The blues and roots community are coming together to hold a fundraiser for Ukraine at The Harrington, Fleet, (Surrey/Hampshire borders) on Sunday afternoon of the 10th April, featuring many of the best known acts within the community.
Organiser, and local promoter, Alan Bates explained ‘we all wanted to do something, however modest, to show support for the situation in Ukraine’. Alan continued ‘so I organised a venue and spoke with a music business colleague, agent/manager/promoter Mark Ede and together we approached a number of available artists about the idea, and the response was overwhelming’.
Mark added ‘the situation in Ukraine is so unjust, so horrific and there has been no shortage of takers and all the artists, musicians, venue, have gladly given their time entirely free of charge; even the booking fee has been waived by the ticketing company’.
An array of international talents will be appearing at the Harrington, all travelling there at their own expense, including current top 50 mainstream chart artist Elles Bailey and other multi million streaming artists such as Martin Harley, Jo Harman and, from the USA, Sari Schorr.
A ‘house band’, led by Stefan Redtenbacher and featuring world class musicians (with CV’s to prove – think Elton John, Bowie, Jessie J, etc) will glue the night together with noted performers Jasmine Rodgers, Eddy Smith, Lady Nade, Jade Like The Stone, Mike Ross, Mike Mayfield, Holie Rogers, Jana Varga and, direct from Northern Ireland, Dom Martin, also appearing.
Mark advised ‘it’s an amazing line up, with some heavy hitters it’s true, but overall there are no headliners, no undercard, no pecking order, just the whole community getting together as one for the cause’
All proceeds are going to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for Ukraine.