Feminist artist and activist network Permanent Wave has organized a shindig next week to benefit imprisoned Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot on June 12th at Death By Audio (49 S. 2nd St in Williamsburg), which will feature performances by Heliotropes, Shady Hawkins and TinVulva as well as a DJ set by Ad-Rock (a.k.a. Adam Horovitz) of the Beastie Boys. (Ad-Rock's wife, Bikini Kill and Le Tigre's Kathleen Hanna, has been talking about Pussy Riot on her blog for months, making this video calling for people to step in and help, as has her former Bikini Kill bandmember, Tobi Vail.) For those out-of-the-loop, Pussy Riot has been receiving viral attention the past couple of months after members of the group were arrested on charges of "hooliganism" following a show in a cathedral during which the group sang lyrics like "Virgin Mary drive Putin away!" Three remain imprisoned -- apparently charges of "hooliganism" can carry a sentence of up to seven years -- and in solidarity, other punk bands, artists, feminists, and activists around the world have staged various shows and events in support of the group.
Proceeds from the benefit (minimum donation is $7) will go towards paying for Pussy Riot's legal expenses (the trial takes place between June 18th and 24th) and will be the first in a series of similar events Permanent Wave is organizing throughout the country this summer.