Rochester musicians holding benefit concert for Ukraine, Eastman grad

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — A group of Rochester musicians are holding a benefit concert for one of their own, and Ukraine on Saturday.

Eastman School of Music grad and Ukraine native Kostia Lukyniak is known for his unique style of playing the violin. When he graduated in January, his student visa expired, and he had to return to Ukraine shortly before the country was invaded.

While he was in Rochester, he grew close to many musicians.

On Saturday, 75 Stutson Street in Charlotte will host a benefit concert for Kostia.

The concert will begin at 6 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are just $20.

Grand Tone will host and there will be live performances by GRAMMY-nominated smooth jazz artist Jimmie Highsmith Jr., Positive Vibes, smooth jazz artist Bill Tiberio, gospel group Divine Nature, R&B artist Anthony Dounte, Jae Monroe & Resilience Gospel Group, Minnie Earle performing Aretha Franklin and Tiffany Davis.

A representative from Rochester’s Ukrainian community will also be there to discuss the war.

Click here for more information about the event.

News10NBC interviewed Kostia in January before he had to go back to Ukraine, when he arrived in Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv and was trying to get to his hometown and after he arrived, when he told us about how he planned to use his musical talent to support the Ukrainian cause by raising awareness abroad and spirits at home.