Get Loud! A Gig for Gaza – A Night of Solidarity, Sound, and Spoken Word at Dubrek Studios

On Saturday 19th July, Derby’s Dubrek Studios played host to Get Loud! A Gig for Gaza — a heartfelt evening of music, poetry and grassroots activism in support of the British Red Cross Gaza Crisis Appeal. The event may have been modest in size, but what it lacked in scale it more than made up for in sincerity, purpose, and passion. Every note played and every word spoken carried the weight of solidarity, with all proceeds from the evening going towards humanitarian aid for those affected by the crisis in Gaza.

The evening’s line-up offered a soulful blend of live acoustic music and spoken word, showcasing the powerful intersection of art and activism. Poets and musicians shared the stage in equal measure, with each performer lending their unique voice to a shared message of empathy and resistance. Rather than a polished commercial affair, this was a grassroots gathering in its truest sense – a room filled with people who came not just for entertainment, but for community, connection, and conscience.

The musical bill included the talented JMAES, the emotionally charged LEAH WILCOX, the indie pop sing along from HORTHWORLD, and the introspective ARCHIE DAVIES. Each artist brought something distinctive to the evening, from haunting melodies to stripped-back guitar arrangements, all delivered with raw authenticity. This wasn’t background music – it was intentional and often deeply moving, inviting the audience into moments of reflection.

Complementing the music was a captivating roster of spoken word artists. IGOR DOS SANTOS MOTA delivered visceral, unflinching poetry that held the room in silence. KIERAN BURTON brought rhythmic intensity to his performance, while SAILOR SPARTAN offered vulnerability and lyrical strength. JASMIN NOLAN added a layer of contemplative grace to the night, and CAETANO CAPURRO’s reading ended the poetry section on a note of powerful resolve. These were voices not afraid to challenge, provoke, and illuminate.

Adding to the evening’s activist energy was a stall run by Young Musicians for Palestine, a Nottingham-based community initiative dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Palestinian causes. Selling handmade crafts, zines, and merchandise, the group’s stall attracted plenty of attention throughout the evening. Importantly, every penny raised on the night – from ticket sales to merchandise – was donated directly to the Gaza Crisis Appeal.

While the event had the feel of an intimate gathering, the message was far-reaching. In a time where global events can often feel overwhelming and distant, Get Loud! A Gig for Gaza served as a reminder that local action still matters. It was proof that a small venue, a tight-knit crowd, and a handful of microphones can still make meaningful noise in support of justice.

Dubrek Studios has long been a creative hub for Derby’s underground arts scene, and this event reaffirmed its importance not just as a space for performance, but for resistance and community action. As the night came to a close, attendees left not just having witnessed great art – but having taken part in something genuinely purposeful.

Get Loud! wasn’t just a gig – it was a statement. And in that small, passionate room, it echoed loud and clear.

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