An evening of song, comedy and spoken word to raise funds for London2Calais
(guest post by Phil Buyum Jackson)
This event at The Beehive in Tottenham on 28th April is not a charity event; it is a solidarity event. The gig itself (tickets here) is an eclectic mix of music, politics and resistance blending everything from Iranian Tombak playing to feminist punk/ska crossover thrash from The Tuts, from ultra cool self described “Gypsy Jazz” by Franco Roma singer Florence Joelle and band – to the blaring horns and guitars of Socialist R&B icons Thee Faction. Sameena Zehra whose one woman show “Tea with Terrorists” was a hit at the Edinburgh and Melbourne festivals – will compere the evening.
London2Calais have been at the forefront of doing what our own government has not done – providing on the ground practical material support to refugees and migrants in the Calais district. This initiative, one of the first direct solidarity groups set up to support people living in the camps in Calais and beyond, is purely volunteer led and has worked tirelessly and in coordination with volunteers and french agencies on the ground. Most importantly the organisation has worked directly with migrants themselves, organising convoys and delivering practical solidarity to those fleeing poverty, violence and war. Included in the membership and volunteers are migrants and refugees themselves and a network of translators who can speak directly with people on the ground.
Increasingly the group is looking at providing support beyond France and has an increased focus on supporting and assisting refugees and migrants who make it to London an the south. You need to help out. Buying a ticket will offer material support. Turning up and supporting the evening will show solidarity. Performers, organisers and venue are offering their services for nothing. Come along and make it the night it deserves to be.
Get your tickets here
Featuring:
Us, obviously. And…
The Tuts – All woman punk/crossover dynamos, fresh from Glastonbury Left Field, two national tours to packed out venues across the UK with The Selecter, one national tour with the legendary Undertones. The Tuts are a must see powerhouse of left feminist power. Smart, musically really tight and great politics.
Florence Joelle and Band – Franco/Roma jazz inflected uber-cool lefty with shed loads of style “Florence is a rare jewel and this second album captures her captivating style. She boasts deliciously suave vocal phrasing framed by a hot and agile band. Her savvy originals and jumping jazz standards are an unaffected joy. Blooming lovely.” The Daily Mirror****
Sameena Zehra – Comedian, Storyteller, Blues Singer, all around excellent and very funny person. Past Shows “Tea with Terrorists” and “Homicidal Pacifist” have sold out Edinburgh Fringe; just back from Melbourne International Comedy Festival and carrying her Best in Fringe nomination from New Zealand Fringe, Sameena is a brilliantly funny lefty and accomplished performer. ‘the wittiest, most intelligent, comedy I’ve seen in the whole Wellington Fringe Festival 2016… tackles the hard topics with ease, wit and charm…comedy that made you laugh and made you think.’ Art Murmurs, NZ ‘Fluency, intensity and vivacity…’* * * * The Age, Melbourne
Daphna Baram
Daphna Baram – Jerusalem born, East London based Immigrational comedian ” * * * * * Marsterful (Bunbury Magazine); “An Illuminating and poignant take on tough subjects…Fresh and enlightening” The List
“Savvy, ballsy, wonderfully witty….. Staggering, heart rending and blackly comic”,The Girl With The Edinburgh Tattoo (Sonia Nemec’s review blog).
Mike ‘Dr Blue’
Brighton based Blues and Roots singer/songwriter
‘The bastard son of Tom Waits & Howlin’ Wolf’Rob Clarke, Blues Impressario, Arch 1
‘Authentic Blues…Mesmerising…would do B B King or any of the other Blues Legends proud’ **** Broadway Baby
Somaye with Stephano D’Silva
“Nina Simone meets Bertolt Brecht”
Somaye is a poet, percussionist and singer from London of Iranian origin.
She has been enchanting audiences with her voice and her unique blend of jazz and Middle Eastern music, punctuated with socially conscious poetry and lyrics.
Somaye believes in reappropriating jazz and taking it back to its roots as a music of the oppressed and does so with style.
She will be performing alongside Stephano D’Silva on guitar.
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