On Thursday, April 28, four bands will rally around the
presidential candidate with a Bands for Bernie fundraiser at SOhO
Restaurant & Music Club, featuring Afishnseathemoon, Killer Kaya,
Souvenirs, and Broken Machine. All ticket and merchandise sales will go
toward supporting the Democratic hopeful.
Event organizer and Broken Machine frontman Schyler Douglas said he felt
inspired to host the fundraiser because of Sanders’s populist politics.
“He stands for what I think most people want, which is a more equitable
society,” he said. “I'm not a huge fan of politics, but this is the first
candidate who has ever really spoken to my basic truths, and every band
that’s participating feels the same way.”
“He just seems like a cut-and-dry kind of guy. I agree with the way he
wants to get the corruption out of the election process. I feel like the
whole system is bought and paid for and he’s the guy that can fight for
it,” said Afishinseathemoon’s Johnny McCann.
Though the viability of Sanders securing the Democratic nomination has
been weakened following Hillary Clinton’s victory in the New York
primaries last week, Douglas feels the fundraiser is still important for
keeping the momentum alive. “Just because we lost New York doesn't mean
we have to give up now. We got to keep up bringing awareness to what’s
going on in regard to voter suppression and to push our government to
work for the people instead of the fucking corporations,” he
said.
The fundraiser comes just before Broken Machine releases its first album
in its five-year career, which featured help from area musical legends
such as Snot’s Mikey Doling and Ugly Kid Joe’s Dave Fortman. Hidden City
Studios founder Elliott Lanam was also a huge help in creating the album,
Douglas said.
In addition, Afishnseathemoon will release a new album this summer.
McCann encourages Sanders supporters to come out even if they feel
disheartened. “Besides the music, just come out to SOhO and meet some
Bernie supporters and get everybody on the same page. Don't be
discouraged by anything the media says or doesn't say,” he said.
Bands for Bernie featuring Afishnseathemoon, Killer Kaya, Souvenirs, and
Broken Machine will play at SOhO (1221 State St.) at 8:30 p.m. For
tickets and more information, visit
sohosb.com.