Local musicians, venues pitch in with Ukraine benefit shows this month

BY EVERYNIGHT CHARLEY CRESPO | Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello told me on March 27 that he is planning another benefit for Ukraine, although he did not reveal the date, location or who is performing.

Hütz, who was born in Ukraine, said the next benefit will be bigger than his first one, which was held at City Winery NYC on March 10. That three-hour show featured a headlining performance by Gogol Bordello and 10-minute performances by Patti Smith, Suzanne Vega, Craig Finn, Jesse Malin, Matisyahu, Stephin Merritt, Marc Roberge and Lady Lamb. The event raised more than $130,000 for Come Back Alive — a nonprofit that supports the Ukrainian Armed Forces — and Care.org. In addition, Yoko Ono and Sean Ono Lennon contributed a $50,000 donation to Doctors Without Borders.

In addition, local New York City musicians will participate in two Downtown benefits for Ukraine this month. Both events will happen in the vicinity of the East Village, unofficially called Little Ukraine, where many Ukrainian immigrants live and operate businesses.

“A Benefit for Ukraine” will take place at the Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston St., on Thurs., April 14, starting at 6:30 p.m. Organizer Anne Husick recruited numerous local circuit musicians, including DonBlackCat & Friends, Christian Dryden & Friends, the Cynz, Gina Healy Dreamband, Joey Kelly All Stars, Tiny Pinecones, Puma Perl & Friends, Luigi “Babe” Scorcia and Stephanie Marie. The suggested donation is $20, and Husick also asks that patrons consider contributing sleeping bags, first-aid kits, quick meals and new socks, underwear and gloves, among other items. All proceeds will go to Razom for Ukraine, Save the Children and other nonprofit agencies supporting the suffering people of Ukraine.

“The Otto’s Benefit for Ukraine” will happen at Otto’s Shrunken Head, 538 E. 14th St., on Sat., April 30, beginning at 2 p.m. and lasting until 9:15 p.m. Organizer Ira Zadikow has enlisted performances by the Hipp Pipps, GIFTSHOP, the Sloe Guns, Stephanie Marie and Friends, Krispy DeRato, Gary Edward Kiyan, Raising Daughters, Xavier Moll, Lo, Sean Listro, Kassaye Selassie, Adam Najemian, Jason Inyoung Lee, Max Lombardo, Harrison Dolan and others. The event will have no cover charge; free-will offerings will go to Razom for Ukraine.

For more of Everynight Charley Crespo’s coverage of the city’s music scene, check out The Manhattan Beat.