HIV benefit gig returns to Stroud (From Stroud News and Journal)

HIV benefit gig returns to Stroud

SOME of Stroud's finest musicians, dancers, and storytellers will be strutting their stuff at the Subscription Rooms this weekend in a charity fundraiser for the Gloucestershire AIDS trust and the Sue Ryder Home in Leckhampton.

The event is the eighth annual Stroud HIV & AIDS Benefit concert, organised by Danny and Kate McCue.

"Our aims are to raise awareness in the community about HIV and AIDS and to contribute towards creating a thriving community spirit." said Katie McCue.

"The concert commemorates the life of David Russell, a psychotherapist and addictions counsellor, who had a passion for the arts and music. Last year £760 was raised for our two charities."

"For 8 years musicians, poets, dancers, and storytellers have freely given their time and talents to make every concert a success," added Danny McCue. "We are very grateful to them, and to the hundreds of people who have attended the event."

This year's performers are Ska Daddy, Earthwards, Haziz, Kata Tjuta, Eliza Tale, Bagelfish Orchestra, Souled & Healed and Alexander Mackenzie. The proceedings will introduced and emceed by poets Denis Gould and Richard Austin

"HIV and AIDS continue to be a growing problem," said Danny, "not just worldwide and nationwide, but throughout this county. By the end of June 2004, in the UK alone 64,678 people were infected with HIV and 20,501 people had been diagnosed with AIDS, so the more that can be done to help them the better."

The show takes place on Saturday, November 27. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are available from the box office or on the door at £7 or £4 concessions. There is a bar open all evening.