Annual concert draws in crowds (From Stroud News and Journal)

Annual concert draws in crowds

STROUD'S best and biggest cabaret, The Stroud HIV and AIDS Benefit concert, is back this weekend at the Subscription Rooms.

Set up six years ago by Danny and Kate McCue in honour of David Russell, who died of AIDS seven years ago in the tender care of the Sue Ryder home in Leckhampton, the annual concert goes from strength to strength.

It always features the best of Stroud's singers, musicians, poets and actors, and this year is no exception.

From folk music to soul, digeridoos to Ska with exhibitions of dancing, the concert promises to keep feet tapping and funds raising.

"On average, we're able to give £600 a year to our chosen charities," said Danny McCue, "and to make the night accessible to as many people as possible, we've kept the prices fairly low. David had a great love of music, dancing and singing - he'd have loved this."

The HIV and AIDS benefit is blessed with a stunning line-up: "We've got The Stroud Community Choir, Alf Clibery, Daylight Theatre Company, Earthwards, Out to Lunch, Roughshod, Souled and Healed and the magnificent Ska Daddy to name just a few," said Kate McCue.

All profits from the night go to the Sue Ryder Home in Leckhampton and The Gloucestershire AIDS Trust. "It's all for a very good cause," added Danny. "Come along and enjoy the night and give generously if you can afford to."

The Benefit takes place on Saturday, November 16 from 7pm. Tickets are £6 or £3.50 concessions, but one is advised to book early.

For more Stroud arts events see this week's SNJ.