Glasgow clubbers have helped to raise funds for aid services to help migrants crossing Europe.
While the infamous “Jungle” camp was mostly abandoned earlier this year, there are still people making perilous journeys across continents to escape war, religious persecution, government oppression, or all three – huddled in makeshift shelters all across Europe.
It’s a fact that hasn’t escape the good people of monthly club night The Basement Sessions, who threw this appropriately-titled Swalley for Calais at Sauchiehall Street’s Broadcast on Tuesday night.
The night was headlined by the live dub collective Skayaman, who have established themselves as one of the country’s best underground reggae acts after years of righteous gigging. Folky singer-songwriter Flew the Arrow also played, his Newton Faulker-y fingerpicking styles a perfect counterpoint to the raucous reggae that followed.
Taking things into the wee hours, DJs Kubwa of Strawberry Jam and Wheelman of the fierce local collective Stereotone went global with dancehall and afrobeat rhythms shaking the venue’s formidable soundsystem. All of the night’s proceeds were donated to the organisers of Calais’ L’Auberge Des Migrants, a warehouse that helps distribute donations and build shelters in the French port town. As the heat on the dancefloor increased, so too did the donations of blankets, sleeping bags and tinned food piled up for the journey to Calais: it was a welcome and timely reminder – as was last week’s Optimo Rave Against Racism, that getting freaky doesn’t always have to be about the simple pursuit of pleasure. More of this, please.
Swally for Calais at Broadcast
Q: In what event – sporting or otherwise – would you be guaranteed a gold medal?
1. Craig McMahon, 24, City Centre
Favourite Club? ABC
Favourite Bar? Broadcast
Favourite DJ? Rustie
Favourite Band? Pronto Mama
First Club? Plush
What You Drinking? G&T
Describe Your Dancing? Erratic, skeptical, and ostentatious
2. Michael Mavor, 24, Aberdeen, “Content”
Reid Baxter, 26, South Side, “Candle wax drinking”
3. Liam McCluskey, 19, Drongan, “Chat”
Shaun McCluskey, 21, Ayr, “Wrestling”
4. Lisa Cusson, 23, Edinburgh, “The Stage Invasion”
Daniel Lynagh, 24, Shawlands, “Playing Pokemon”
Heather Bruce, 20, Edinburgh, “Sleeping”
5. Jeanie Hamilton, 21, City Centre, “Storytelling”
Chrissy Bell, 20, West End, “Laughing”
6. Lauren McGovern, 18, Dublin, “Falling over”
Emma McEntee, 18, Macduff, “Stalking Frank Iero”
7. Miranda McFarlane, 18, Borders, “Knowing irritating facts”
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