This global performance is inspired by Ukraine President Zelenskyy's call for action at the Grammy Awards soon after the Russian attacks escalated. At the same time producer for You and Us/mass child trauma responder, Nicole Porter, was implementing virtual child trauma response trainings for art therapy clinicians at Voices of Children in and near Ukraine. Now more than two years later Ukraine continually suffers the daily loss or injury of children from Russian shelling or attack.

The team of art therapists from the Emerald Sketch in the U.S. has written a song dedicated to Ukrainian children whose childhood has been marked by difficult times. “Thank you, friends!”

Voices of Children, Sept 3, 2024

Like the band’s critically acclaimed albums, For Children of All Ages (2022), and Calming a Panic (2023), the global performance “Lulaj Lulaj” ignites awareness of early childhood advocacy specifically for Ukraine and global mass trauma response for children surviving active war. With arrangements that incorporate elements of traditional Ukrainian folk, and modern American children’s rock music, Lulaj Lulaj reflects an expression and an unconditional regard of the human experience amidst devastation in a child-friendly way. Citing personal influences that range from Fred Rogers and Dr. Maria Montessori to P.L.Travers, Nicole Porter brings a passionate, and nurturing spirit to this global performance.

As co-producers, writers, and lead members of You and Us, Nicole Porter and Wyndham Garnett (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Elvis Perkins) bring an elevating dynamic to Lulaj lulaj. Recorded at Old Soul Studios with Kenny Siegel (Lucky Diaz’s GRAMMY ® nominee Crayon Kids children’s album, Chris Whitley, Langhorne Slim, Spottiswoode & His Enemies, Chuck Prophet, Tears for Fears, Robin Taylor Zander, The Wiyos), this song abounds with a thoughtfully crafted message delivered from the heart with artistry, and grace, driven to make change for more children.

Additional musicians on the single include drummer Lee Falco, who has toured the world with artists like Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen, The Lemonheads, Amos Lee, and Doyle Bramhall II; and additional percussion & harmonica Michael Farkas, who has been a longtime player with Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band through all their GRAMMY ® nominations and LATIN GRAMMY ® wins.