At night, in front of the illuminated Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia, a musician stands with a microphone and guitar, preparing to play. Two other people stand nearby, one to each side of the musician, watching. Behind them, the Winter Palace is brightly lit, contrasting with the dark sky. A banner is visible in the square promoting the 9th of May, a date associated with Victory Day celebrations in Russia. The ground is paved with cobblestones.