The Bodega played host to a set of empowering gigs commemorating International Women's Day, in collaboration with Dizzy Magazine. We dropped in at the downstairs bar, where pink lighting, disco balls, glitter streamers (and crucial background music of Chappell Roan and Wet Leg) were ready to celebrate and support the local female artists of Nottingham’s music scene - to honour what we have achieved, and what work still needs to be done and recognised in the predominantly patriarchal industry...
Lara Elise Grant, 7pm:
Talented Derby-based singer-songwriter Lara Elise Grant got the evening going and kept everybody captivated with her lovely soft and engaging voice. A particular standout performance was Smoke In My Lungs, a single from Lara’s recent EP.
An ethereal melancholic lullaby, with her gentle guitar picking and wispy existential vocals, drew us all into the relatable experiences of anxiety, overthinking and mounting societal pressures.
Lara’s refined and enchanting EP THE FIXER is available to stream on Spotify, and is perfect for any listeners of Billie Eilish, Ex:Re or Phoebe Bridgers.
Emily Alice, 7:55pm:
The Bodega’s bar continued to fill up and unite as a supportive crowd, just as emerging acoustic-pop-singer and skilled guitarist Emily Alice opened her elevating set; her musicality a mood lifting mixture alike to Jade Bird and Olivia Dean, as Emily’s strong cordial voice and varied chord progressions carried across the space. She had a friendly grounded stage presence, beginning with Us Girls - a sunny coming-of-age song about her housemates, who were sat showing support in the audience.
Emily was positive affirmations personified, with her rhythmic guitar strumming and zest for life, showcased through her reflective lyricism of heartfelt connections and nostalgic life lessons. She concluded her set with her most recent single Please Stay, a song which details the excitement of being around people who adore and inspire you, a very fitting piece for International Women’s Day.
Emily Alice will be performing her debut headline show at The Grove on 27th March. Tickets are available here.
Dorothy Ella, 8:50pm:
Dorothy Ella never disappoints. Closing the night on a high with her uplifting energy, positive vibes and upbeat funk; she radiated bubbly warmth across Bodega’s downstairs bar, getting us all hyped up for the celebratory weekend ahead. It was the band’s first acoustic set-up performance, blending backing harmonies, dotted scat singing, vigorous guitars and tambourine jingles to generate their refreshing lively rhythms, as Dorothy opened their set with groovy 2 Ways, a distinct danceable single they released back in 2019.
An incredible powerful voice, with soul and potential Americana influences, Dorothy is confident in her craft and own skin, covering important topics of mental health and self-love, whilst spreading encouraging musical joy which we absolutely love to see.
Dorothy’s final songs Running Out of Time and For More sparked sing-along audience participation; getting heads swaying from seats, clapping and table slapping together with their unique sparky rhythms, everyone loving the unstoppable grooves.
“MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE LADIES! Thank you so much Bodega and happy International Women’s Day, everyone!” was her uplifting parting shot.
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