LEIGHTON Jones, who left the BBC’s The Voice at the weekend, will perform tonight at Jazz 4 Calais, an evening of music organised at The Depot.
International jazz performers Liane Carroll and the Neil Lockwood Band will also be performing in aid of refugees.
Brian Murrell, from Rhoose, is one of the organisers. He wanted to find a way to help the organisations working with migrants in the camps of Northern France.
Brian was driven to do something after seeing news coverage of the refugee camps and hearing first-hand stories of what life is like in Calais and Dunkirk from friends who have visited.
“There’s a different news story every day about the camps and what is happening there,” he said.
“I just wanted to find a way I could make a real contribution to the aid work that’s going on every day. Liane is a good friend and I’m a huge fan of her music.
“When I asked her if she would come to Cardiff and play for us, she didn’t hesitate for a second. Liane is an internationally renowned artist, so given her touring schedule and other commitments it was difficult to pin down a date.
“We need to ensure it’s a successful fundraiser, so I am covering the costs for the staff and venue. The Depot has been fantastic and we’re hoping traders might contribute a percentage of their take on the night.
“What we need now is for people to come out and support us. All of the money we take on the door will go towards helping migrants. At the end of the day, it’s about sending help to men, women and children who are in a desperate situation. They are cold, wet and hungry and living in awful conditions. The least we can do is raise a little money to help them.”
Cardiff-based singer Leighton Jones, who left The Voice at the weekend, is thrilled to be involved with the event.
He said: “I’m chuffed to be asked to take part in the event tonight. There are thousands of unaccompanied child refugees in Europe living in terrible conditions.
“My boy Jay is 15. He’s my world and it would rip me up to think of him having to go through something like that. I’m doing it for the kids and I’m happy to do what I can to raise awareness and money.
“It would be nice if the UK and Welsh governments can do more too, but it seems it’s down to amazing people like Brian Murrell and Norman Gettings, who are organising tonight’s event, to make things happen.
“It’s only a fiver for students and that goes direct to help people in the Calais Camps, so anyone reading this, get down the Depot tonight for some wicked tunes and food.
“The Voice may be over, but I still have loads of good things planned. You can follow me on Twitter (@leightonjonesy) and keep in touch on Facebook by tracking the Leighton Jones Music page for updates on latest news and gigs.”
- Jazz 4 Calais will take place tonight at The Depot, on Cardiff’s Dumballs Road at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 (waged) and £5 (unwaged).
