People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Heidi Heelz
Heidi Heelz is a queer musician, artist, promoter and DJ.
Known for the groundbreaking Dice Club in the late noughties and latterly Glam-Racket, they also play bass in live karaoke group the Fallen Women and new project Madame Mutante, and will be performing their debut show on August 25 at the Thunderbolt,
Heidi recently established their own live music promotion company, Grey Muzzle.
is needed now More than ever
These are Heidi’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Diatribe
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“Diatribe is a truly one-off place! Run by Ananda (AlterModerns) it offers printmaking services, workshops, one-to-one tuition courses and loads more! You can also stock up on art materials, get your guitar fixed and even catch the odd exhibition. Their next upcoming courses is a bookbinding workshop with Sophia Link on July 27.”
The Thunderbolt
The Thunderbolt is a former toll house – photo: Mia Vines Booth
“This feels a little nepotistic as I work there, but I do believe the Thunderbolt is a really special venue – not only does it book great bands in the evening, but it is also family and dog friendly – truly everyone is welcome! There’s a huge beer garden with swings and a climbing frame, and the diverse Summer Sundays programme offers a variety of free events, all with catering.”
Emily Breeze
“What can I say about this force of nature? Emily Breeze really helped me settle back into Bristol life when I returned last year, and because of her day job (songwriting lecturer at BIMM) was able to recommend loads of fantastic musicians such as Witch Hook, Rosie May and Mudd Club when I started promoting again. Do yourselves a favour and go and see her band!”
Re:Store
Re:Store in Knowle West “is an absolute gem of an independent charity shop” says Heidi – photo: Shalom-Fred-Jatto
“Re:Store in Filwood Broadway is an absolute gem of an independent charity shop – from furniture to clothes to pots of paint, there’s something for everyone. They are part of the Re:Work charity group, which helps local young people who have been excluded from school or placed on a reduced curriculum an opportunity to gain retail, carpentry and renovation skills, increase their self esteem and interact positively in their community. I suggest a visit if you’re in the area – they’re open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.”
Punka
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“Run by the lovely Stu Freeman, Punka started as an indie/rock club night for the queer community and has become so much more, with live gigs and alternative drag and burlesque shows for LGBTQ+ folks and their friends. The next Punka is an eighties special at Lost Horizon on July 21.”
Main photo: Heidi Heelz
Read next:
- New repair cafe opens in north Bristol
- Breakfast with Bristol24/7: Emily Breeze
- My Bristol Favourites: Jayde Adams
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