After the Manx leg of a global charity event proved so successful last year, the organiser has decided to hold a repeat performance this weekend.

The ’We Shall Overcome’ gig is to be held this weekend at Noa Bakehouse, and its aim is to raise money and donations for homeless charities and the food bank on the Isle of Man.

Three local bands are to perform at the concert, which is held on the same night as similar events held all over the world.

Operating under the slogan ’a raised fist and a helping hand’, the ’We Shall Overcome’ weekend’ was first held three years ago in England, by campaigners who wanted to challenge the politics of austerity with the idea of having local bands raise money for local homeless charities, but linked by under the same banner and ideals.

To date, after three years, there have been more than 650 concerts, held under the banner, including dates in America, Australia and elsewhere.

Local live music fan Mike Bibby heard about the initiative and, after meeting one of the original organisers, decided that the Isle of Man should also be represented.

’I met the musician Joe Solo, one of the organisers three years ago at a gig in Barnsley, and we got talking about the "We Shall Overcome" gigs. I hadn’t have heard of it, and the gigs hadn’t been reported in the press, or made the media in anyway.

’At that time, it was coming up to my 60th birthday, and I wanted to do something to celebrate, but also, I guess, to help people on the island. I also thought that the Isle Of Man should be part of this event.

’We have homelessness on the island, and we have food banks. The problem is that if you go around Manchester, Liverpool, London or wherever, the homeless population is visible, but if you go around Douglas, there is nothing to be seen. On the island it is hidden. People don’t realise the problem is here too.

’I found out that there would be a "We Shall Overcome" mass event around October last year, so I basically joined in.

I organised a night at Noa Bakehouse, which was amazingly successful. We sold out of tickets and raised alot of money for some worthwhile charities, all based on the island.’

The same bands as last year will perform, namely the Ballaghs, The Last Drags, who feature singer and poet Tiger McNulty, and singer songwriter Matt Kelly.

Sound is being provided by Stuart Gentry and Noa Bakehouse will host the concert, providing the use of the room for free.

Last year, the ’We Shall Overcome’ night raised £1100, plus another £400 in donated food and essentials to the Isle of Man Food bank. Mike is hoping for a repeat in generosity this year.

’It’s £5 to get in, and if you would like to bring any non-perishable food items, toiletries or household goods with you, that would be brilliant.

’The sad fact is that these kinds of donations are needed now more than ever. In this day and age, in this beautiful island, it is not right that people are starving and homeless. This may be seen as a political campaign, but it isn’t. It’s not anti-government, or anti-anything. It is pro-caring, and pro-community.

’There are twice as many people needing help as last year, and demand on the food bank has increased compared with last year.’

’We Shall Overcome’ takes place on Saturday, October 7, from 7.30pm. There will also be a range of merchandise, including posters, stickers and wristbands for sale.

Tickets are available from Noa Bakehouse in advance or on the door.

by Mike Wade

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