Music / Review
Review: Ukraine Benefit Gig, The Louisiana – ‘The night showcased some of the city’s best homegrown talent’
The Louisiana is iconic. To Bristolian music enthusiasts, it’s sacred. Last week, a host of musicians and fans descended on the famous venue to raise money for the ongoing disaster in Ukraine. Showcasing some of the city’s best homegrown talent, Friday night epitomised all that’s great about Bristol’s colourful music scene.
While listening to the night’s opener, Redmoor, fans browsed the merch stand knowing every penny they spent was going to support Ukraine. Redmoor themselves did a sterling job of kicking the evening off. The local band are doused with a fair share of grunge, feeling like Bristol’s answer to the scenes emerging revival.
Wakey Wakey Rise and Shine were next up. Before the gig, the band said they were “honoured to be part of this bill to support Ukraine”. The 5-piece didn’t disappoint, their indie inspired rhythms hypnotised a crowd laden with energy for the night ahead.
is needed now More than ever
The night downstairs closed with The New America, a sound that could fill just about any venue in the country. To say they were loud would be quite the understatement. The lyrics behind the noise gave none but subtle hints to the young generations’ discontent with the world they find themselves in. A fitting soundtrack to the evening.
The New America were a fitting soundtrack to the evening. Credit: Will Heason
Upstairs, Windshake announced themselves to a room buzzing with anticipation. The band seduced the crowd with their smooth vocal melodies and clean guitar. Getdown Services had a hard act to follow. From the first chord played, the room transcended into the 1980s. The timeless sound of a synth inspired guitar meant Getdown Services did not disappoint.
Bristolian group The Pleasure Dome headlined the upstairs room, concluding the evening in unfiltered chaos. The band’s unwavering energy gave the crowd the mayhem they’d been craving all night.
Bristolian group The Pleasure Dome headlined the upstairs room, concluding the evening in unfiltered chaos. Credit: Will Heason
The gig’s organiser Alice Boeglin said she wanted “people to know they can go out and have fun while still participating in a good cause”. With the help of booker Cissy Badley and co-owner Mig Schillace, they certainly did just that. After the raffle had concluded, Alice and her team had sold The Louisiana out, raising over £1500 for the Disaster Emergency Committee.
Main photo: Will Heason
Read more: These are the benefit gigs taking place in Bristol for Ukraine
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