A TALENTED array of all female musicians is set to honour iconic performers Patsy Cline, Sarah Vaughan and Big Mama Thornton this weekend.
The concert kick-starts celebrations for International Women’s Day and will raise money for three women’s charities.
The inaugural Venus Nights concert takes place this Sunday, March 3 from 6pm at The Matcham Room, London Hippodrome in Leicester Square.
Venus Nights founder, Irish performer Fiona McElroy, said: “Back home, I worked on a national project called VDAY Ireland, the charity arm of the Vagina Monologues, which produced and performed the Vagina Monologues in four Irish cities, raising money for seven difference organisations that work to prevent violence against women.
“The idea behind Venus Nights is to create a similar collective of fabulous women but working to promote female music and talent, while using that talent and dedication to raise money and awareness for related charities, which is why we have chosen female and music focused charities.
"Every single performer, including the band, on the night is female. The plan is to run this event annually around International Women’s Day - 2013 is only the beginning for Venus Nights!”
Appearing on the line-up are multi-award winning blues diva Dana Gillespie, Mozambican "nu-soul diva" Maiuko, jazz and blues starlet Emma Divine, soulful Katie Bradley and risqué blues with soul artist Fiona McElroy.
Rhythm and Blues singer Valenka Johanna, rockabilly meets blues and jazz singer Scarlett Rae and cabaret/blues singer Ana Bon-Bon, also perform.
This gathering of top female performers will benefit three charities.
Dress for Success London helps women on low incomes find work and become financially independent.
Eaves works to expose domestic abuse, sexual violence and the exploitation of women and Nordoff Robbins transforms the lives of vulnerable children and adults across Britain through music therapy.
Tickets are available at www.hippodromecasino.com/live-at/490/venus-nights.
All proceeds from ticket sales will be divided equally between the chosen charities.
For more info visit www.facebook.com/VenusNights.
