Shows must go on for guitarist Baz
Windsor: Musician brings some ‘cheer’ to war-torn Ukraine
A musician from Old Windsor has travelled to war-torn Ukraine as part of a charity mission using performing arts to inspire ‘hope’ and ‘cheer’.
Guitarist and vocalist Baz Francis performed at shows in Kyiv and Odessa when he visited in early February, arranged with Swiss-based charity Good Friends for Ukraine.
During the tour, Baz encountered Russian missile and drone strikes – and also the Ukrainian people trying to go about their lives in the midst of war.
Baz said: “It was quite an experience, when you’re from somewhere like Windsor you go with a sense of trepidation, but then the attacks happened, and it became a bit real.”
Throughout both the Kyiv and Odessa visits there were several reminders of the ongoing war, now in its third year.
Discussing a Russian drone attack he experienced while in Odessa, Baz said: “We heard Kyiv was under attack and thought we might be ok here [Odessa], but then about 10 minutes later I saw explosions in the sky and it was a drone attack. It was horrible but the next morning, for Ukrainians, it was business as usual.”
Along with Good Friends for Ukraine president Julia Peters, Baz made an appearance on Ukrainian television show Morning at Home on February 6.
As well as discussing his impressions of Ukraine, he played his acoustic song Looking Forward to Seeing You which he said had been composed for the trip and for Ukraine.
A recurring lyric in the song, performed in Ukrainian, is translated to English as ‘you always get through it’.
Baz said: “I often wear my Ukrainian earrings, or a Ukrainian heart stitched by Julia’s mum on my mic stand. The sense of solidarity is needed now more than ever.”
The Odessa show featured a reading from Julia’s book Three Little Birds Burning in the Flames of War, which tells the story of the challenges refugees face, accompanied by music. Baz also played music from Cheap Trick, Queen and Jethro Tull.
“It was definitely one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life,” said Baz.
“When the situation [drone attacks] unfolded when we in Odessa, I think it helped me be heard a bit more because I think the locals realised that I was in this situation with them. It wasn’t just me phoning in some platitudes from afar.”
Julia said: “By doing the shows, we wanted to cheer up the civilians in the current tough conditions and bring them some hope for a better future. Baz didn't only decline any possible wages but also paid for his own trip and donated an impressive amount of money to support a Ukrainian NGO.”
She added: “Today, I am still getting thankful messages from people who saw Baz live on stage.
“They all wish for him to return with more concerts.”
Good Friends for Ukraine helps distribute relief supplies in Ukraine as well as organising fundraising events.
More information on the charity can be found on its website at: tinyurl.com/ 3jc3tfdw