Patti Smith, Gogol Bordello appear at Ukraine fundraiser in NYC
nme.comPatti Smith, Gogol Bordello, The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn, Suzanne Vega and more in attendance.Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hutz, who was born in Ukraine, co-hosted the benefit at NYC’s City Winery, to raise funds for financial and humanitarian relief in the country.
In total, $130,000 was raised, with proceeds going to Come Back Alive, a foundation that provides support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and Care.org.Among the funds raised, there was a $50,000 donation by Yoko Ono and Sean Ono Lennon to Doctors Without Borders.
The pair were invited but couldn’t attend on the night.The benefit began with an unplugged set by Gogol Bordello, with Smith joining Hutz on stage to perform Ukraine’s national anthem, alternating verses sung in English (Smith) and Ukrainian (Hutz).Other musicians that appeared include Jesse Malin, who Hutz joined for a cover of The Pogues’ ‘If I Should Fall From Grace With God’, Lady Lamb, The Magnetic Fields‘ Stephin Merritt, O.A.R.’s Marc Roberge and Matisyahu.
Gogol Bordello closed out the night with a riotous full band set.Watch some videos from the benefit below.A post shared by Patti Villegas (@pattivill)A post shared by Patti Villegas (@pattivill)A post shared by Patti Villegas (@pattivill)“Fundraising is crucial,” Hutz told Rolling Stone before the show. “People are being super generous and making astronomical donations.
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