to say, "Absolutely!" The matter, however, is open to debate among his critics. But the fact remains that this man may be the Frank Sinatra of western Ukraine. And if not Frank, then the Vic Damone.
So if you're ever in Ternopil, tune in Cousin Volodya and watch him do
some of Ukraine's creakier tear-jerking ballads the justice they
deserve. Cousin Volodya loves his fans deeply and sincerely, and he
means it from the bottom of his capacious heart.