Concert Benefit for GR Rapid Response to ICE showcases Hamell on Trial, Cabildo, and more

Whether your musical tastes lie with hip hop, funk, Latin folk rock or acoustic punk, Tony Jacobs is sure you'll find something to love this Thursday, July 18, at The Golden Age (upstairs at Creston Brewery 1504 Plainfield NE, elevator available).  That's because Jacobs is organizing a concert benefit for GR Rapid Response to ICE that will showcase several bands with diverse styles. Net proceeds will be used to fund the Rapid Response mutual aid fund, which is always in need of donations.

GR Rapid Response to ICE

Jacobs says that GR Rapid Response to ICE was formed over two years ago. It is a network of people trained to support immigrants who face arrest, detention, or deportation from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Rapid Response exists at the request of immigrant communities and with the advice and leadership of undocumented and documented immigrants. ,

Jacobs says, "GR Rapid Response to ICE assumes many roles; this benefit is to raise money for its mutual aid fund which helps in the aftermath of violence committed against individuals and families."  Important needs filled by mutual aid covers a wide spectrum, including help connecting with legal help, paying utility bills and providing food when the breadwinner is detained, help connecting with social services, giving rides to appointments, etc. 

Jacobs adds, "In this highly charged political climate, groups like GR Rapid Response to ICE are critical. GR Rapid Response is as good as ICE is destructive, but they are a small (yet dedicated) group, relying solely on donations and money from fundraisers. The aim of this benefit is to help alleviate the suffering of our immigrant neighbors so they may find peace as we fight for equal protection for all in a truly equitable society." 

In the past two years, GR Rapid Response to ICE has raised over $35,000 to help support families, says Jeff Smith of the Rapid Response core team. "Each dollar has gone straight to helping the affected community," Smith says. Jacobs adds, "There is no payroll within GR Rapid Response. There is no president or CEO to collect a bonus." 

GR Rapid Response will also be selling t-shirts, buttons, and stickers at the event.

"Ten dollars will get you incredible music - each act is great, and this lineup will never be repeated, so people won't want to miss out," say Jacobs. 

A more thorough description of the acts is located on the Facebook event page.  Those planning to attend can pay $10 at the door the day of the show, or can secure their entrance by paying online. 

The Bands

When asked for a rundown of the bands performing, Jacobs said this:

• "Hamell on Trial - One man touring veteran. Loud, acoustic, punk, very smart, a bit vulgar, admired by people from Ani DiFranco to Kimya Dawson to Henry Rollins." 
• "Cabildo - West Michigan alternative Latin rock collective, lots of musicians building beautiful sounds in cumbia, ska, folk, and other genres of music from Latin and South America." 
• "Wuzee - one of the most entertaining performers in West Michigan, hip hop artist with strong influences including MF-Doom and Wu-Tang Clan. Very intelligently lyrical and lyrically nimble, he is performing this evening with sounds supplied by Samil." 
• "Samil - hip hop/electronic producer and DJ, born in Jersey, raised in Cleveland, excellent when collaborating and excellent when holding his own."
• "Mel V Collective - soul, funk, so much smooth guitar, you can't watch him perform without becoming a fan."
• "DJ M-Select - GR based, does the WYCE programmer thing, and he knows his music! He'll be the DJ to warm things up." 

Doors open at 6:00, and performances will run from 6:30-12.  This event is for ages 21 and up. Elevator available and the venue is mobility accessible.

Amy Carpenter is a member of the GR Rapid Response to ICE core team.