On Friday, 7 February, Jarvis Cocker and Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor will play a special back-to-back DJ set at Esquires to raise funds for three charities.
The special event is part of Bedford Esquires’ 35th-anniversary celebrations and the money raised will be shared between S.O.B.S (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide), CHUMS (Supporting Mental Health Improving Lives), and Samaritans.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 10am on seetickets here.
It will be the first time that Jarvis Cocker has performed in Bedford, and after international sell-out shows with his band Pulp and hosting a popular BBC 6Music show, he will be making a rare appearance behind the turntables.
The DJ booth however is a very natural habitat for Alexis Taylor, who when not either with Hot Chip or performing his solo material, can regularly be found making dance floors shake.
On the night, gig-goers can expect eclectic records from the pairs’ extensive years of crate digging; from the very obscure to the explicitly dance floor.
Recent collaborative DJ sets between the two have included Glastonbury Festival and sold-out nights at Spiritland and Dingwalls, so we are in for a rare treat – right on our doorsteps.
Also on the bill are Bedford’s art-pop ensemble, The Grubby Mitts, performing live with their extended lineup including a full brass section.
Fronted by artist Andy Holden and his co-writer Roger Illingworth, the band were formed in 2007 and have been regulars at Esquires ever since.
The band are back with a new vinyl, Valediction EP, dedicated to the late Mira Calix, which will be available on the night and a full album is due out in the Autumn.
Completing the lineup is comedian Simon Munnary (“One of the all-time greatest stand-ups” – Stewart Lee). Simon has performed – at the last count – at thirty-eight Edinburgh Festivals and is a regular at our very own Bedfringe.
He has collaborated with Andy Holden and the Grubby Mitts and will open the night with a short set of jokes and aphorisms.
“We’ve announced lots of great 35th anniversary shows already, but this one is just a bit special – it’s silly what Andy has managed to pull off here, isn’t it?” said Esqures’ Gareth Barber.
“Jarvis Cocker, coming to little old Esquires, along with one of my faves, Alexis Taylor?!
“When he first told me about his idea, I thought he was having me on. I know the charities this event will support and raise awareness for are very close to Andy’s heart and I feel honoured to host the event for him and the rest of the Grubby Mitts.”
The night is to raise awareness of and funds for three charities that help with the prevention of and after-effects of suicide and mental health.
SOBS runs a local monthly group in Bedford for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, CHUMS BSBS (Bedfordshire Suicide Bereavement Services) helps with one-to-one support in the aftermath of suicide as well as monthly support groups.
Samaritans runs a 24-hour helpline 365 days per year for those who are struggling to cope and offers listening and support in times of need and makes suicide prevention a priority.
Tickets for the event are £18.
