The International Anti-Fascist Song Festival, themed “Guitars are in the ranks,” is drawing attention to a unique cross-continental gathering that blends music with a message of solidarity. The event is scheduled to unfold this spring in Samara, with a broader outreach across several cities in Russia. Reports about the festival’s lineup and schedule have circulated through major news agencies, highlighting the involvement of notable figures who are bridging cultural conversations between nations.
The centerpiece of the festival is a performance by a well-known American actor who serves in a diplomatic capacity related to humanitarian relations and the preservation of shared cultural heritage. He is celebrated not only for his film career but also for his lifelong passion for blues music, especially the delta blues form that has colored his public appearances over the years. The concert on May 6 in Samara is promoted as a highlight of the festival, promising a blend of internationally recognized blues standards and original compositions. The regional government press service indicates that the main stage on Kuibyshev Square will host this tribute, marking a moment of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration for attendees and participants alike — TASS.
In addition to the headline act, the gala concert on May 6 is expected to feature a diverse lineup. The LiberArte ensemble from Nicaragua is slated to perform, alongside soloists from Europe, including Sasho Gachnik from Slovenia and Francois Modeme from France. The program will also include performances by artists who have earned the status of Honored Artists of Russia, with veteran performers contributing their experience and reputation to the festival. The presence of these musicians underscores the event’s aim to foster international dialogue through live music, fostering mutual respect and a shared commitment to humanist values — regional authorities’ press materials.
Beyond Samara, the festival’s influence stretches to multiple urban centers within the region. The event is planned to travel to Togliatti, Syzran, Zhigulevsk, Novokuibyshevsk, and Chapaevsk, expanding its reach and inviting a broader cross-section of residents to participate in concerts, workshops, and informal gatherings. This multi-city approach reflects an organized strategy to bring anti-fascist messages to a wide audience, encouraging participation across different communities and generations with a clear emphasis on music as a universal language — public cultural announcements.
There is also a note about the broader artistic ecosystem surrounding the festival. A well-regarded Russian author and cultural commentator has recommended that certain Russian artists align their tours with the festival’s program, indicating an integrated approach that combines literary and musical expressions to amplify shared values. This collaboration aims to create a richer, more varied cultural experience for audiences and to highlight the power of the arts to promote unity and resilience in the face of intolerance — cultural circles and media coverage.