Punks for Palestine benefit show on Saturday Feb. 10 at 7 pm

by Jordan Pangelinan

The four local punk bands T.I.C.K, The Groomers, Heart Eyes 707 and Vegan Slaughterhouse will be performing at Outer Space Arcata on Feb. 10 with the goal of donating money to help those in crisis in Palestine and their surrounding areas. Entrance is on a sliding scale from $5 to $10, further donation is encouraged but not required.

Funds raised will go to the American Near East Refugee Aid, a group whose mission is to provide “humanitarian assistance and sustainable development to advance the well-being of refugees and other vulnerable communities in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan.”

Brendon McNaughton, a senior at Cal Poly Humboldt studying social work was inspired to organize the event after learning how he can make a difference from a Palestinian classmate.

“I have a dear friend and classmate who is Palestinian and has been doing brilliant work in the local community organizing around the liberation of Palestine and calling for a ceasefire,” said McNaughton. “And while unfortunately a lot of needed aid isn’t getting into Gaza, they told me there could still be room for fundraising.”

Though he had never put a show together before, McNaughton wanted to put on an event like ones that have been happening around the country. “I really felt that there was a need for Humboldt punks to show up for this issue and show their solidarity with Palestinians,” said McNaughton. “The show will also be about the community coming together and expressing the deep pain over this genocide, turning pain into artistic expression, and collectively calling for a free Palestine.”

McNaughton said that even though the show means a lot to him as a punk and an advocate for the liberation of all people, he feels that the show is bigger than himself.

“I may have initiated it, but this show and this cause belongs to everyone,” said Mcnaughton. “Palestine will be free.”

Outer Space Arcata is an all ages venue that builds community, empowering youth, and understanding of oppression through education and creative expres-
sion.

Featured image caption Heart Eyes 707 will be performing at the Punks for Palestine benefit show on Feb. 10. Photo courtesy of Claudia Thyrone