Musicians and music fans on Westside raise nearly £4k for Ukraine

Hundreds of music fans helped to raise thousands of pounds at an emotive ‘Blues for Ukraine’ concert at a Westside night club on Sunday night.

The event, organised by Birmingham blues club Henry’s Blueshouse, has so far raised £3,805 (and counting!) for the Disaster Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal.

Two dozen musicians joined forces at the Velvet Music Rooms to perform the blues in sympathy and solidarity for the oppressed people of Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s unprovoked invasion.

• Almost £1,200 was raised from an auction which included:
• a snare drum from Roy Adams of Climax Blues Band,
• a cigar box guitar made by Chickenbone John in Ukraine colours,
• an oil painting of blues legend Buddy Guy by Mark Skirving, aka King Pleasure, and
• a photo of Buddy taken by Jim Simpson of Big Bear Records in 1964, signed by every musician performing on the night.

The ‘Blues for Ukraine’ concert was attended by around 240 people who paid a minimum £10 donation to get into Velvet Music Rooms, although many gave more.

Jim Simpson said: “It was a terrific event and, apart from the Disaster Emergency Committee, the winner was the blues which comes from a suppressed people just like those suffering at the moment in Ukraine.

“We decided to do the concert about three weeks ago due to the ongoing feeling of helplessness that followed Russia’s invasion. Day by day something more horrible happens.”

The ‘Blues for Ukraine’ show featured three ‘house’ bands: The Nitecrawlers from Wolverhampton, The Martin Burch Band from Leicester and The Shakedown Brothers from Derby.

They were backed by an assortment of guest musicians including Chickenbone John, Mickey Barker (formerly of Magnum), Ricky Cool, Roy Forbes, John Price, Mick ‘Spike’ Hopkins, Darren Mather and Chris Bowden.

The night also included a special message of support from Los Angeles, sent by Ed Bicknell, the former manager of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler, Bryan Ferry, Gerry Rafferty, Scott Walker, and The Blue Nile.

Mr Bicknall said: “Recent events have reminded me of how we take peace and normality for granted.

“It’s great to see regular folks pitching in to help the poor people of Ukraine, the refugees, and those neighbouring countries who are waiting in fear to see if they are next. The worst situation in my lifetime as if history has taught us nothing.

“Your ‘Blues for Ukraine’ is a brilliant idea. Have fun and listen to some great music while helping others.”

Dani Hadley of Velvet Music Rooms said: “It’s the biggest live event we’ve ever done and arguably the best blues line-up this city has ever seen.

“It was a big blues jamming session with 25 musicians giving up their time and their talent free of charge to raise money for the crisis in Ukraine.”

A raffle also raised around £350 with prizes including a Martin Burch Band EP, Bev Bevan’s signed drumsticks and postcards, a signed copy of Jim Simpson’s book Don’t Worry ‘Bout The Bear, four tickets to any gig at The Asylum, and two signed Ruby Turner LPs.

Live performance pictures by: Karl Newton