East Boston’s Don’t Be Denied Band, founded by East Boston Neighborhood Health Center Vice President and Zumix Board Member Steven Snyder, will host a benefit concert for Ukraine at the House of Blues Foundation Room on Saturday, June 25.
The Don’t Be Denied band was formed in 2017 during the height of thee Trump Adminstration’s xenophobia and attacks on immigrants living in Eastie and across the nation. At the time Snyder witnessed first hand how the former administration was causing fears among the immigrant population over access to healthcare, access to housing, and that if they were undocumented they would be removwed from the country. This, explained Snyder, caused a lot of trauma in the community.
“When the band first formed, I had two concepts in mind,” said Snyder. “One, that membership in the band would be very flexible, and two, that we would have a focus on social justice. Many of our songs deal with social justice issues in our own community such as immigrant rights and racial equity.”
Snyder said when Russia invaded Ukraine many of his fellow band members had friends and co-workers with family in Ukraine.
“We were devastated for them,” said Snyder. “We immediately thought we should hold a concert to create awareness and raise funds. We found a local charity called Sunflower of Peace that is providing medical and other critical supplies to Ukraine.”
Snyder said all of the money raised through the concert will go directly to Sunflower of Peace to support relief efforts for the Ukrainian People.
Snyder said in addition to the Don’t Be Denied Band another local band, Juniper, will be playing. Snyder said Juniper is a great rock/pop band and both bands will mix original music with some fun covers.
“I’m really hoping the East Boston community will step up for this important cause,” said Snyder. “There are so many important issues in our country right now and I fear this unjust war is being forgotten. I hope people will buy tickets and come for a fun night of live music at a great venue and support a great charity.”
Tickets for the event are available through Universe, Ticket Masters event site. The event link is https://www.universe.com/events/dont-be-denied-a-benefit-concert-for-ukraine-tickets-CWSB6X.