The organizers of the international music festival Laima Rendezvous Jūrmala 2026 have announced the next addition to festival’s line-up. On the opening night, Friday, July 24, the stage of the Dzintari Concert Hall will host the pioneers of Ukrainian ethno-rock -the cult band Vopli Vidopliassova and their charismatic frontman Oleg Skrypka.
For four decades, Vopli Vidopliassova (VV) has been one of the most influential and high-energy forces in Eastern European rock. They pioneered a unique genre where raw rock ‘n’ roll energy blends with deep Ukrainian folk traditions and ethnic motifs. The band’s frontman multi-instrumentalist and cultural trailblazer Oleg Skrypka is a powerful presence on stage, captivating audiences with his vocals and trademark accordion performances. Skrypka is also the founder of the “Krayina Mriy” (Land of Dreams) festival, one of Ukraine’s most impactful cultural platforms, which has spent decades shaping the country’s musical landscape and youth culture.
VV has carved their name into music history with timeless hits like “Vesna”, “Tantsi”, “Halia, khody”, and “Den narodzhennia” – anthems embraced across generations and sung by Ukrainians worldwide. The band’s performance history includes worldrenowned festivals such as WOMAD, the Montreux Jazz Festival, Sziget, and Rock am Ring. Their artistry has inspired an entire generation of musicians, including Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hütz, who publicly cites VV as his primary artistic mentors.
Since February 2022, Vopli Vidopliassova have toured the world continuously, raising vital funds to support Ukrainian defense initiatives and refugees, while also performing directly on the frontlines. In 2025, their North American tour sold out
venues across 15 cities from New York to Los Angeles. Earlier this year, in January 2026, VV performed as cultural ambassadors for Ukraine at the prestigious globalFEST in New York.
At the Dzintari Concert Hall on July 24, VV will perform backed by the festival’s live orchestra a unique artistic crossover where the energy of ethno-rock takes on a grand , new scale. The performance is set to be more than just a musical highlight; it will stand as a powerful statement of solidarity and freedom.
“Laima Rendezvous Jūrmala has always been about genuine charisma and spotlighting artists with a profound soul and unyielding convictions. Oleg Skrypka and his band are a perfect example of how rock music can unite, inspire, and carry a resonant humanitarian message.” , – Laima Vaikule, Festival Founder and Artistic Director
Laima Rendezvous Jūrmala 2026 will take place from July 24 to 26 at the Dzintari Concert Hall. Over the course of the three days, the festival will host 45 artists from more than 20 countries, with each evening delivering exclusive premieres, unexpected duets, and unique collaborations.
Tickets are available now at laimafestival.lv. VIP ticket holders enjoy premium privileges, including the best seats in the hall, a dedicated entrance, and access to the festival’s exclusive after-parties. For information and VIP reservations, please contact: +371 26645333.
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