Three big events are coming in November, starting with the Spanish Suite Theater flamenco dance troupe of Madrid (Nov. 8), traditional Japanese drumming (Nov. 14-15) and ViaGra with Valeriy Meladze (Nov. 21).
There’s something about the Ukraine Palace concert hall that doesn’t quite make sense.This stiff Soviet era venue, with seating for 3,700 (emphasis on the seating), often welcomes some of the biggest and best names in the entertainment industry. It does so without really deserving more in the way of guests than faded Soviet stars or slapstick college comedy acts.
Its history is as a showcase for the likes of Valeriy Leontev, Maria Burmaka and Alexander Rosenbaum – aging stars who gave the place a good reputation with local concert promoters. Since then, it’s gotten more interesting. Sting played back-to-back dates at the joint in the spring of 2001; when he returned later that year on his Brand New Day tour, rumor had it that he insisted that ticket prices top out at $70. In the end, some tickets went for as much as $400. Many fans left disappointed, too, expecting to hear old Police songs like “Roxanne” and “So Lonely,” instead getting an acoustic sit-down concert.
Acoustic concerts, or others in which everyone sits and claps politely, are what the UP is all about. And yet promoters still bring in bands who are probably insulted to see audiences calmly keeping to their chairs.
Those aging German rockers the Scorpions, for example, stopped by in late April. Imagine rocking to the Scorpions at UP: It’s not a place where you can rip out and throw your seat. You can’t even stand on it. Then there were Norwegian pop stars A-ha, who took to the stage at UP around this time last year and played half a set before they blew the decrepit sound system (ruining what was by all accounts – believe it or not – a great concert). Any circa 1982 Technics stereo puts to shame the UP’s tinny, blaring sound equipment.
Coming Attractions
Regardless of its failings, Ukraine Palace has put together three tantalizing shows in November. Highlights are some great flamenco dance; a weekend of traditional Japanese drumming; and those leggy, busty gals Via Gra, with their male comrade in arms, Georgian crooner Valeriy Meladze.
The flamenco performance, on Nov. 8, is courtesy of the Spanish Suite Theater of Madrid. Spanish Suite will premiere their new dance composition “Style and Essence” during their one-night-only show. Tickets range from Hr 50 to Hr 300. Spring for good tickets, as much of the art of flamenco is in the small things: the subtle motions, the intimate gestures.
From Nov. 14-15, the weekend following the flamenco, UP hosts a traditional Japanese drumming troupe, which will perform with classical Taiko drums. The drumming is, at different times, soothing, invigorating and aggressive; like the flamenco, the show’s unforgettable. Tickets for this concert range from Hr 50 to Hr 800. Don’t worry too much about where you sit: as long as you can see the stage, you’re fine. Call 468-8669 for more information.
Finally, on Nov. 21 Via Gra again take to the UP stage, again with Valeriy Meladze. Once again, they’re changed their already malleable lineup. Joining original member Nadia (the brunette) and Vera (the blonde) is Alina (another blonde), who replaces outgoing Svitlana (a redhead), who in turn replaced Anya (a redhead).
Even if you can’t keep their names straight, you’ll know from videos like “Biologia” and “Prityazhenya Bolshe Nyet” (There’s No More Attraction) that the band specializes in two things: super-catchy pop, and lots of skin. They’ve also twice been voted best pop band in Russia. Meladze, meanwhile, with his silky voice and love-man manner, is one of Russian pop’s great heartthrobs. Together the bunch is only becoming more popular, for obvious reasons. Ticket prices have yet to be announced.All concerts at UP begin at 7 p.m. For more information about the above concerts, call their ticket line at 247-2476.
