So: April is here, the Beast from the East has departed, and spring has (finally) sprung. This month is a real biggie, dear readers, with a wealth of queer music, art and comedy taking to Sheffield stages…
First up, we have three for the price of one as Leeds-based pop punk band Jesus and his Judgemental Father – who describe themselves as sounding “like the 10 Things I Hate About You soundtrack, except way more queer” – join three-piece angry, sissy political punk band Kinky and “spooky doo-wop” outfit Anatomy in playing at Delicious Clam Records on Sunday 1st April. At just a fiver on t’door, there’s some serious value to be had for the gig lovers out there.
Onto club nights now, and for those of you who love an excuse for fancy dress or just want to take advantage of the bank holiday Monday lie-in, then head to OMG’s ‘Slutty Bunny’ party open until 4am and free entry if you do make a costumed effort. And we’ll be heading back to OMG on 10th April for the latest Drag Race star to appear, season seven runner up Pearl Liason. Grab advance meet and greet tickets or upgrade on the night for a tenner.
On Friday 13th, Café Totem hosts the Sheffield stop on Queen Zee’s first headline tour. Expect sassy punk influenced by their home city of Liverpool’s working-class politics, LGBT+ community and ethnic diversity. Support comes in the form of Babe Punch, serving up grunge-influenced pop punk and followed with dancing until late with the All Tomorrow’s Parties bash.
Sheffield’s-own Braver than Fiction make a return after a short break, welcoming new drummer Aidan at West Street Live on 16th April. Fronted by bisexual front woman Mel, Braver Than Fiction have been long-time supporters of Sheffield’s LGBT+ scene with previous appearances at Pinknic and DiversityFest. They’re one of my personal faves; book Tuesday off work and expect sweary banter, great music and one hell of a hangover.
Join Girl Gang Sheffield at DINA on 21st April for Burn The Witch II – a spellbinding evening of music, rituals and empowerment. Reclaim your scars and wear them as war paint by decorating your face, arms or body with symbols of your triumph over adversity. Check out some amazing local stalls, with witchy jewellery from Crozzled and Hinge and Gutter, patches, pins, bags and other riot grrl essentials from Cutesy Huge, or pick up some fine threads from Hello Fruits and other traders TBC. Add to their art, chill out in the tent, listen to awesome speakers from local charities talk about how we can fight stigma and be regaled with feminist poems. Live music is provided with the post-ghost punk sounds of People Here and a second chance this month to catch the fantastic Babe Punch with DJs and dancing until 3am and all the usual Girl Gang joy and glitter.
Another Sheffield favourite, psychotic pop-punk band Faerground Accidents, will also be launching their latest single ‘Perfume’ at Corporation on 21st with support from The Mother of Crows and Kyogen. Join their dedicated local cult following of “Faeries” for an evening of dancing and debauchery not to be missed.
Rescheduled from their cancelled March date, DiversityFest are back at DINA on 22nd April for Sisters (Are Doing It for Themselves) with a fantastic all female line up featuring Avital Raz, Kate Griffin, Alice Nicholls and Sudipta Samanta. The following day will see Picture House Social hosting feminist post-hardcore punk band Petrol Girls – a talented DIY outfit and strong advocates of freedom of movement, anti-capitalism and intersectional feminism. With a diverse range of influences such as Refused, The Slits, Fugazi and Björk, and having played alongside bands such as The Dead Kennedys, Propagandhi, RVIVR, Anti Flag and Refused, the band are constantly developing musically as well as politically.
Ending the month with a giggle, we head to Leadmill for the brilliant Tom Allen’s new stand-up show, Absolutely. One of the highlights of last year’s Edinburgh Festival and following a sold-out London run this should be a fantastic night.
That’s your lot for this month, and until next time, love and rock ‘n’ roll…
Here’s the full list of events coming up in April…
Sun 1 Apr:
Jesus and His Judgemental Father, Kinky, Anatomy @ Delicious Clam Records
deliciousclamrecords.bandcamp.com
Slutty Bunny Party @ OMG
omgclubs.com
Tue 10 Apr:
Pearl on Tour @ OMG
omgclubs.com
Fri 13 Apr:
Queen Zee + Babe Punch @ Café Totem
queenzeeuk.tumblr.com
Mon 16 Apr:
Braver than Fiction + Special Guests @ West Street Live
braverthanfiction.com
Sat 21 Apr:
Burn The Witch II @ DINA Venue
wearegirlgang.co.uk
Faerground Accidents, The Mother of Crows & Kyogen @ Corporation
facebook.com/FaergroundAccident
Sun 22 Apr:
Sisters (Are Doing It for Themselves): Diversity Fest Fundraiser @ DINA Venue
diversityfest.wordpress.com
Mon 23 Apr:
Petrol Girls & Support @ Picture House Social
picture-house-social.com
Tue 24 Apr:
Tom Allen – Absolutely @ Leadmill
leadmill.co.uk
