This year, we shall commemorate the centenary of Bulat Okudzhava (9th May 1924 – 12th June 1997), a Soviet singer and song-writer, poet, and author, whose songs and poems had a profound impact on generations of the Soviet intelligentsia, since the early 1960s up to the 1990s. Full of meaning, reflection, sublime feelings and dignity, yet describing everyday life with honesty and no traditional Soviet pathos, his songs struck a chord with people of all ages and were sung to the guitar almost at every party, in the kitchen or around a bonfire. Okudzhava became a moral compass for many in the age of official hypocrisy and meaningless, empty slogans. His songs exuded warmth and brought people together.

We would like invite everyone, who wishes to sing a few songs by Okudzhava or play the guitar, or recite a poem, or say a few words, to get in touch with Tanya Yurasova via WhatsApp 0781 510 1481. We shall then add you to the group of performers. (It is very informal, but the aim is to draft a certain programme, for consistency and to avoid repetition.)

Everyone is invited to come and join us!

WHEN: Saturday, 29 June, 18:30 (BST)
WHERE: Midsummer Common – on the field opposite Fort St. George Pub, Cambridge CB5 8DR

We shall get together on our favourite vast green field, Midsummer Common, not far from the river and the pub Fort St.George – same place as our traditional “White Nights”.

Please bring rugs and/or foldable chairs for comfort! Also don’t forget umbrellas and raincoats in case it rains.

You may like to come with your own beer or other drinks and picnic (or you could choose to buy drinks in the nearby pub). Guitars, of course, are paramount!

We look forward to seeing you there!