In Russia, three young women were sentenced to prison for two years for hooliganism, and in Russia, hooliganism means staging a short public performance in protest of Vladmir Putin. The women were a part of Pussy Riot, a feminist punk band who use public performances as a subversive tool. The news of the sentencing rang around the world, prompting an outpouring of anger and solidarity for the group, primarily in punk and feminist communities. Ashley Moran (Halifax Pop Explosion, Michael’s Bar and Grill bookings) decided to contribute by organizing a benefit show this weekend. “I've been watching the situation since March and have felt connected to the girls—I work with musicians daily, and freedom of expression and art are important to me," says Moran. "I have never been the 'protest' type, but the heavy handedness of the sentences was shocking. The benefit was formed out of a knee-jerk reaction—not really something that involved a lot of thought at the time, but something that had to happen around the world—including Halifax.”
The show quickly turned into a weekend of events due to the volume of folks who wanted to help. 100% of the proceeds to go to Pussy Riot to help with their exorbitant legal fees. “The response has been overwhelming. We started as just one night, but with so many bands and people reaching out to help, we decided to made it a weekend event—both Friday and Saturday night," says Moran. "We also wanted all those who wanted to help to be able to. 100% of the door proceeds and any donations collected will all be donated directly to freepussyriot.org”
This Friday and Saturday (9pm, $6/pay what you can) at Michael’s Bar and Grill, go and see some stellar entertainment for a good cause.
The complete line up is:
Friday, August 24: Host Candy Palmater from The Candy Show, Jack E Blue (Cursed Arrows), Geordi Vision, Milk Moustache, Tara Thorne (Dance Movie), Brian Macquarrie (Picnicface), Michael Bastarache and Food Fight
Saturday, August 25: Host Floyd from Live105, Catholic Gaydar, The Press Conference, Like A Motorcycle, Kings Eden and Tom Rich
