Show Up For the Brigid Alliance Benefit Show

by FTA Staff | Aug 9, 2022 | Shows

Charlene Kaye at Baby’s All Right (photo by Edwina Hay)

After the recent ruling by the Supreme Court that cruelly abolished Roe V. Wade and restricted safe and legal access to millions who need abortion care, grassroots organizations will be an extremely vital lifeline to help provide funds and other support for those seeking abortions. Benefit shows have long been a means to help raise funds and awareness for myriad causes when the government fails us and musicians have already begun to step up to help, donating their time and talents to various abortion access organizations.

For this show, FTP and Adhoc teamed with Margaret Glaspy, Katy Kirby, Lola Kirke, and Charlene Kaye (who was initially announced as a secret surprise guest due to her having another NYC show soon afterwards), along with DJ sets from Sadie Dupuis and Adi Oasis, to present a benefit show for The Brigid Alliance which provides travel, food, lodging, child care and other logistical support for people seeking abortions.

On why they wanted to play the benefit Kirby stated “offering resources, connections, and cold hard cash is the most decent (and also only decent) thing we could do for another person in crisis, and the Brigid Alliance obviously knows how to do this well.” Oasis also added, “it is vital that women have the right to make their own decisions about our bodies. It’s the most fundamental right we can demand, and one we will not relinquish. If the government tries to stand in the way of any woman’s right to determine what’s best for their bodies and their families, all of us — men and women alike — must rise up and take action to protect these women. I’m honored to support the Brigid Alliance who is doing exactly this.”

Ahead of the benefit, Glaspy shared a new song “My Body, My Choice,” saying it is “a song of protest. Taking away resources from people who need abortions only leaves them with unsafe alternatives, and no one should be forced to experience that. It is absolutely necessary for any person who can give birth to consent to their own pregnancy. It feels absurd that we are still fighting this fight, but here we are. It’s your body, so it should be your choice.” A portion of the proceeds from the single will also go towards supporting The Brigid Alliance. She played the song and most of her new record at the show along with the b-side “Heart Shape” which was released earlier this year and got the audience singing along.

The benefit was a resounding success and raised over $6,000 at the time of this writing. If you would like to make a donation to support the work of The Brigid Alliance you can do so here.