A benefit concert for the National Immigration Project

September 29, 2026  |  6-10 pm  |  The Hamilton  |   600 14th Street NW  |  Washington, DC

JusticeAid is proud to present: “Rhythm Nation DC,” a celebration of musical diaspora from Africa through the Caribbean, across South America to New Orleans and New York City.

The percussive power of award-winning Pedrito Martínez and his Group will build the foundation for an event that shakes the house down. Joining voices with Martínez will be guitarist Scott Sharrard, other featured singers to be announced soon, and a special performance by JusticeAid 2026 Artist in Residence Paola Mendoza. The sounds of Cuba, Chile, South Africa, Mexico, and New Orleans will weave a dynamic tapestry of sound to create an unforgettably joyful, one-of-a-kind concert event.  Join us!

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PEDRITO MARTÍNEZ GROUP

Cuban-born percussionist, vocalist, and bandleader Pedrito Martínez is one of the most dynamic and in-demand artists in Afro-Cuban music today. Born in Havana and deeply rooted in rumba and Yoruba traditions, he began performing at age 11 and has since become a master of folkloric percussion and the batá drum, widely regarded as a leading voice in bringing Afro-Cuban music to global audiences.

Since settling in New York City in 1998, Martínez has collaborated with an extraordinary range of artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Chucho Valdés, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, and Sting, contributing to more than 100 recordings. A founding member of the acclaimed group Yerba Buena, he launched The Pedrito Martinez Group in 2005, quickly earning international recognition.

The group’s 2013 debut album received a Grammy nomination and was named among NPR’s Best Albums of the Year, establishing Martínez as a powerful bandleader and composer. Subsequent releases, including Habana Dreams and Acertijos—which earned a Latin Grammy nomination—further cemented his reputation for blending traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms with contemporary jazz. His collaborations span generations and genres, from Rubén Blades to Eric Clapton, with whom he performed at the Crossroads Guitar Festival.

Martínez continues to expand the boundaries of Afro-Cuban music through high-profile performances and recordings, including appearances at the Kennedy Center Honors and collaborations with artists such as Bill Murray. His recent projects—including Ilusión Óptica (2025) and the collaborative release Elipsis (2026)—showcase his signature fusion of tradition, jazz innovation, and modern production.

A riveting performer, Martínez tours worldwide with his group and in collaborations with leading musicians, bringing the spirit of Afro-Cuban music to stages around the globe.

SCOTT SHARRARD

Scott Sharrard is an esteemed American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer, celebrated for his contributions to rock and blues music.

A Michigan native, Sharrard began his musical career studying jazz in high school, earning his stripes alongside top musicians before moving to New York City. There, he gained critical acclaim for his live shows and studio recordings, including collaborations with The Band drummer Levon Helm in the Hudson Valley.

In 2008, he joined the Gregg Allman Band as lead guitarist and later became its musical director. He co-wrote “My Only True Friend,” featured on Allman’s Grammy-nominated Southern Blood (2017). More than collaborators, Sharrard and Allman were best friends.

Committed to social justice, Sharrard has served as music director for multiple JusticeAid benefit concerts, leading all-star bands in support of organizations like Black Voters Matter.

Since 2019, he has been the lead singer and guitarist for the legendary band Little Feat. His work includes co-producing Live at The Ryman (2022) and performing on Sam’s Place (2024), both Grammy-nominated projects.

As a solo artist, Sharrard has released multiple albums, including Rustbelt (2021). Billboard Magazine calls him “one of the best guitarists in the country.”

He also shares insights on music and life through his Substack, Scott Sharrard’s Endless Road.

PAOLA MENDOZA

2026 Artist in Residence Paola Mendoza is a prolific creator who immigrated from Colombia when she was three years old. She has dedicated her energy to making art and organizing movements to uplift the stories and cultural impact of humans from across the world. Mendoza embraces the idea that “art is a hammer with which to shape reality,” and her fine art, films, books and performance pieces all uplift her passion for justice and the beauty that cannot be contained by borders. We hope you enjoy these selections which represent a small sample of Mendoza’s extensive body of work.

WHY US?

JusticeAid is a nonprofit charitable organization that leverages the community-building power of art and music to transform awareness into action in the fight against injustice. Each year we identify and raise funds for justice causes by hosting music, arts, and educational events. Since 2013 JusticeAid has granted more than $4 million to nonprofits working to ensure access to justice for the disenfranchised and marginalized.

We know that you trust JusticeAid to identify phenomenal musical talent, important issues, and deserving organizations like the National Immigration Project. Please kindly give what you are able and know that we are truly grateful for your support and audience participation.

Our 2026 Grantee Partner, The National Immigration Project
For more than 50 years, the National Immigration Project has worked to advance and protect the rights of all immigrants. A membership organization of attorneys, advocates, organizers, and community members, the National Immigration Project litigates harmful immigration policies, coordinates regional rapid response hubs, trains thousands of attorneys across the country, educates community members on how to protect themselves and their loved ones, and advocates for affirmative laws and policies.

With thousands of legal representatives and hundreds of rapid response groups in their network, they are building bridges across movements to ensure that those most impacted by the immigration and criminal systems are uplifted and supported.

JusticeAid supporters share a passion for justice and a love for the arts. Learn about the National Immigration Project, persuade someone of its importance, and let’s rally together to make the world a better place.