Democracy has never sounded Sexier
Democracy has never sounded Sexier: an Ear-gasmic line-up at Café Siempre
Glasgow
15th April
Politics and performance have always made great bedfellows, and what a terrific meeting of minds Anna Crow curated at Café Siempre last Wednesday night. The vegan-friendly café took on the distinct feel of a speakeasy, as some of Glasgow’s most colourful eco-warriors, artists, and canine companions assembled to share in a night of music, poetry, and performance – held in aid of the Green Party (turns out the right to run for election comes with a hefty price tag).
Glasgow does not suffer from a dearth of gigs, spoken word nights, or poets – but rare is the chance to hear such a well-chosen collection of talent all under the same roof, for a fiver. I wager fans would be hard pressed to hear the likes of Sunshine Social, Monoganon, Something, Someone, or the effervescent Teri Booth for so little, and in so intimate a venue. Add scorching Scottish Slam Champion Bram E. Gieben, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a line up.
Musical highlights included approximately one half of Sunshine Social, who made up for their absent numbers with a stripped-back, harrowing performance; harmonic folk trio Something, Someone; and divine singer-songwriter Teri Booth, who’s “Take me Down” and airy vocal pyrotechnics elicited multiple ear-gasms from the spellbound crowd. Up and Coming poets Liam McCormick and Kirsty Nicolson brought some fiery West-Coast voices the stage, both mixing personal poems with more political pieces, warming the crowd nicely for Martin Bartos (Green Party Candidate), who chose to regale the crowd in verse. Of course, Monoganon and Bram E. Gieban were bound to be fabulous. This reviewer had to dash off early, but I hear Bram is performing again in Glasgow, so tune in next week for a review of his stuff. Other shoutouts include wannabe escapist (and singer-songwriter) Tom Davis – whose distinctive vocals and melancholic ballad provoked audiences to meow along at the end of his set.
Politics reigned supreme at “Supporting Democracy”. In a charity-happy, fundraising-obsessed culture, Supporting Democracy was one of those rare fundraising events where the cause actually took center stage. Zara Kitson’s articulate and on-point speech at half-time was thought-provoking, and articulate. Liam McCormick, Kirsty Nicolson, and Anna Snow performed well-constructed and compelling poetry focused around activism, poverty, and identity. It is exciting to hear young voices using poetry as a platform for political change, and I hope to hear more of this type of work from all three writers. All funds raised on the night will go towards the costs of Green Party electoral candidates.
Supporting Democracy was like a delicious tasting menu of music and performance, with just enough of each treat to satiate my appetite, and a nice long break between courses. The real success of Anna’s night was the prodigious talent she managed to assemble. The atmosphere was intimate, the music was divine, and the beer tasted pretty damn good. Despite the leanings of the organisers, everyone was welcome, Green or not-so-Green. This reviewer spent the night sandwiched between a revolving door of politicians, poets, Monoganon-s, puppies, and a fellow layman or two, without smelling even a whiff of bullshit. In fact, not a single person tried once to hawk a CD, piece of merch, or even ask for my vote. They just wanted me to buy a Green Party Button, and bathe in the delicious sounds of democracy.
Reviewer : Charlotte Morgan
Mumble Words 