A jazz group from the city of Bobruisk (Babruysk), Belarus visited the Panevėžys Jewish Community. The members of the band are Jews and Belarusians who teach at the Children’s Music School in Bobruisk. They formed their own group called Thia. Over tea Panevėžys Jewish Community chairman Gennady Kofman told them about the city of Panevėžys and the history of the Jews living there. The guests were very interested in city industry, what enterprises operate there and the economic situation. They spoke about the economic conditions in Belarus and discussed migration problems. Bobruisk is famous for its marshmallow-like candies which the guests said have a special flavor. They were impressed by Panevėžys, how clean and orderly it was and with such a nice natural environment. They were interested in local Jewish affairs. Their first stop upon arriving in the city was the Jewish Community. Jewish Community members Yefim Grafman and Mikhail Grafman also shared their memories of the former Jewish population with the guests. The guests spoke about the Jewish communities operating in their city and about the close cooperation and friendship between them.

They said the Thia group doesn’t tour, but plays when requested at events. Last year they performed in Germany. They came to Panevėžys to perform at a jazz festival on May 6 and 7 at the Panevėžys Community Center.