The world-famous ice cream company hosted a lively gig at St Luke’s in Glasgow to raise awareness of the climate crisis.
A smoky room with a drinks bar at one corner and a free ice cream stall at the other, the Ben and Jerry’s climate awareness cabaret was already off to a solid start. With promises of drag, spoken word, and cabaret dancing, alongside earnest discussion on climate justice, it was difficult to predict exactly how the night would proceed.
Kayza Rose – the host for the evening – was both cool and charismatic: the founder of BLM Fest, Head of External events at UK Black Pride, and COO at AZ Mag, Kayza’s impressive CV matched her ability to hold the floor. She welcomed Dr Alice Bell, of climate charity Possible, to the stage, to run the audience through an in-depth, but engaging, history of global warming. Glasgow’s own James Watt was made reference to – and not in a good way. She deftly explained the strong ties between climate change and colonialism, emphasising that those who have been exploited most in the heating of the planet are the ones who will feel it worst.
Elena Bry – a French/Finnish, Glasgow-based multi-disciplinary artist – then appeared to discuss how her activism started, and what can be done on a local, Glasgow-focused level. And then, following the discussion that laid the foundations for the event, the entertainment began.
With rap from Carmel Kalani, improvisation from Christian Adore, dance from Purina Alpha, drag from Izzy Aman, comedy from Chucky Bartolo, and spoken word from Dylema – all, for the most part, climate focused – the night became a whirlwind of dance, drag and drama. Personal favourites included Chucky’s hilarious comedy routine, whilst Dylema’s poetry was both poignant and resonant, bringing the gig to a memorable close.
Whilst it was a great night, one did question the extent to which this was going to subvert the climate crisis. However, with free vegan ice cream, a lively audience, and fantastic performers, it was certainly an unforgettable night.
