Photography by Zach D. Roberts
2026 Fall Concert Summary
September 29, 2026
The power of music to move and inspire us was on full display at JusticeAid’s Fall 2026 Rhythm Nation benefit concert. One hundred percent of donations and proceeds from the concert will go to our 2026 grantee partner, the National Immigration Project.
Bringing the spirit of Afro-Cuban music to stages around the globe.
Our sold-out concert, starring the brilliant Pedrito Martinez and his Group and featuring rock legend Scott Sharrard, brought the audience to their feet with a culminating performance of “Oye Como Va.” Jazz vocalist Christie Dashiell lent her gorgeous vocals, while JusticeAid Artist in Residence Paola Mendoza underscored the evening’s message: even in the darkest hours, art can lift us up.
Our 2026 grantee, the National Immigration Project, was also in the house, reminding us what we’re fighting for: a world where those most impacted by the immigration and criminal legal systems are uplifted, supported, and empowered.
Pedrito Martinez
Christie Dashiell
Paola Mendoza
Scott Sharrard
Manny Marquez
Sebastián Natal
Xito Lovell
Ahmed Alom
Board member Addy R. Schmitt and Co-founder Steve Milliken
Sirine Shebaya, Executive Director of the National Immigration Project, and colleagues
Friends from the National Immigration Project
Kim Coaxum, JusticeAid CEO, and Natalie Jowett, JusticeAid
Addy R. Schmitt and guest
Sirine Shebaya and friends
JusticeAid board members Preston Pugh, Blair Brown, President Steve Anderson
Board member Ray Conley
JusticeAid President Steve Anderson and CEO Kim Coaxum
Addy R. Schmitt
Board member Lisa Wayne, former member Heather Pinckney, and guest
Steve Milliken, Heather Pinckney, Rebecca Milliken
Blair Brown and former board member Therese Steiner
Maracuya ___, National Immigration Project, and guest
___, National Immigration Project, and friend
Ray and Beth Conley, Lisa Wayne
Music producer Danny Melnick, Absolutely Live Entertainment
Kim Coaxum, Steve Milliken
The gang!
The JusticeAid Family! Advancing freedom, equity, & respect for all.
It was an electric night of music, community building, and power! Thanks to our sponsors, ticket buyers, table hosts, host committee, and so many donors whose contributions are helping the National Immigration Project create stronger networks of support in places that need it most.
Thank you to our sponsors.
For more than 50 years, the National Immigration Project has worked to advance and protect the rights of all immigrants. 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
With gratitude to our generous supporters
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Anonymous
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