Photography by Michael Nigro

2026 Spring Concert Summary

MAY 19, 2026

The power of music to move and inspire us was on full display at JusticeAid’s Spring 2026 Rhythm Nation benefit concert. All 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.

Cuban-born percussionist, vocalist, and bandleader Pedrito Martinez and his band, backed by legendary rock guitarist Scott Sharrard, were explosive. Trumpeter Adam O’Farrill blew us away while the soaring vocals of Claudia Acuña and Alicia Olatuja brought the house down. Everyone joined in for a rousing finale of Tito Puente’s cha-cha-chá hit, “Oye Cómo Va.”

Our featured guest performers:

Pedrito Martinez and Band members Ahmed Alom (piano), Xito Lovell (trombone), Manny Marquez (drums), and Sebastián Natal (multi-instrumentalist)
Vocalist Claudia Acuña
Vocalist Alicia Olatuja
Trumpeter Adam O’Farrill
Guitarist Scott Sharrard

Artist in residence Paola Mendoza

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.

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

Champions of Justice ($10K+)

Steve & Roseanne Anderson
Joan & James Blaine
Judi Friedman & Ron Goldstock
Brian & Vicki Lockhart
The Liebowitz Greenway Family Foundation
Stephen & Rebecca Milliken
Therese Steiner
Cynthia Stroud
Phoebe Whipple

Defenders of Justice ($5K+)

Lynn Boulger
Eliza Milliken
Harris Trzaskoma

Trumpeters of Justice ($1K+)

Kate Baxter
Ray Conley & Beth Sovern
Miriam Ervin
Michael Etkin
Gregg Fisher
Sallie Gouverneur
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Randi Grossman
Helen Hershkoff
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Soo Kim
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Nat’l Religious Campaign Against Torture
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Smith Cooling and Heating
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Partners in Justice ($500+)

Status Audio
Michael Brustein
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Ellen Farbman
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Anne Messner
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Justice Allies ($250+)

Karen Altabef
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David Cohen
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Lorn Davis
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Carolyn Sapontzis
Addy Schmitt
Deborah Scott
Lisa Spielvogel
Debbie Terlizzi
Barbara Uhl
Elise Wagner
Lisa Wayne

Follow JusticeAid on Instagram for updates on future concerts and other programs.