Music legends Chris Difford, Nick Heyward and Carol Decker are among a glittering array of artists who will be raising the roof while raising funds for Ukrainian refugees at a special evening of music.
The Concert for Ukraine will take place on Thursday, March 31, at the Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames, and has been organised by local singer Purdy.
She said: “To see people suffering through no fault of their own is heart-breaking. If it was happening to my loved ones and countrymen, I would hope that the rest of the world would reach out to us too.
“We live in an affluent country which offers us safety and security so I think we have a duty to help where we can.
“The best way I know how is through music.”
Purdy, whose high-flying career has seen her perform on hit Netflix series The Crown and at the Royal Albert Hall, pounded her book of contacts to see who she could get on the bill at short notice.
Eighties popstars Heyward and Decker, and legendary Squeeze co-founder Difford jumped at the chance to help out.
Nick said watching the bombardment of the Ukraine was “heart-breaking”, and added: “At least we can do our bit to sing and raise money to help in some small way.
“So, please come to the Kenton and help with us.”
Rock god Jesse Smith, who hails from Reading, is also on the bill, fresh from touring with the Classic Rock Show and ahead of some exciting shows with the Led Zeppelin Symphonic.
He said: “I’m absolutely honoured to be part of this fundraiser for Ukraine.
“I spent a week in Kyiv in 2017 and the artists I worked with were some of the most talented and beautiful people I’ve ever worked with.
“It breaks my heart to see what’s happening in Ukraine.”
The line-up so far, with more artists to be confirmed, is: Nick Heyward, Chris Difford, Carol Decker, Jesse Smith, Jazz Morley, James Carrington, and Purdy.
All the proceeds raised from the £30-a-ticket concert will go to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal, led by the Disasters Emergency Committee.
Visit: https://www.purdymusic.co.uk/purdys-popup/ukraine for more information and tickets.
