Center on Halsted presents 'From Russia with Love,' a benefit concert for gay Russian violinist Artem Kolesov and other political refugees. In a recent YouTube video that went viral in April, 2017, Artem Kolesov courageously came out in order to inspire other Russian LGBTQ youth and combat Russia's persecution of its LGBTQ citizens. He is a brilliant, 23-year old gay Russian violinist pursuing his master's degree at Roosevelt University and is a member of the internationally acclaimed YAS Quartet. Artem's noble effort was recognized at the 2017 Logo TV Trailblazer Awards, where he performed in a tribute to all persecuted LGBTQ people. He is seeking citizenship in the U.S. rather than risk being arrested if he returns to Russia. Proceeds will assist Artem in this pursuit and benefit other LGBTQ refugees securing their safety. Benefiting Organizations: American Friends of Rainbow Railroad & Chicago LGBT Asylum Support Program (CLASP) To learn more about Artem Kolesov, visit YouTube http://bit.ly/2u4vUmb LogoTV http://logo.to/2ueph16 NPR http://n.pr/2v8DIQx
