On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the Croatian-American tamburitza group Croatian Jr. Tamburitzans from St. Louis will visit Novi Vinodolski. The group was founded back in 1961 by locals Ivan Lušičić Sr. and Anna Deranja Lušičić. Their goal was not to create professional musicians and dancers, but to enjoy and cherish the rich Croatian heritage they proudly uphold. Over the years, they have passed on their love for their homeland to more than 600 children.

Today, the group of 33 tamburitza players is led by music director Daniel Lusicic Sr., along with instructors and choreographers Linda Bilich Lusicic, Kathy Katich Zust, Sofia Klaric Chkautovich, and Dave Dopuch. Croatian Jr. Tamburitzans is a nonprofit organization funded entirely by donations from the parents of its members.

During their performance at the Croatian Defenders’ Promenade, they will delight visitors with well-known Croatian songs such as “Ruža crvena,” “Piši mi mati,” and “Žuto lišće ljubavi.” Warm welcomes will be extended by the young folklorists of Ivan Mažuranić Elementary School, led by teacher Marina Levar. The concert begins at 8:00 PM.

Expect an evening filled with tradition, music, and dance, where young local folklorists will join tamburitza players from St. Louis, who lovingly preserve Croatian culture across two continents. Shared heritage and culture are the bonds that unite us across the ocean.