Local Musicians to Play Benefits for Ukraine

Gogol Bordello at Brooklyn Steel on January 1; leader Eugene Hutz is planning a second benefit concert for his native Ukraine

Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello told The Manhattan Beat 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 to be bigger than his first, 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 non-profit 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.

Local New York City musicians will participate in two downtown benefits for Ukraine in April. Both events will happen in the vicinity of the Lower East Side unofficially called Little Ukraine, where many Ukrainian immigrants live and operate businesses.

DonBlackCat & Friends at the Parkside Lounge on March 18

Christian Dryden with his band, the Ritualists, at the Bowery Electric on December 3, 2021

AHPresents: A Benefit for Ukraine will take place at the Parkside Lounge on 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 non-profit agencies supporting the suffering people of Ukraine.

The Hipp Pipps at Otto's Shrunken Head on December 10, 2021

Giftshop at the Parkside Lounge on April 2

The Otto's Benefit for Ukraine will happen at Otto's Shrunken Head on 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.

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The Manhattan Beat covers New York City's live music developments as they happen. All articles are written by Everynight Charley Crespo. All photographs are taken by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise. For a list of Manhattan venues that are presenting live music regularly, swing the desktop cursor to the right of the home page and click on the pop-up tab "Where to Find Live Music." For a listing of upcoming concerts for live audiences, visit The Manhattan Beat's April calendar.