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Ballyhoo!  

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American alternative rock/ reggae fusion band, Ballyhoo! Is from Aberdeen, Maryland and consists of Howi and Donal Spangler, Scott Vandry and Nick Lucera.

Ballyhoo! was first formed in 1995 by guitarist and vocalist Howi Spangler, drummer Donal Spangler, and bassist Josh Farley. Despite having been together since the mid 90s, the band didn’t release any material until 2000 with their EP, “365- Day Weekend” followed by “The Green” EP in 2004. Additionally they had added keyboardist Scott Vandry and had J.R Gregory replace as bassist. Their first full-length album was released in 2006, and just like the previous two albums had been self- released.

The band went on to sign a deal with LAW Records and released “Daydream” in September 2011. “Last Night,” a single from “Daydream” got airplay through various alternative radio stations such as WHFS Baltimore, WRFF Philadelphia, KUKQ Phoenix, Star 101.9 Honolulu, and SiriusXM/Faction, as well as various specialty shows around the country. 2011 also saw Ballyhoo! touring and making appearance at a number of festivals such as the 311 Pow Wow Festival. They also took part of the Vans Warped Tour in 2012 as well as The Bamboozle (also in 2012).

Ballyhoo then started their own label called Right Coast Records and released their fifth album, “Pineapple Grenade” in 2013. Their music has appeared in numerous surf/skate videos and compilation albums including “Forever Free: A Tribute to Sublime.” In 2014 Ballyhoo! released “The Cool Down: Vol 1.”

Live reviews

Ballyhoo! (Yes, that is their name. I know…) are a punk-pop-rock- reggae-is there any genre they don’t do? band from Maryland, USA that have been rocking the music market for decades now, with five albums smugly secured under their belt. Despite the name, this band is all serious talent: their music is smooth, groovy and perfect to rock out to. Every single song is catchy beyond compare. Personal favourites of mine include their hit ‘Walk away’ and insanely groovy and reggae-esque ‘Cali girl’ which are both quintessential summer tunes. Indeed, this band are perfect easy-listening for those sweet summer days chilling on the beach or having a barbeque. They possess an easy chill and unique rock-reggae vibe that you would be incredibly hard-pressed to find anywhere else. The current members that make up this uniquely addictive band are Howi Spangler, whose lead vocals produce incredibly easy listening, Donald Spangler on the drums, Scott Vandrey on the keyboards and new addition Nick Lucera on bass. Despite failing to hit mainstream success, this happy-go-lucky American dream team continue to rake in success from their dedicated fans and are gaining recognition by the year, though far less than they truly deserve. A definite must see.

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Maryland reggae/rock outfit Ballyhoo! have been honing their crossover sounds for almost twenty years now and the quartet know how to work a crowd unlike many others. A lineup consistency means there is total unity onstage from the musicians and the fans are more receptive as they spot out the loyal following at many of the tours. Their energetic and relentless stage performance has won them places on the likes of the Warped Tour and they have played some hugely esteemed venues in their career history.

Regardless of platform, the quartet is always intent on investing everything they have to a performance. The intimate venues feel so much more manic as the crowds begin to swirl and jostle to the soundtrack of 'Battle Cry' and 'Scarlet Blue'. There are more laid back guitar led tracks such as 'Somewhere Tropical' yet the fans want the rocky numbers so they can jump, chant and surge towards Howi Spangler. As the lights cut out following a finale of 'Morning Sunlight' they call out in distain yet after a twenty song set there is no sign of an encore tonight.

After seeing them last at Ace of Spades in 2015 for the Three Amigos Tour where they opened for Pepper (great show!), I was thrilled to see that they were coming back to Sacramento at such a small venue (considering that they had played at the Cali Roots festival a day beforehand)! Ballyhoo always impresses me live, Howi's vocals are amazing and the vibe is wonderful. One of my favorite bands ever! Can't wait for them to come back :)

Never a bad show!! Love when they remix songs. Venue was hot and stuffy but nice enough. Four new songs, two of which I was already sent since I pre-purchased the album before they started. They were great and they ROCKED out!

Amazing amazing amazing live show great time thank you tropidelics bumpin uglies and ballyhoo for loving your fans as much as you do. Everything was so much fun.

If you like reggae punk rock sex music this is the place.

Fantastic band! The atmosphere is wonderful everytime i’ve seen them, their energy is high, and they have such an amazing sound. I definitely recommend seeing them at least once, you won’t regret it!!

Ballyhoo! has to be the most down to earth band I have ever seen, and their music is pretty kickass also. SO SO SOOO UNDERRATED. Must see for any lover of punk rock and beach music

So good. Ballyhoo! always delivers an awesome show. It's unfortunate that their sets aren't twice as long because they have so many good songs and can't play them all in an hour!

Ballyhoo is Pure Awesome-ness! Loved the vibe from these guys, so much energy. Gave a great encore as well. I can't wait to see them again next week in Orlando!

The guys Killed it as usual! I never miss a show if I can help it and I am even thinking about flying somewhere to see them again before the tour is over!

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Ballyhoo! tour dates and tickets 2024-2025 near you

Want to see Ballyhoo! in concert? Find information on all of Ballyhoo!’s upcoming concerts, tour dates and ticket information for 2024-2025.

Ballyhoo! is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 16 concerts across 1 country in 2024-2025. View all concerts.

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• Houston, TX, US
• San Antonio, TX, US
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Constellation Room | Santa Ana, CA

Transplants brewing company | palmdale, ca, ballyhoo, joint operation, cloud9 vibez, black sheep | colorado springs, co, ballyhoo, cloud9 vibes, green buddha.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk | Virginia Beach, VA

Point break 2-day ticket: sublime, rebelution, wiz khalifa, and more.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort | Atlantic City, NJ

Rebelution with special guests ballyhoo.

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre Backyard Stage | St Augustine, FL

Bumpin uglies and ballyhoo with joe samba, bernie's beach bar | hampton beach, nh, bumpin uglies & ballyhoo, popular tracks.

And…that’s a wrap on Ballyhoo!’s 2023 summer tour

I am going to let you in on a very obvious, and not-so-secret theory of mine. I am convinced that no matter how big a band gets, no matter how many festivals they play or how many shows they sell out, there will always be a calling to go back and play those small, worn, intimate, basement-level venues that hold 150 people max. These types of venues conjure up an energy level that can be unmatched, and it helps artists remember where they came from, back when they had only about 150 fans total, let alone packing out a venue with a line waiting to get in.

Few of these venues elicit that level of energy like The Duck Room in St. Louis, where reggae powerhouse Ballyhoo! showed up on a Sunday and rocked the place to the ground!

It was July 16th and with fans ready to end their weekend on a high note (pun intended), reggae-rockers The Harbor Boys from Pasadena, Maryland, kicked the night off with a full onslaught of their college vibe, party music with a reggae twist. Bass-heavy rhythms and hip-hop-styled lyrics led the way for this band, with frontman Cody Woolsoncroft and bass player Andrew “Gingy” Hall infusing their high energy into every second that the band was on stage, adding to their rapidly growing reputation of being one of the most exciting new acts in the genre.

Next on stage was Tunnel Vision , a Cali band exuding Cali vibes. Entirely influenced by the idyllic beach town they grew up in, San Clemente, Tunnel Vision blended ska/rock/reggae/punk together smoothly. They go from one side of the playlist to the other, ranging from full-on No Doubt -style ska back to that distinct reggae sound we all know and love. Brazilian drummer, Vitor Vidaut, must have been feeling that love a little too strongly, as he ended up kicking a hole in the skin of his kick drum. Luckily, The Harbor Boys were ready in the wings, swapping out the drum mid-song without missing a beat!

True musicianship and true camaraderie. 

The headliner of the night was none other than notorious Maryland beach rockers, Ballyhoo!, who was back in St. Louis on a tour of their own this time, promoting the band’s upcoming ninth studio album, Shellshock , which will be released through Ineffable Records and available everywhere August 25th.

I mean, where do I even start? This night was amazing! The band killed it, but with a legend like Howi Spangler conducting the evening, how could they not? The venue was packed, but as I mentioned earlier, it still held on to that small, intimate setting, which is always awesome. That venue is so small; the people back at the bar could see the sweat slinding down Howi’s brow. The vibrancy and enthusiasm of the crowd without a doubt fed into the band’s performance, resulting in a concert for the ages. Ballyhoo! played so many old-school hits with long time fans belting out the lyrics alongside the boys! They also hit the crowd with a couple of brand new tracks, like “Drunk Texter ft. HIRIE” and “Clip My Wings”. With summer halfway through, I’m telling you, be sure to grab your tickets now for the remaining dates of Ballyhoo!’s summer tour with special guests Tunnel Vision and The Harbor Boys before they’re gone; you won’t want to miss this show!

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Tour dates for BALLYHOO!

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Ballyhoo! Unveils Highly Anticipated 9th Full-Length Album, "Shellshock" Out August 25

LP Features Special Guests The Elovators, Kyle Smith, Iya Terra, Hirie, Tropidelic & Bumpin Uglies

Fall Tour Dates Announced

Photo: Dennis Pike Photography

Ballyhoo!, the dynamic and genre-defying musical powerhouse, is thrilled to announce the release of their ninth full-length studio album "Shellshock." The album showcases Ballyhoo!'s signature sound while embracing fresh and innovative influences from their featured collaborators. The Elovators, Hirie, Iya Terra, Tropidelic, Bumpin Uglies and Kyle Smith, have each left their distinct mark on the album, adding their own flair and musical prowess to the mix.

Self-produced and brimming with creative energy, Ballyhoo!'s latest album is slated to drop on August 25, 2023, under the esteemed label Ineffable Records. Known for their groundbreaking ability to seamlessly blend reggae, punk, alternative rock, and pop elements, Ballyhoo! is ready to take their fans on an unforgettable sonic journey with their 14 electrifying tracks.

With a combination of infectious hooks, soul-stirring lyrics, and captivating melodies, Ballyhoo!'s 9th full-length record promises to captivate both loyal fans and newcomers alike. From anthemic tracks to introspective ballads, the album covers a wide spectrum of emotions, making it an exhilarating and memorable musical journey.

Frontman Howi Spangler says, "The goal with this album was to write and produce the best songs we could. There’s no focused sound or anything like that, in fact it’s all over the place stylistically. But it all sounds like Ballyhoo!. I think there’s something for everyone with “Shellshock”. I’m really proud of what we did, everyone crushed their parts. I can’t wait to see what songs are hitting the hardest with our listeners in the weeks after release."

Ballyhoo!'s 9th full-length album is set to be a definitive statement of the band's artistry, creativity, and musical prowess. With the release of the first 4 singles (and the inclusion of two of the tracks -- "Clip My Wings" and "Drunk Texter"-- on Spotify's popular ’Beach Vibes’ editorial playlist) the band's loyal fan base and music enthusiasts worldwide are already buzzing with excitement, creating a palpable sense of anticipation. In support of the new album, the band is embarking on a nationwide tour. See dates below.

So mark your calendars and get ready to experience the next level of Balllyhoo!'s musical innovation.

For more information on Ballyhoo!'s 9th full-length album and upcoming tour dates, please visit www.ballyhoorocks.com or follow them on social media channels.

Pre-save "Shellshock" HERE .

Ballyhoo! Socials:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ballyhoo

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ballyhoorocks

Twitter: twitter.com/ballyhoorocks

Tour Dates:

_w/ Jimmys Chicken Shack 9/19-10/18_

9/19 NASHVILLE, TN | Hop Springs Beer Park

9/20 LITTLE ROCK, AR | The HALL

9/21 DALLAS, TX | SUNDOWN @ GRANADA

9/22 AUSTIN, TX | SUNSET STRIP

9/23 CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | Lit Fest

9/24 SAN ANTONIO, TX | PAPER TIGER

9/26 PUEBLO, CO | BRUES ALE HOUSE

9/27 ASPEN, CO | BELLY UP

9/28 DURANGO, CO | Animas City Theater

9/29 GRAND JUNCTION, CO | MESA THEATER

10/5 LAS VEGAS, NV | BACKSTAGE BAR

10/6 BAKERSFIELD, CA | Temblor Brew Co

10/7 SAN DIEGO, CA | OKTOBERFEST

10/8 HERMOSA BEACH, CA | SAINT ROCKE

10/10 SANTA BARBARA, CA | SOhO Music Club

10/11 SANTA CRUZ, CA | THE CATALYST ATRIUM

10/13 Roseville, CA | GOLDFIELD TRADING POST

10/14 CRYSTAL BAY, NV | CRYSTAL BAY CROWN ROOM

10/17 KANSAS CITY, MO | KNUCKLEHEADS

10/18 Indianapolis, IN | THE HIFI

10/20 OCEAN CITY, MD | SUN FEST

10/21 VA BEACH, VA | NEW REALM

About Ballyhoo!

Through 25 years and eight independent albums, the last four on their own Right Coast Records, Ballyhoo! have earned the exclamation point which marks their name. Starting in the basement of their mom’s Aberdeen, MD, home, rocking out on guitar and drums respectively, practicing every day, brothers Howi and Donald Spangler formed the proto-punk band in the mold of Green Day and Nirvana, with an eye towards the emerging ska genre led by Goldfinger, Sublime, 311 and No Doubt.

The group’s eighth and most recent studio album, the breezy, ska-fueled, hook-filled Message to the World, on their own Right Coast Records, finds the self-declared “beach-rockers,” having grown up in public, accepting the

responsibilities of adulthood while still hanging on to their dreams of world

domination. Stylistically, their music ranges from the hard-edged punk of 2018’s Detonate, which captured the feelings of anger and depression from dealing with personal loss and the exhaustion generated by over a decade on the road to the island reggae beats of the follow-up, Message to the World.

“Whatever you want to achieve, just focus on that and work towards it,” explains Howi about the Ballyhoo! ethos. “Don’t worry about followers, views, or even money. Just keep making good stuff. One day it may be possible to finally quit that day job and live your dream full time.”Ballyhoo! is still doing just that, purveying good vibes, positivity and fun live shows meant to take you away from real life...

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BALLYHOO "SLEEPIN ON THE COUCH TOUR" with special guests CLOUD9 VIBES and Joey Harkum

$20 advance tickets. a rock band ballyhoo with punk energy and pop reggae grooves, baltimore's ballyhoo are a fun, fan-loving powerhouse. these road dogs have tirelessly toured coast-to-coast taking their music to the people, at terra fermata 26 se 6th street stuart fl 34994 (772) 286-5252 view website   |   other events at terra fermata.

$20 advance tickets. A rock band Ballyhoo! with punk energy and pop reggae grooves, Baltimore's BALLYHOO! are a fun, fan-loving powerhouse. These road dogs have tirelessly toured coast-to-coast taking their music to the people. Between the road and the studio, BALLYHOO! have crafted a sound distinctly their own; fresh, fun, and embodied by the soul of the party lifestyle. Lead singer and guitarist, Howi Spangler, has a reputation for mixing slick lyrics with his smooth but powerful voice. Drummer Donald Spangler lays out the hard-hitting beats. Scott Vandrey layers in the finishing touches to the band's signature sound on keys. The guys recently welcomed Nick Lucera as their new bass player.BALLYHOO! released their 5th studio album Pineapple Grenade on June 25th 2013. It broke through the Billboard Top 200 at #189 as well as reaching #4 Billboard Heatseekers and #5 at iTunes Alternative charts. Joey Harkum Through deep, poignant lyrics which tell stories of happiness, love, loss and sadness, Joey Harkum has been traveling and playing his heartfelt songs for over a decade. We would love for you to give him a listen and join our growing music family! Cloud9 Vibes Use the share tools on this event page to let your friends know where you will be. Please Print PDF ticket for entry into event or your phone email can work as well. No Refund Event. Rain or Shine Event. . 18+ show

Terra Fermata

Ballyhoo! Share this event:

Sat, July 22, 2023 Norfolk, CT Doors: 7 PM Show: 8 PM

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Member Presale: 5/31/23 12 PM Public Onsale: 6/2/23 12 PM

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A rock band with punk energy and pop reggae grooves, Baltimore’s BALLYHOO! are a fun, fan-loving powerhouse. These road dogs have tirelessly toured coast-to-coast taking their music to the people. Between the road and the studio, BALLYHOO! have crafted a sound distinctly their own; fresh, fun, and embodied by the soul of the party lifestyle. Lead singer and guitarist, Howi Spangler, has a reputation for mixing slick lyrics with his smooth but powerful voice. Drummer Donald Spangler lays out the hard-hitting beats. Scott Vandrey layers in the finishing touches to the band’s signature sound on keys. The guys recently welcomed Nick Lucera as their new bass player.

BALLYHOO! released their 5th studio album Pineapple Grenade on June 25th 2013. It broke through the Billboard Top 200 at #189 as well as reaching #4 Billboard Heatseekers and #5 at iTunes Alternative charts.

The album features “No Good,” produced by Rome Ramirez (Sublime with Rome) and mixed by Paul Leary (U2, Sublime); while the first single “Run” saw an early radio add from KRAB Bakersfield and early radio spins by KROQ Los Angeles, WHFS Baltimore, KTCL Denver, and KCXX Riverside among others. Alongside the album release, BALLYHOO! co-headlined the 2013 Summer Sickness Tour with Authority Zero and special guests Versus The World. Pineapple Grenade is the band’s follow-up to the 2011 LAW Records release of “Daydreams,” which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Reggae Charts and #4 on Amazon.

BALLYHOO!’s unique yet melodic blend of genres, along with their hardcore devotion to the road and their fans have pitched them into snowballing success. The band has performed with a myriad of national touring acts; 311, Slightly Stoopid, SOJA, The Dirty Heads, Matisyahu, and more. Tour highlights include the 2011 311 Pow Wow Festival, the 2012 and 2013 311 Caribbean Cruise, Bamboozle 2012, 2012 Charm City Music Festival, 2013 Cali Roots Festival & the entire 2012 Vans Warped Tour. In 2011, after concluding the Last Calls and Liabilities tour with respected contemporaries, Pepper, they were honored with being included on the ever-popular Hollister Holiday Playlist. They were listed on MTV’s Top 100 Bands to Watch and even featured 2 downloadable songs on the popular video game ROCK BAND.

Exclusive: Neil Young & Crazy Horse Bassist Billy Talbot Shares Details About Band’s Love Earth Tour

N eil Young & Crazy Horse launch their first full-fledged tour since 2014 with a show on Wednesday, April 24, in San Diego. The band’s Love Earth Tour currently features more than 30 North American dates, and is plotted out through a September 29 concert at the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

The last time Young played live with Crazy Horse was in November 2023 at a private event at the Rivoli nightclub in Toronto. That show, which featured a full performance of Young and the band’s lauded 1990 studio effort, Ragged Glory , was recorded and is being released as a live album titled FU##IN’ UP.

[Buy Neil Young Concert Tickets]

The Crazy Horse lineup for that concert, and the two other shows Young played with the group in 2023, featured founding bassist Billy Talbot and drummer Ralph Molina, longtime multi-instrumentalist Nils Lofgren, and a new addition—guitarist/keyboardist Micah Nelson. Nelson, who is the son of country legend Willie Nelson, also is a member of the group Promise of the Real, who served as Young’s backing band for a number of albums and tours during the 2010s.

Nils Lofgren Won’t Be Taking Part in the Tour

In a new interview with American Songwriter , Talbot revealed that Crazy Horse will be down a member on the new trek.

“Nils isn’t able to be with us this time, because he’s out [on tour] with Bruce [Springsteen and the E Street Band,” Talbot explained. “So we’re doing it without Nils, but with Micah.”

[RELATED: Neil Young & Crazy Horse Extend 2024 Tour: How To Get Tickets]

As for how Nelson is fitting in with Young and Crazy Horse, Talbot said, “Well, [Neil] really likes Micah, and so do we.”

Plans to Play “Cortez the Killer” with a Long-Lost Verse

Talbot didn’t reveal much about the set lists Young and the band might be putting together for the tour, but he did share some info about Neil’s recently reported plan to reintroduce a lost verse from the group’s classic 1975 tune “Cortez the Killer.”

“[W]hen we were recording ‘Cortez the Killer’ for the first time, the electricity went off in the control room, and the machine stopped, but we kept playing,” the bassist recalled. “And that verse was one that had been sung in that period of time when we were playing and they weren’t recording. Then they turned the machines back on, and we were still playing. So, consequently, [when] we edited ‘Cortez the Killer’ together … that verse was missing.”

Talbot added, “So Neil has come to terms with that, and he likes that verse, as it turns out … so we’re probably going to re-introduced it to the song.”

Talbot Feeling “Really Ready” to Tour

Meanwhile, Talbot, who turned 80 in October 2023, said he’s feeling like he’s prepared to hit the road with Young and the other guys.

“I’ve been playing a lot here at my ranch [in South Dakota], with my equipment and tapes and everything, just getting ready,” he said. “I feel like I’m really ready, but … we will see what happens when we all get together. I think it’ll be a successful gathering.”

Tickets for Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s tour dates are available now via various outlets, including StubHub .

More About the FU##IN’ UP Live Album

FU##IN’ UP got its initial release as a limited-edition clear-vinyl two-LP set as part of the 2024 Record Store Day event on Saturday, April 20. Then, on Friday, April 26, the album will be released on standard black vinyl, on CD, and via digital formats.

The album features live renditions of all 10 tunes on Ragged Glory , but, interestingly, the titles of nine of the tunes have been changed to other phrases taken from the lyrics of those tracks. The one exception is “Farmer John,” which is a cover tune.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The post Exclusive: Neil Young & Crazy Horse Bassist Billy Talbot Shares Details About Band’s Love Earth Tour appeared first on American Songwriter .

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Khabarovsk: Keystone of the Russian Far East

Photographs by William Brumfield

By rail, the city of Khabarovsk in the Russian Far East is a six-day, 5,300 mile journey from Moscow. Given the distance, it’s unsurprising that most visitors prefer to make the trip by air. The nine-hour flight has the added advantage of giving travelers a dramatic overview of the Amur River on the approach.  

Indeed, Khabarovsk is a city of two great strategic rivers: the Amur, which flows eastward along the border with China; and the Ussuri, which flows northward some 560 miles from its origins in the southern Sikhote-Alin Mountains, not far from the Sea of Japan. The confluence of these two rivers near Khabarovsk, and the state boundaries they define have created one of the most important geopolitical zones in northern Asia.   

Russian explorers attempted to gain control of the north bank of the Amur as early as the 1640s, but Russia was compelled to abandon the area by the Treaty of Nerchinsk, signed in 1689.  Russian troops did not return to the region in substantial numbers until the mid-19 th century, under the leadership of Governor-General Nikolai Muravyov.

He was later given the title “Amursky” for his role in acquiring the territory for the Russian empire. In the Treaty of Aigun (1858), negotiated with the Qing Dynasty, China ceded to Russia territory north of the Amur and east of the Ussuri.

Khabarovsk arose as a consequence of the Treaty of Aigun. The first Russian settlement was established in May 1858 by a detachment of Siberian troops under the command of Captain Yakov Dyachenko. The post was initially named Khabarovka in homage to the renowned 17th-century Cossack leader Yerofei Khabarov, who explored the area.

The settlement rapidly expanded, and by 1864 it already had a formal plan for development on hilly terrain along the left bank of the Amur. A telegraph line to Vladivostok began operating in 1868, and a proper river port was completed in 1874. By the end of 1880, Khabarovsk had gained over 4,000 inhabitants and an official status as a town.  

How to get there

To get to Khabarovsk from Moscow of St. Petersburg take a regular flight. The trip takes approximately 7,5 hours.

Entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the development of river trading routes were quick to settle in the young town, which offered considerable potential for commerce with China. Progress in transportation also led to increased government authority. In 1884, Khabarovsk became the administrative center of a vast area stretching from the Amur River to the Pacific.  

The town’s status was further enhanced in late May 1891 when the heir to the throne, Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich (subsequently Nicholas II) included Khabarovka on the itinerary of his nine-month-long world tour.

At the time of his visit, the town unveiled a heroic monument to Muravyov-Amursky by the noted sculptor Alexander Opekushin. Dismantled during the Soviet period, the monument has since been restored to a prominent position overlooking the river. In 1893, the town’s name was changed from Khabarovka to the more formal Khabarovsk.

Perhaps the greatest catalyst for the town’s early growth was the completion of a rail line from Vladivostok in 1897. Khabarovsk now had a direct link to a growing international port, even as it controlled interior river traffic over the extensive territory of the Amur River basin.  

The town’s strategic location was not lost on military planners, who developed local machine factories to equip the armed forces of the Far East. At the same time, Khabarovsk, like the rest of Russia, experienced severe labor and military unrest in 1905-06 following the country’s defeat in the Russo-Japanese War.

With the return to stability under Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin (1862-1911), Khabarovsk continued its rapid growth. During the three decades from 1884 to the beginning of World War I, the population increased more than 10-fold. And in 1908, Khabarovsk became the headquarters of the Amur River Flotilla, with responsibility for patrolling the long frontier with Manchuria.  

In 1914, connections were improved with the Trans-Siberian Railway, which gave Khabarovsk access to distant Moscow and St. Petersburg. At that time, however, the rail route to the Russian Far East still went through Manchuria along the Chinese Eastern Railway.

The town was linked directly to eastern Siberia only in 1916, with the completion of a bridge across the Amur just to the northwest of Khabarovsk. Built in difficult conditions within three years, the bridge was one of the major achievements of Russian engineering.  

To this day the attractive, often imposing architecture of central Khabarovsk reflects the prosperity of the town at the turn of the 20 th century. Using an eclectic mixture of neoclassicism and medieval Russian elements, architects designed enduring, well-built structures for housing, commerce and administration. A peculiar local feature was the use of high quality, unstuccoed red brick for the structure, with gray brick for decorative trim.  

The most visible indicator of prosperity and rising consumer demand was the large department store. Firms such as Kunst and Albers, which had stores in several towns, and the Pyankov Brothers used architecture to create an impressive display for retail trade. The large Plyusnin building, subsequently converted to the Regional Library, contained one of the town’s many banks. The best of these buildings are on the main street, which is named after Muravyov-Amursky.  

Other historic buildings display the style moderne that was fashionable at the beginning of the 20 th century, with traces of traditional Russian decoration. The best example is the former building of the city council, now carefully restored.  

The Shrines of Kargopol: Preserving the art of the Russian North

The devastation of World War I occurred far from Khabarovsk, and the city actually grew with expanding military production. But the civil war following the Bolshevik Revolution caused major damage and disruption.

The last major battles of the Civil War occurred near Khabarovsk. Red partisan forces recaptured the town in early 1920, but they were suddenly attacked by the Japanese in April. Fierce fighting led to significant destruction in the central district. Instability continued until December 1921, when the city was retaken by a White army led by Viktorin Molchanov.

At the battle of Volochaevka in February 1922, Molchanov’s defenses were breached and Khabarovsk was retaken by Red forces, but not without further damage to the area, including partial demolition of the magnificent Amur River Bridge. Authority was vested in the Far Eastern Republic, a Communist ally that formally merged with the new Soviet state in November 1922.  

During the Soviet period, the expansion of Khabarovsk accelerated thanks to its strategic military, industrial and administrative position. The pace of growth is reflected in modernist buildings designed by prominent Constructivist architects such as Ilya Golosov, who built the large complex for the House of Soviets in 1929-30.

In the 1930s the Gulag concentration camp empire expanded and prison labor was used in construction. A number of building projects in Khabarovsk were undertaken by the NKVD, which preferred a pompous neoclassical style. Relics of that time include the GlavDalStroi Building and the Commune House, all on Muravyov-Amursky Street.

World War II, like the first, occurred far from Khabarovsk, but the city played a major role in defending the Far East from a Japanese attack. And it served as headquarters during the brief Soviet-Japanese War in August 1945

Liavlia and Zaostrovye: Enduring traditions in the Arkhangelsk Region

Greatly expanded after the war, Khabarovsk maintained its momentum into the post-Soviet period. The city’s vitality is reflected in the improved appearance of Muravyov-Amursky Street, from a renovated Lenin Square to Cathedral Square, with its new Dormition Cathedral visible from the Amur. In 2004 the Transfiguration Cathedral was consecrated on Glory Square near the river.

With a population of just over 600,000, Khabarovsk has witnessed a building spree of contemporary apartment houses in colorful post-modernist forms. And the city’s good management was acknowledged in 2000 when it was chosen as the headquarters of the Far Eastern Federal District.

In the late summer of 2013 the Khabarovsk area experienced a record-setting flood of the Amur, but the main part of the city — on high ground — avoided the worst of the destruction. Among the city's promising economic developments is its pivotal role in the massive "Strength of Siberia" gas pipeline project, which will link the gas fields of Yakutia to the rapidly expanding Chinese market. With its well-maintained central district, Khabarovsk preserves its heritage as it looks to the future.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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4-day Experience Khabarovsk Tour 4 Days | Khabarovsk

Discover the vibrant Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk and see how the region’s geography, climate, and unique ecology have shaped the city’s history and lifestyle. Our 4-day Experience Khabarovsk tour is a chance to see Khabarovsk’s historical and religious monuments, enjoy its riverside life, and experience the culture of its people. Highlights include learning how to make traditional fish dishes in an indigenous Nanai community and exploring the landscapes, flora, and fauna of the Bolshekhekhtsirsky Nature Reserve on a guided ecological walk.