MBAW Brings Russian Culture to Haven for Hope

Musical Bridges Around the World partnered with Haven for Hope on March 23, 2016, providing a free one hour concert for their community.

Russian Folk Group the Flying Balalaika Brothers brought their uplifting performance to the dining hall during dinner hour. Hundreds of people were present for the performance and sang along with many of the melodies played by the musicians.

Haven for Hope’s mission is to offer a place of hope and new beginnings. They do this by providing, coordinating and delivering an efficient system of care for people experiencing homelessness in Bear County. We thank them for inviting us to their facility to spread joy through the universal language of music.

The original Flying Balalaika Brothers were formed in Los Angeles in 1995 by Zhenya Kolykhanov (a.k.a. Z Rock), the former lead guitarist of the Russian surf/rockabilly group Red Elvises. The group started as a street band and later transformed into the group Red Elvises; which had a large history of performing for clubs, motion pictures, and tv shows in California. After Zhenya set up shop in Austin, TX, he reestablished The Flying Balalaika Brothers. The band represents a blend of traditional world music and original musical pieces. The group has found a home in the musically rich culture in Austin, TX.