Band “Cigarai” is a Lithuanian tribute band dedicated to promoting Lithuanian music and language among Lithuanian communities abroad. As the only complete band playing Lithuanian music in exile, Cigarai is widely recognized and welcomed by Lithuanian communities worldwide. They are frequently invited to perform at major Lithuanian events and have shared the stage with internationally renowned artists, such as Fancy, last year.
Since 2023, the band has expanded its reach internationally, starting with an invitation to perform at a Lithuanian sports event in Australia. They are now considering invitations to music festivals across Europe for the upcoming year.
Cigarai also performs songs in other languages to engage audiences from mixed ethnic backgrounds attending Lithuanian events. Their repertoire includes popular old Lithuanian songs that evoke nostalgia for the homeland, as well as their own original compositions. The band is currently working on recording a new CD featuring their original music.
Cigarai primarily performs around Chicago, home to the largest Lithuanian community in the United States and where most of the band members reside.
Founded in Chicago in the early 2000s by renowned Lithuanian musician Vytautas Katilius and current frontman Virginijus Gražulis (Cigaras), the band has undergone several lineup changes before settling into its current formation. Today, Cigarai is synonymous with high-quality Lithuanian music in exile.
Current Members:
Virginijus Gražulis (Virgelis) – Vocals, Guitar; Jeronimas Vitavičius – Keyboard, Vocals; Gintaras Juknys – Bass Guitar, Vocals; Linas Ivanauskas– Guitar, Vocals; Gintaras Milius (Airis) – Drums, Percussion, Vocals.
Each member brings extensive experience from their careers in well-known bands and various musical projects in Lithuania and abroad.