Defend L.A.: Benefit Show Featuring Tom Morello and Activist Musicians in Support of Immigrant Rights
Tonight in Echo Park, immigrant activists in music are organizing a benefit show called "Defend L.A." featuring Tom Morello, the guitarist of Rage Against the Machine. The show, in support of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), will also include performances by B-Real of Cypress Hill, Pussy Riot, K.Flay, and visual artist Shepard Fairey. The Neighborhood Kids, a San Diego hip-hop group, will be playing their most prominent L.A. set to date, with comedian George Lopez as the host.
Tom Morello, known for his leftist and human rights advocacy, recently participated in anti-ICE marches in Los Angeles. His band's radical-resistance lyrics and imagery were echoed in protest signs and slogans during the marches. Morello even performed with a guitar displaying anti-ICE messaging at the Boston Calling festival last month.
Despite the recent announcement of expanded immigration raids in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, the "No Kings" protests over the weekend were mostly peaceful, with only 38 arrests in Los Angeles, primarily for curfew violations. The show tonight aims to raise awareness and support for immigrant rights in the face of these challenges.
In conclusion, the "Defend L.A." benefit show tonight at the Echoplex brings together musicians, artists, and activists to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities. Through music and art, the event seeks to amplify the voices of those affected by immigration policies and advocate for humane treatment and rights for all immigrants.