Nikkei Progressives presents: “We Got Your Back…Pack!” A Benefit Concert for Migrant Children

September 21, 2019 | Aratani Theatre in Little Tokyo | 7PM Pre-show | 8PM-10PM Show

“We Got Your Back … Pack: A Benefit Concert for Migrant Children” will feature
“QUETZAL QUARTET” comprised of Quetzal Flores (guitar), Martha González (lead vocals, percussion), Juan Pérez (bass) and Tylana Enomoto (violin), all members of the Grammy award-winning band, Quetzal.
They will be joined by friends Alice Bag, Sandino González Flores, César Castro & Xochi Flores-Castro of Cambalache, in a mix of Mexican and Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, rhythm and blues and rock … a special sound called “East LA Chican@ Rock.

TAIKOPROJECT, creators of a truly American style of taiko, blending traditional forms with an innovative and fresh approach to the Japanese drum, will be the other featured act. The group has performed on Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, “The Voice,” “The X-Factor” and many other television programs.TAIKOPROJECT has performed and recorded with Stevie Wonder, Usher, Alicia Keys, A.R. Rahman, John Legend and Kanye West, to name a few.

In an unlikely collaboration, QUETZAL and TAIKOPROJECT who will take the stage together once again to create an authentically Los Angeles musical experience for what will be an unforgettable show.

Grammy-nominated artist, Aloe Blacc, will perform as will his wife, hip-hop artist and songwriter, Maya Jupiter. Both Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter, along with members of Quetzal co-founded Artivist Entertainment to provide support and produce events for artists who have chosen to use their work to promote social transformation. Alice Bag, a punk rock artist and author from East LA, will also bring her talents to this incredible lineup.

As members of NIKKEI PROGRESSIVES, a grassroots community group based in Little Tokyo, we know the hardship of being incarcerated without just cause, we know the pain of families being separated, and we know the suffering from being scapegoated and mistreated based on race, religion or national origin. We are joined by many people in the Japanese American community and allies from every sector of society.

Through this benefit concert, we plan to raise money to purchase 400+ backpacks with blankets, tooth brushes, soap and other necessities for migrant children being released from custody or along their long journey. We will provide material support ... and help children in need! Groups supported by this fundraiser are Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Our Lady of Soledad migrant shelter in Coachella, and Immigrant Defenders Law Center #NeverAgainIsNow