Petersburg officials were urged to attend the concert by the singer SHAMAN, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov, titled “I am Russian,” scheduled for September 9. This news comes via Fontanka, which cites staff members from one municipal department as the source of the information. The report notes that the request generated attention across local government offices and sparked questions about the extent of any implicit pressure connected to the event. (Fontanka)
According to the source, municipal administrations across the city were invited to purchase up to 200 tickets in each district, a detail that raised eyebrows about potential use of public resources for a cultural event tied to a politically charged message. The move was described as a proposal rather than a formal mandate, but it touched on broader concerns about how city funds and official channels might be leveraged for high-profile performances. (Fontanka)
Vsevolod Belikov, who chairs the municipal council, told Fontanka that he had not seen any compulsory directive or explicit instruction to buy tickets. He emphasized that he did not view the measure as problematic in itself, suggesting that the decision to participate was voluntary and aligned with civic remembrance. His comments reflect a broader contention in which some officials defend outreach efforts tied to national history while others warn of potential reputational risks. (Fontanka)
Belikov added that the event would take place on a date regarded by many as significant in the city’s memory, stating that the day holds special meaning for residents who remember the city’s long, arduous past. He reminded readers that September 9 follows the anniversary of the start of the siege of Leningrad, a moment etched into collective memory and frequently cited in public commemorations. The concert thus sits at the intersection of cultural expression and historical reflection, which some observers view as appropriate while others question the optics. (Fontanka)
According to Zaks.ru, the concert “I am Russian” is slated to be hosted at Gazprom Arena, with initial reports indicating that four municipalities — Akademicheskoye, Semenovsky, Yugo-Zapadny, and Severochny — had already procured tickets through the official supplier. Fontanka’s insider notes that several municipalities entered into private, small-scale agreements without publishing formal contracts, a practice that has prompted renewed scrutiny over transparency and public accountability in municipal purchasing. (Zaks.ru, Fontanka)
Meanwhile, local observers highlight the ongoing atmosphere of political sensitivity surrounding performances and public events that foreground national identity and historical memory. Analysts caution that even well-intentioned cultural activities can become entangled in governance debates about public messaging, resource allocation, and the appropriate role of officials in endorsing or supporting such events. The situation underscores the need for clear policies, open records, and independent oversight to ensure confidence in municipal processes. (Fontanka)
In a related development, former showman Stas Baretsky remains in custody after an incident involving a barrier collapse in Saint Petersburg, a case that continues to unfold in the local press and court proceedings. The evolving story demonstrates how the city’s entertainment scene and public safety concerns can intersect in high-profile environments, prompting continued media scrutiny and public discourse. (Fontanka, ongoing coverage)”