It's the beginning of something BIG!

For those of you who know me for real or from afar, you probably already know how much being Ukrainian means to me. Today, I announce a new project to help me realize a dream – to record a solo, Ukrainian-language album, and I need your help to make it happen.

I have recorded Ukrainian-language records in the past, with my former partner Slau Halatyn. We were known as “Darka & Slavko” and our goal was to record something for a younger generation, rather than “our parents music.” We performed at the first independent music festival in Ukraine “Chervona Ruta” and it was truly historic. We witnessed a nation being reborn. Soon, I will be in Ukraine perform at the Chervona Ruta festival in Lviv. It will take place as safely as possible, and now, as it did in 1989, the festival will undoubtedly embolden, energize, and revitalize the people of Ukraine.

My new album will be dedicated to the brave, unbreakable people of Ukraine, and also to the Diaspora Ukrainian communities around the world which have kept Ukrainian culture and traditions alive for more than a century: In particular, I'd like to honor the vibrant Ukrainian communities of Detroit, MI, (where I'm from) New York City, (where I lived for many years) Portland, OR (where my partner Miroslav and I live now) and lastly, Wolverhampton, England, (Miroslav's home town.) These communities will always be near-and-dear to our hearts, as they made it possible for so many of us to learn Ukrainian music, poems, dance, Ukrainian history and cultural traditions, as well as give each of us a lifelong-burning torch of Ukrainian love and pride to carry in our hearts.

As part of my new album, I want to include a few songs that may not have survived in Ukraine due to decades-long Soviet oppression – I remember my mom singing songs I have yet to hear coming out of Ukraine. Giving these old songs some new life has always been a goal. (If you happen to have some musical Ukrainian gems that time forgot, please get in touch!)

My husband Miroslav Stebivka is a truly unique human and an extraordinary composer and musician, who will be my partner in this recording. The sweet background soundtrack to my fundraiser video is one of the songs we collaborated on already, and will likely be included on the new record.

It would also be an honor to include many incredibly talented individuals on this record, musicians here in the US and from Ukraine. This will involve recording in different locations, and working remotely. Ideally, if I hit my target, we will print a number of vinyl records.

A portion of every unit sold (download, physical CD or vinyl) will go to humanitarian or medical aid to Ukraine. I am particularly focused on helping injured soldiers heal from their wounds, physical, and psychological. I have various non-profits whom I will be working with, and these will be covered in my fundraiser updates.

To anyone who can donate and become part of my biggest musical journey yet, thank you for your support! For me, it's high time to act, and create something that will live on long after I'm gone: I hope you will help me reach my dream, to create something very personal and beautiful to honor my Ukrainian heritage, and to continue to raise awareness about Ukraine and its right to be a free and sovereign nation.

Please watch the video I made to hear more. I am profoundly grateful for each and every donation.

Thank you, and Glory to Ukraine!

Darka

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe."