Audiences will enjoy the rhythmic sounds of Ukrainian folk rock in an upcoming concert at New Mexico Tech’s Macey Center sponsored by the university’s Performing Arts Series. The Ukrainian band YAGODY will perform Friday, March 28, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble consists of four vocalists accompanied by accordion, bass guitar and percussion. The group’s sound has been described as “energetic,” “poetic,” “theatrical” and “charismatic.”

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors age 65 and older, $8 for youth under age 18, and free of charge for NMT students who show a Tech ID. Ticket information and a full schedule of NMTPAS 2024-2025 events is available online at: nmt.edu/pas. NMTPAS 2024-2025 season tickets are available, and subscribers save 25% off tickets for the entire year. Special pre-show events are an additional charge.

Before the show is a free Art Reception, 6-7pm, for the Fourth Annual Socorro County Women’s Art Showcase, open for viewing in the Macey Center Lobby Gallery. Held each year to celebrate Women’s History Month, and our own region’s wealth of talent, this exhibit features 40 artists, emerging to professional,  in a variety of mediums. Free snacks and a cash bar will be available.

Founded in Lviv in 2016, YAGODY band began as a spontaneous project that grew out of their acting experience and love of folk music. Their approach to folk songs is unconventional: they reinterpret ancient melodies, immersing themselves in their drama and musical atmosphere. Each song for Yagody is a separate action, a mini-performance in which Ukrainian vocals, Balkan rhythms and ancient songs merge and find their way into the hearts of the audience. Their music is the vibrations of nature, the call of blood that unites generations. It is a journey into the soul of everyone who is ready to feel connected to their own roots. 

The band actively tours the world and participates in international festivals. Their music has been heard from Norway to South Africa, from Romania to France. In 2024, YAGODY became a finalist in the National Selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with the song "Tsunamia.” "To give a song a new life" is the main goal of Yagody band.”

Dana Chavez-Baca, NMTPAS director, said New Mexico Tech welcomes the Ukrainian folk rock group to Socorro.

“The music of Yagody will no doubt transport concert attendees to Eastern Europe for an enjoyable evening of unique and captivating music,” she said. “This is an excellent opportunity for New Mexico Tech students, faculty and staff and Socorro-area residents to soak up Ukrainian sounds and culture.”

Sponsors of the Yagody performance include: Nusenda Credit Union Foundation, Creative West’sTourWest Program, National Endowment for the Arts, the New Mexico Tech Student Government Association, Jon Morrison, and Kay and Paul Krehbiel.  Yagody is former PAS director, Ronna Kalish’s, “Pick of the Year.”