Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

Autumn came so suddenly to Kyiv that Kyivans hardly had time to change into warmer clothes. I always find it amusing observing the kaleidoscope of outfits that belong to different seasons – girls still wearing sandals, and those wearing boots, men in coats, and boys in shirts, as if unwilling to let summer go.

And truth is, it’s not just about clothes – the cold season implies a whole different lifestyle. You no longer feel like hanging around outside so much, instead either curling up at home with a cup of tea in front of the TV, or going to a movie, or to a nice concert – just as long as it’s indoors. So what is there to expect this autumn?

The main guest Kyiv is awaiting this fall, Christina Aguilera, recently rescheduled her concert one day later – Oct. 21, but she’s still coming, which means we can be hopeful. However, many stars have cancelled their previously announced shows in Ukraine that, until she steps off the plane in Boryspil, I won’t be sure her gig is actually taking place. Still, you need to get tickets in advace – after all, it’s Palats Ukraina hosting the show, and not Palats Sportu.

The rest of the acts expected to visit the capital are unlikely to cause much excitement. Among them is Eros Ramazotti, an Italian singer whose hits were once all over Ukrainian airwaves. But, as with many other foreign musicians, he only decided to come here after his golden times were over. Also for about the 50th time, we’d be treated to gigs by rock grandpa’s Deep Purple and Nazareth. I imagine their audience decreases with every year, but apparently the veterans are too addicted to Ukraine to stop coming. The fans of dark heavy music can rejoice – they will have a whole collection of moody bands to choose from. There will be former Nightwish frontwoman, Finnish rock vocalist Tarja Turunen, and several German acts – symphonic metal project Haggard, which showcases an impresive number of musicians – from 16 to 21, U.D.O. (another ancient group) and Die Apokalytischen Reiter, this one playing folk death. The only concert that I’m really interested in is Glen Miller Orchestra that already played last autumn, and is coming again. Some classical jazz tunes well-played – you can’t lose with that.