Immigrant Rights Concert Draws Crowds and Funding for Legal Aid and Assistance

Students gathered in the Russell House backyard on Saturday, Oct. 3, to watch some of their favorite campus bands perform in the autumn sun for the second annual Immigrant Rights Benefit Concert. The event, which ran from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., brought together sets from Analysis Paralysis, Tickle Monster, Dryvent, Wurley, Mommy’s Little Meatballs, and the Tripartite Body and Universe. The event aimed to raise money for immigration aid and legal defense and show support for immigrant rights as the University and its surrounding community in Middlesex County still reel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. 

About 30 people showed up to buy baked goods and learn more about the local and on-campus organizations opposing ICE activity in Middlesex County and supporting immigrants in the community more broadly. Proceeds went to the Middlesex/Meriden Immigrant Rights Alliance (MIRA). 

“It’s so crucial that Wes students can demonstrate their solidarity with the immigrant community not only here at [the University], but also in Middletown and beyond,” President of Wesleyan Democrats (WesDems) Xander Starobin ’27 wrote in a message to The Argus. “We’re glad to create a space to show that solidarity and rally more students to get involved with local organizations like MIRA and [Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services].” 

Although WesDems organizers expressed disappointment at the low turnout for the event, they were nevertheless able to raise “several hundred dollars,” with donations still being counted. Starobin told The Argus that the organization was looking into hosting the event on Huss Lawn next year. 

“The Russell House backyard is a wonderful spot for a concert, but perhaps a little out of the way for a show that lacks the institutional support of a bigger event like [Garden Fest],” Starobin said.  

Even with the lower-than-expected turnout, student bands were excited to show up for the event and play in the Russell House backyard, a venue made popular by Garden Fest and other outdoor concerts.

“We were so happy to play in this great event,” Graham Johnson ’27, the lead singer of Wurley, said. “It does so much good for the community, and we’re grateful to Xander for setting it up every year.” 

It was Wurley’s second year playing at the concert after the inaugural event last year. 

Also present at the event were tables from The Sunrise Project, University Student Labor Action Coalition, The Wesleyan Refugee Project, MIRA, The DREAM Program, and WesDems. Many of the organizations brought cookies, drinks, and fall gifts to sell during the event.

According to Alex Cruz, a spokesperson for MIRA who tabled at the concert, the funds raised on Saturday will go towards legal fees and work permit applications for community members going through the immigration and naturalization process. Additional funds will be earmarked for families who have been impacted by ICE arrests and need support with rent, groceries, or other household costs. 

In addition to this fundraising, MIRA connected with interested students during the concert to educate them on upcoming events in the community which included a rapid response training on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Middletown. 

“MIRA was able to recruit many energized and committed new members to help protect immigrants from an increasingly violent ICE,” MIRA volunteer Ruth Howell, who helped table during the event, wrote in an email to The Argus. 

Reflecting on his experience during the concert, Cruz expressed optimism about MIRA’s future involvement with the University and slate of planned events this month. 

“We’re so grateful for the incredibly talented performers and members of the [University] community who came out in support [on Saturday],” Cruz wrote in an email to The Argus. “If this is to be the next generation of leaders, our country will soon be in good hands.”

Miles Craven can be reached at mcraven@wesleyan.edu.