Punks for Palestine 2: A Vibrant Showcase of Art and Activism
When my band received an invitation to perform at Punks for Palestine 2, I was thrilled. Unfortunately, Resist and Exist had to decline due to one of our members being out of state. Despite this, my excitement was undeterred. My partner Mariam and I decided to make the journey from Berkeley to Los Angeles to attend this unique event, which promised to be a politically charged, musical, and artistic spectacle.
The benefit concert took place at Non Plus Ultra, a sprawling artist space. As soon as we walked in, the space exuded an 80s new wave aesthetic, adorned with vibrant
colors and eclectic artworks. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into the visual presentation, creating an immersive experience that was nostalgic, contemporary, and thoughtful.
We joined a group of volunteers to help hang a variety of banners and posters throughout the venue focused on Palestine. The main hall was alive with energy, but the real treasure lay in the outdoor patio at the back. This area featured walls filled with artworks from numerous independent punk artists. Each piece was a reflection of the struggles and triumphs of the punk community, with a strong
focus on social issues in Palestine.
I had never attended a punk event with such a diverse and extensive array of artwork on display. The venue was packed with attendees, despite it being Mother’s Day—a testament to the dedication of the local punk community.
The organizers had clearly invested a significant amount of time and money into making this event special. There were tables with distros, free literature, and an impressive array of free food, including vegan options.
One of the key organizers Juju, was busy working tirelessly at a table,
handing out food to attendees. I had hoped to catch up with Kristine, one
of the key organizers, but I barely had a moment to say hello as she was
constantly on the move, managing multiple tasks and ensuring every-
thing ran smoothly.
The night kicked off with a performance by Auxilio. Their set was loud, fast, and distinctly metal-in-fluenced, setting an energetic tone for the evening. Following them was Chimera, whose sound had evolved significantly from their demo recordings. They delivered a heavier, Sacrilege (UK)-style set with a crust guitar sound. Their new direction was impressive, and I hope they will soon record these new songs. The lead singer spoke passionately about Palestine and Congo, further intensifying the emotional impact of their performance.
The highlight of the night was Iconoclast. Greg delivered a heartfelt speech before the band launched into their set. The crowd, especially those at the front, went
wild, singing along and fully immersing themselves in the music.
It was clear that this was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of unity and resistance. Throughout the event, attendees had the option to either enjoy the live performances or explore the extensive art display in the back patio.
We took the opportunity to purchase several pieces from the independent punk artists, each artwork addressing pressing issues related to Gaza.
The proceeds from these sales were donated to support the cause, further demonstrating the event’s commitment to activism. The Los Angeles punk community truly outdid themselves with this event. It’s challenging to convey
the full extent of the experience in words, but the sheer scale of artistic and musical talent on display was unparalleled. The convergence of art, music, and activism created a powerful atmosphere that will stay with me for a long time.
For a glimpse of the event, you can check out my short video clip on my YouTube channel, titled “Punks for Palestine 2” (username: soynoise). It captures some of the
vibrant moments and energy that made this event so memorable.
By – Vegan Peace Punk