The Oxford English Dictionary defines the term ‘refugee’ as “a person who has been forced to leave their country or home, because there is a war or for political, religious or social reasons”. However, this simple definition does not capture the horror, suffering, displacement, and fear many of these poor souls experience in their plight to find a better, safer life for themselves and their families.
The etymology of the word can traced back to biblical times yet it is still a painful issue that is at the forefront of today’s troubled world. Leicester is a city that has been built on immigration so it is quite fitting that six of the city’s most talented musical acts have joined forces to create an evening with the aim of raising £1000 for two local refugee charities: LE Solidarity and After18.
Part of the Leicester Human Rights Arts and Film Festival, the evening is headlined by 60s psychedelic blues pioneer Edgar Broughton. Signed to EMI’s progressive rock label Harvest Records, the Edgar Broughton Band reached No. 18 in the UK album charts with their 1970 release Sing Brother Sing, and No. 28 the following year with a follow-up self-titled album. With growling vocals and a style of music that seemed to dissolve many boundaries, many have considered Broughton to be the English Captain Beefheart.
Main support on the evening comes from none other than Music in Leicester favourite and the afore mentioned artist’s son, Luke Broughton. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Jeff Buckley and Bon Ivor, Luke’s haunting yet beautiful vocal style and passionate performance has helped him become one of the city’s most revered singer songwriters.
Despite the father and son headliners, Leicester’s daughters are not to remain unrepresented on the night. LION/S is the brainchild of the extremely talented Leonie DuBarry-Gurr. A combination of both audio and visual performance, LION/S will take the audience on a journey of the mind and soul, as Leonie makes use of loop pedals, electronica, violins and vocals in a way in which only she knows how. Also on the bill are Sally Hossack and her band of musical comrades. DMU lecturer by day, musician by night, Sally has collaborated with some of the cities best artists and has long been regarded a beautiful talent in her own right. Topping off the night are rising Leicester post space collective The People’s Assembly and No Conflict, fronted by child prodigy Harrison Gent.
Access all Areas takes place Friday 6th at Duffy’s Bar. Doors are 7pm Tickets are priced at £10 and are available from Brown Paper Tickets