Words: Keira Oldfield

The warming ambiance of Feel Good coffee house posed as the picturesque backdrop for a night filled with heartfelt music and community spirit. Nestled in the middle of Southfields, London, Feel Good is not just the go-to spot for a great cup of coffee, but a hub for community support. This local gem provides work opportunities for young people with barriers into employment. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from each cuppa goes towards providing children across the world with food. Thursday’s event, a fundraiser for the charity, melted live performances with a soothing embrace of togetherness that echoed through the building from the moment you walked in. 

The event wasn’t just a night of entertainment, it was an opportunity to contribute to something so much bigger. Feel Good has long advocated towards support for young people, and the funds raised don’t only go towards the location itself, but also towards providing these young people with forgettable experiences (like their sponsored cycle to venice a few months prior – partnering with their parent charity, Regenerate). For regulars at the coffee shop, this evening was a chance to support further than a quick morning brew. For newcomers, it was a chance to indulge in the incredible work they do and even get to know some of the young people they will be supporting. 

“Feel Good is not just the go-to spot for a great cup of coffee, but a hub for community support.”

As the pre-prepared playlist dimmed, and the first live notes rang out, the intimacy of the venue spread an undeniable warmth. The soft lighting and gentle hum of quiet conversations added to the buzz of the atmosphere. What is known for being a bustling coffee shop was suddenly transformed into an intimate speakeasy. The crowd was filled with people of all ages gathered around small round tables – some sipping their drinks, and others lost in music. This wasn’t just a gig – it was a communal experience.

The evening was hosted by three acts, all of which bringing their own flavour to the table. 

Feel Good’s own Purdy Smith opened the night with a stripped-back rendition of Fallin’ by Alicia Keys. Her version entranced the crowd, inspiring some foot-tapping and swaying, with the simplicity of it all. Each act performed a blend of covers and original tracks, and with every unknown song the on-lookers were enticed in even further. 

Following from Purdy the crowd was blessed with two artists, who just so happened to be BIMM alumni. And, boy did they not disappoint. Evangeliste was up next, providing a shift in energy with a more soulful vibe. His mix of stripped back guitar and deeply open lyrics resonated with the crowd. Each of his songs were paired with an inspiring message behind the writing process. From navigating life in your “twenty-lates” (as he put it) to being raised by a single father, he covered it all. He didn’t just sing about it, he encompassed every feeling, every moment, every note into one big movement of his life. As you looked around the room, there was a mix of empathy, connection and even a few tears. Yet, everyone was enjoying it. The room may have fallen silent, not for lack of interest, but for a pulsing sense of togetherness that somehow elevated the room even further. 

To close out the evening, Chess took to the stage to deliver an unforgettable performance.  Her bursting energy was a refreshing and booming end to an amazing night. Her powerhouse vocals boomed through every corner of the coffee shop. Although still acoustic, she was electric with intensity – rising and falling with raw, unrestrained passion. She was utterly captivating. 

Each act complemented one another seamlessly, building an emotional arc throughout the evening that shared with the audience its highs and lows. 

As the final chords were strummed and the lights were brought up, the room floated with contentment. It wasn’t all about the music, it was about what the night represented: passion, change and community. Feel Good, once again, proved that it is so much deeper than a simple coffee shop; it’s a communal space where creativity and generosity mold together. The music was moving, the cause was meaningful, and the energy hung around long after the last cup was poured…

Found out more about Feel Good here.