Ukrainian K-Pop All Stars
“We’re not gonna take it
No, we ain’t gonna take it
We’re not gonna take it anymore
We’ve got the right to choose it
There ain’t no way we’ll lose it
This is our life, this is our song
We’ll fight the powers that be, just
Don’t pick our destiny ‘cause
You don’t know us, you don’t belong”
“Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’
Streetlights, people”
[Note: I refer to the kids pictured in the cover photograph as the Ukrainian K-Pop All Stars. I have no idea whether the group has a name]
Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union 34 years ago today. Since Donald J. Trump took office, Russian President Vladimir Putin has significantly increased his attacks on Ukrainian civilians, hoping to eliminate the Ukrainian national identity. Rather than recognizing the critical role that Ukraine plays in preserving U.S. and European security, Trump has at times sided with Putin, and at others, he has cruelly teased the Ukrainian people, suggesting that he has a plan to end three and half years of war. Unfortunately, Trump’s position is rooted in the Art of the Real Estate Deal rather than Ukraine’s long-term security. When Trump’s ever-vacillating position points favorably in Ukraine’s direction, it usually means that he expects Ukraine to cede important lands in the Donbas for a peace that Trump is unwilling to guarantee.
Yes, the news has been dour since Trump took office, particularly since the summit in Alaska, where Trump welcomed a war criminal with red-carpet pageantry rather than a novichok handshake. Given these circumstances, those who put together today’s Independence Day celebration were tasked with striking an almost impossible balance: Highlight the dilemma that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people face, while offering up an upbeat program showcasing Ukraine’s rich and distinct cultural heritage. On all accounts, Dr. Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak, the president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America—Illinois Division, Pavlo Bandriwsky, Ihor Diaczun, Marta Farion, Zoryana Smozhanyk, Svitlana Yurchuk, and all the other community members involved in putting today’s pageantry together hit a grand slam homerun. Bandriwsky, Diaczun, and Farion all serve as UCCA Vice Presidents of Government and Community Relations.
The Independence Day celebration began in the plaza located at the intersection of Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue, beneath the two Spearman statues standing watch over the plaza. When I arrived, the plaza was bathed in blue and yellow, which at first was a bit disconcerting because over the last 22 months, this plaza has often been bathed in the green, red, and white color scheme signaling a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
The program had not yet begun, so members of the Ukrainian Community were catching up on community news, unraveling banners, and posing for selfies. Congresswoman Robin Kelly—part Ukrainian—and Congressman Mike Quigley were speaking with Pavlo Bandriwsky. Several of the Ukrainian war vets were gathered together. The community brings them to Chicago for medical treatment
A group of people had unfurled a 25-foot-long Ukrainian flag that they now held horizontally aloft above the pavement. They had positioned themselves so that one end of the flag was just below the steps that would serve as today’s informal speaker’s platform.
After 15 minutes, Dr. Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak grabbed a white bullhorn. In keeping with her Friday speech in Daley Plaza during the flag-raising ceremony, Dmytriv-Kapeniak took a serious and angry tone, denouncing any suggestion that portions of Ukraine were for sale, while emphasizing Ukrainian solidarity. She then introduced Congressman Quigley.
Taking the bullhorn, Quigley criticized the pageantry that Trump bestowed on Putin, particularly the red carpet treatment. He then called for the seizure of Russian assets held in the U.S. and Europe, with the funds being turned over to Ukraine. The amounts at stake are not insignificant, with $5 billion of Russian assets in the United States and $300 billion in Europe. For the record, Quigley has made six trips to Ukraine since the war began in 2022.
Congresswoman Kelly then took the bullhorn, reassuring Chicago’s Ukrainian Community by telling them:
[Not to] get weary. Know that you have many allies, besides Congressman Quigley and myself, that are fighting for you in Washington, D.C.; that believe in you; that want to see peace; that don’t want you to give back any part of your land.
The Ukrainian Ladies Posing in Their Heritage Dresses
A Lovely Ukrainian Sunflower Holding a Bunch of Sunflowers
Pavlo Bandriwsky Speaking with Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Congressman Mike Quigley
Spread Out
Most Reverend Bishop Venedykt (Aleksiychuk), Bishop of Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Chicago, Posing with Members of Chicago's Ukrainian Community
An Odd Collection of Literature; Some of It is Not Normally Seen at Ukrainian Rallies
Dr. Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak and Zoryana Smozhanyk Standing Together for Ukraine
Gathered Around the Flag
Demanding Peace for Ukraine
Congressman Mike Quigley Addressing the Crowd Just Following His Sixth Trip to Ukraine
Wearing a Crown of Red Flowers
Congresswoman Robin Kelly Speaking to the Ukrainian Community
Listening to Congressman Quigley
A Wounded Ukrainian Soldier Most Likely Receiving Treatment in Chicago
Lining Up for the March
Dmytriv-Kapeniak then took the bullhorn back from Congresswoman Kelly. Looking at what was a much larger crowd, she told them that they would now begin the march to the Wrigley Building Plaza. At that point, Zoryana Smozhanyk took the bullhorn, barking out commands to obey red lights, follow instructions given by the marshals, and stay on the sidewalks. Within just three or four minutes, the marchers, proceeding with a police escort, turned onto Adams. At State Street, the group turned north until it reached Upper Wacker Drive. From Wacker, they walked to Michigan Avenue, where CPD had closed the southbound lane to traffic, so the marchers would not clog the narrow pedestrian walkway lining the DuSable Michigan Avenue Bridge.
The march was an impressive one, which was largely attributable to the large numbers extending for several blocks along State Street. The wind was blowing hard, so many of the flags attached to poles were fully extended. More than a few passing motorists honked, showing their support for Ukraine. Marshals using bullhorns led the marchers in chants as they walked to their destination.
When I arrived at Wrigley Plaza, it was packed with Ukrainians extending back to the Walgreens store. I had never seen the plaza so packed. I knew something was happening near the Chicago River-end of the plaza, but I couldn’t see what, which meant no photographs. Desperate times require desperate measures, which in this case, meant crawling on my hands and knees to the front. During my journey, I had to crawl under two 30-foot long Ukrainian flags that covered a portion of the plaza. You do what you have to do.
CPD Waiting for the Marchers to Arrive
CPD Blocking Street Traffic for the Ukrainians
Passing By
Super Ukrainian About to Leap a Tall Building
Crossing State Street
Blocking Traffic (According to CPD)
Carrying the Flag of the Ukrainian 65 ОМБ Brigade
Holding the Ukrainian Flag High
"Zaporizhzhia is Not For Sale"
The Ukrainian and American Flags Side by Side, As They Should Be
Headed Toward Wacker Drive
No Baked Alaska Today
". . . Stability in the Age of Trump" is an Oxymoron
Patriots Passing the House Built by the Grifter in Chief
Sending a Message to Donald J. Trump
CPD Finally Directed the Ukrainians to Take to the Street
Crawling on My Hands and Knees to Move to the Front
Following very brief remarks, Dr. Mariya led the group in some chants, many of which were freshly-minted, reflecting what transpired in Alaska during the failed Putin-Trump summit. “Ukraine is Not for Sale;” “Ukraine Belongs in Nato;” “USA Support Ukraine;” “Russia is a Terrorist State;” “Crimea is Ukraine;” “We Fight for Freedom;” “Donetsk is Ukraine;” “No Justice, No Peace;” “Zaporizhzhia is Ukraine;” “We Fight for Freedom;” “Save Ukraine, Save the World.” Wow, the good doctor has a pair of lungs, as well as vocal cords made of steel. Her voice never wavered, nor did she grow hoarse.
And then the mood changed dramatically. The required editorials were finished. Now it was time for the entertainment. During the next hour, several women soloed, as did two men. Several musical groups, including the Ukrainian K-Pop Allstars took the cement stage. All were polished and seasoned professionals.
The All-Stars were clearly my favorite. I had seen them perform at prior Independence Day celebrations as tweens. I immediately could see and hear their talent, but they were not yet polished performers. Having matured over the last two years, the now teenagers had far more confidence today; their dance routines had evolved beyond simply swaying in place or stepping from side to side. Somebody has been assisting the Ukrainian K-Pop Allstars, bringing elaborately choreographed dance moves and interactions to the mix. Their vocals are also richer in tone, exhibiting greater range.
Another of my favorite performances involved a duet between a guitarist and saxophonist. I wondered whether they played around town. The saxophonist, who definitely has played jazz before, knew how to sell his solos with some emotive moves. He had the chops.
As the performances unfolded, I was convinced that the Ukrainian Community had brought back the Ed Sullivan Variety Show. Only two acts were missing: the plate spinners and Top Gigio, the Italian mouse who frequently conversed with Sullivan. Maybe next year.
All good things, however, must end. Four singers stepped to the stage for a stirring rendition of the Ukrainian National Anthem. Then Dr. Mariya took center stage once again. Her message, which we heard earlier in the day, was a simple one: Paraphrasing, “We need more of you to come out to the rallies in support of Ukraine.” Hopefully, many in the crowd will honor her request. After more than three and half years of war, those on the frontlines need support and encouragement to continue to repel the Russian assault. When they do turnout, Chicago’s Ukrainian Community demonstrates to Donald J. Trump and the Republicans in Congress that people in the United States support the Ukrainian war effort.
Calling Everyone to Attention
A Beautiful Voice Echoing Over the Streets of Chicago
Ihor Diaczun Keeping the Program on Pace
Mesmerized
Young Woman, But a Big Voice
Pleased With Her Student
"Come Gather Around All You People, Because the Times are a Changing"
One of Several Vocal Groups Performing Today
Waving the Colors Behind Stage
Another Talented Singer
Stepping Out Front
Serhiy Koledov, Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago, Thanking the United States for Its Assistance
The Ukrainian Consul General Honors Zoryana Smozhanyk for Her Service to Ukraine and Chicago’s Ukrainian Community
Joining In
The Ukrainian K-Pop All-Stars Take the Stage
Calling for Total Victory
The Ukrainian K-Poppers Reaching Out to Their Fans
Stating Her Terms
Coming Around the Corner
Watching
Waving Their Arms
Give the Soundman Some Love
Forming the Wedge that Will Pierce the Russian Lines
Stepping Up to the Plate
Is That a Map of Ukraine on His Guitar?
Doing the Ukrainian Shuffle
Riding the 'Trane for Ukraine
The K-Poppers Teaming Up with a Soloist
Finishing the Day with the Ukrainian National Anthem
NBC Chicago 5' Kacy Standohar about to Go Live Immediately Following the Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration
It’s a Wrap: Conserving Resources for Next Year
Dr. Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak Saying Thank You to Two of CPD's Finest
Suggestions for the Programming Committee. Here are a three suggestions that the programming committee should consider:
Change Locations. The performance space was much too small. Moreover, many people in the back could not see the performers, which resulted in many drifting away. The performers need to be elevated. A good case can be made that today’s march should have been circular, returning to the plaza in Grant Park. That space has a stage above the steps.
Charge the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Parlor a Performance Fee. If the organizers decide to return to the Wrigley Building Plaza next year, they should demand the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate parlor pay a performance fee. Every time I looked up at the Wrigley Building, I saw people slurping down ice cream floats as they watched the performances below. Free entertainment? Next year, Ghirardelli should distribute free ice cream cones to everyone in the plaza who is wearing blue and yellow (or carrying a camera).
Feature the Performers Year-Round. Given the number of demonstrations in the city, most pedestrians give short shrift to people making speeches and chanting. If, however, the Ukrainian K-Pop Allstars, or any of the other singers and dancers, were to put on a show as part of a demonstration, pedestrians would stop dead in their tracks. Use all the community’s considerable assets.
But when all is said and done, today’s Ukrainian Independence Day celebration and march was both an impactful and enjoyable event. Slava Ukraini.
Copyright 2025, Jack B. Siegel, All Rights Reserved. Do Not Alter, Copy, Display, Distribute, Download, Duplicate, or Reproduce Without the Prior Written Consent of the Copyright Holder.
