By Steffen Klenk
Situated in the quaint setting of Ventnor Coffee, musicians representing all backgrounds of music came together for a Saturday evening filled with positivity, while raising money and spreading awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Europe. The Concert for Ukraine brought together over ten of the area’s most-gifted performers, each of whom donated their talents for this extraordinary cause.
One of the performers included local fine artist Steve Kuzma, who not only exhibited his prints at Saturday’s event but uplifted the audience with his soul-filled original pieces of song. A graduate of the Parsons New School of Design in New York City, Kuzma began his artistic endeavor early in life. He worked as an illustrator in New York City for twelve years and has commissioned pieces for the New York Marathon and Sports Monday. His work was notably featured at the 1986 World Cup soccer events and the Olympics.
Throughout his journey in the states, Kuzma has developed a strong and growing connection to nature and the world that surrounds us. Combined with a deep sense of spirit, Kuzma’s free-floating paint technique and use of layering provides depth and dimension. His recent pieces paint a bright picture on Ukraine, reflecting the love of a country he cares deeply for and its people that have been displaced.
Kuzma’s recent works were recently the focus of an exhibit called “Art for Ukraine” at the Perkins Center for the Arts in Collingswood. This showcase included the works of Steve Kuma’s sister and North Philadelphia native Catherine Kuzma, along with the eye-opening works of Athena Zhe, a multitalented Ukrainian artist whose works have been featured on television, film and music videos. His work was also on display at The Sperlak Gallery in Middle Township. Each exhibit raised money for Ukrainian victims and their families.
As a former resident of Kiev, Kuzma has recently brought awareness to the situation in Ukraine and the different regions that are going through hardships, not having enough food or medical supplies. “It’s all for bringing awareness to what’s going on; how it is affecting people and what we can do to help out.”
Ventnor resident Jose Jimenez organized the Concert for Ukraine alongside musical partner Bonnie Pearson. Together, they make up the group Even Betta, playing a mix of popular songs and classics. Jimenez says the event came together as a positive grassroots movement in the Ventnor community. “People are doing it out of the goodness of their own hearts.”
Saturday’s concert proved to be a reminder of events taking shape in the world around us. Many in attendance showed up donning the colors of Ukraine’s national flag, yellow and blue draped throughout the venue and in people’s hearts. Shane Matthews, Egg Harbor Township resident, performed a two-song set during Saturday night’s concert. “Everything Jose does, he does with love for other people,” Shane says, describing Jose Jimenez.
Photo by Steffen Klenk
Other featured artists on the bill included New York native Pete Glaze, local duo Pol & Ronnie, multitalented musician Jacob Smith, flutist Geri Rizzo, Mason Meltzer and Yuni Sabatino.
The Concert for Ukraine was considered a great success. Thanks to the outpouring of community support, almost $1,900 has been raised. Proceeds from the Concert for Ukraine will benefit Samaritan’s Purse. The faith-based organization works with partners around the world to provide medical care, food and non-food relief to individuals affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
To view more photos of this event, visit shorelocalnews.com
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
