Musicians tune up for food banks
With communities hit hard by the pandemic, some of Sunderland’s finest musicians are hosting a virtual gig to raise funds for the city’s lifeline food banks.
Barry Hyde, of Futureheads fame, The Lake Poets and Vandebilt, will be joined by Bigfatbig, Noyou and stars from the city's Young Musicians Project for the event.
Recording producers Motorhouse and music venue, Independent, will host the festival – a free, live-streamed event – tomorrow.
Organiser Jordan Miller, joint owner of Motorhouse and the songwriter with Vandebilt, explained: "This year has been tough for everyone, especially those in the arts. With venues being closed for the past seven months, people can't attend shows and hear what tremendous music we are producing here on Wearside; that's why we're hosting a one-off celebration of Sunderland's thriving music scene.
"We want to bring the ultimate gig direct to people's homes so they can experience energetic live bands such as Vandebilt, Bigfatbig and Noyou; some of the region’s highest acclaimed exports The Lake Poets and Barry Hyde, as well as songs from some of Sunderland's newest exciting talents like AmiMc Guinness, Lot tie Willis, Sara Heraoua, Paige Smith, Eve Cole and Isobel Hudson.
"When the pandemic ends we will continue the development of excellent music coming out of Sunderland."
Jack Wade, Motorhouse co-owner, added :" While raising awareness of the musicians and industry personnel involved, another aim of this festival is to raise funds for Sunderland Foodbank, a charity that provides the necessities to people who need them most."
The festival, which is free and runs from 6pm to 10pm, can be accessed via Independent’s Facebook page. There will be a link live on the night for anyone who wishes to donate to Sunderland Foodbank.
Independent, in Holmeside, is one of Sunderland’s arts organisations that has been awarded money from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. The venue, which has brought big names to the city, whilst also providing a platform for emerging homegrown talent, has been awarded £91,000.