It was first time at the Kirkgate Centre in Shipley, a recently opened community-run space that has an eclectic array of upcoming gigs. The Diverse Sound Collective organised an event with an IWD inspired line-up and a mini exhibition of work created by women and non-binary creators.
Tthe evening starts out with some sing-along, queer joy fuelled a cappella from Laura & The Lesbians. Covering queer and queer-adjacent pop songs (Tracy Chapman’s Baby Can I Hold You Tonight and Chappell Roan’s Red Wine Supernova being my singalong highlights), Laura & The Lesbians brought their friendship (telling us they started singing together over nine years ago) along with plenty of personality and fun to the performance, drawing the audience in and getting them in the mood for more.
Next up we’re treated to Dilettante. It’s my first time seeing them and are my personal highlight of the night. Low-fi, jazz-infused pop with an ever-rotating carousel of instruments (more cowbell than I knew I needed, but definitely enjoyed) and some well-placed saxophone threaded throughout the set. Great looping and layering of vocals and instruments made for a rich sound, backed with a rhythm that makes you want to move with the music. There’s a tinge of darkness to the music, but it’s also music for lying in fields on summer afternoons, dreamy and warm.
Finally, the evening was rounded off by Gia Ford performing an acoustic set. There’s something timeless about Gia Ford’s music, echoing the late-60s/early-70s Americana scene, running through dark country, indie, and pop vibes, but ultimately creating something that is all Gia. Storytelling sits at the core of the songs, and a feeling of dark whimsy runs through the performance. Great harmonies and a sense of connection between Gia and Conor’s stage presence all add to the warm feel of the set.
Love leaving a gig with some bands to add to the playlist!