Amid a historic setting, West Michigan bands created a buzz Sunday and raised thousands at ‘Melt the ICE’ for immigrant families through three organizations. Later, Riot Punch electrified The Pyramid Scheme.
Rocking for a Cause: Cabildo at Fountain Street Church on Sunday. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO & PHOTO GALLERIES FROM ‘MELT THE ICE’ AND RIOT PUNCH
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The vibe was upbeat, the music was vibrant and eclectic, the turnout was impressive, the cause inspired generosity beyond anything organizers anticipated.
Sunday’s Melt the Ice benefit at Grand Rapids’ Fountain Street not only boasted lively performances by four West Michigan bands, but drew 1,400-plus people and raised more than $40,000 for three organizations that aid immigrant families affected by the actions of ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement).
The Bootstrap Boys, Cabildo, EPCYA and Jeff Schroeder & Friends (featuring Hannah Laine, Dutcher Snedeker, Chris Bota and Josh Dunigan) entertained fans in the sanctuary while a host of nonprofit organizations disseminated information at tables in the church’s community room next door.
Big Jake Stilson of The Bootstrap Boys (Photo/Anna Sink)
The Sunday afternoon event raised money for three organizations to assist immigrant families: Movimiento Cosecha GR, SECOM Resource Center and Kent County Indivisible, with representative from the groups describing their mission and their entreaties from the stage.
At one point, Latin rockers Cabildo had a throng of dancers bobbing and gyrating in front of the stage to their infectious, Spanish-language strains, while others nodded approvingly from their seats on the main floor and in the balcony.
The Bootstrap Boys closed out the event with a unique set that featured covers of classic protest-fueled songs — Pete Seeger’s “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” Woody Guthrie’s “All You Fascists Bound to Lose,” John Prine’s “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore” — along with Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free Word” and Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky.”
Later that evening — about seven blocks away — at The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids progressive post-hardcore band Riot Punch rocked the venue with a dynamic stage presence, screams and riffs, with Lucius Fox, Tiberius and Swandrive also performing.
Browse images from both shows below.
PHOTO GALLERY: Melt the Ice at Fountain Street Church
Photos by Anna Sink
Photos by Derek Ketchum
PHOTO GALLERY: Riot Punch, Lucius Fox, Swandrive, Tiberius at The Pyramid Scheme
Photos by Chelsea Whitaker
