Saturday June 25th: Next Generation Concerts and the Don’t Be Denied band collaborate to raise money for the Sunflower of Peace Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to helping Ukrainians affected by the Russian military invasion. Hosted in the Foundation Room at the House of Blues in Boston on Saturday June 25th, the Benefit Concert for Ukraine includes headliner Don’t Be Denied and opening band Juniper.
Sunflower of Peace Foundation is a Boston, USA-based 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize support and aid for Ukrainian orphans, internally displaced persons, and those most affected by the current situation in Ukraine. With over 100 days into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 6.8 million civilians were forced out of their homes. “The scale and speed of the emergency in Ukraine have not been seen since World War II,” the UN agency said in a statement. It’s estimated that 5.2 million children need humanitarian assistance now; three million inside the country and over 2.2 million in refugee-hosting countries. Quoted source
The Don’t Be Denied (DBD) band is the catalyst for organizing this event. Originally formed in 2017 by Steven Snyder who began playing music again after a long hiatus, the band name came from one of Steven’s songs dealing with social justice issues such as gentrification and immigrant rights. The DBD band is an original rock and roll band who, occasionally, sprinkles in some fun covers. Band members consist of many – the concept is a rolling membership. Most are instructors, alumni, or current students of ZUMIX, a not-for-profit in East Boston that provides youth development through music, arts, and technology. Other members have come in from various open mics or gigs. Their requirements: a good attitude and the desire to make music as friends.
DBD has a large lineup for the Benefit Concert for Ukraine at the Foundation Room, includingtheir horn section. Members include Steven Snyder (vocals, guitar), Omar Sosa (lead Guitar), Ed Meradith (keyboards), Kramer Gibson (drums), Juan Gutierrez (bass), Natalie FitzPatrick (vocals), Tom Gutermuth (Guitar), Pedro Moreno (Tenor Sax), Callum MacKenzie (Alto Sax), Jason Torrey (Bari Sax), and Lance MacDonald (trumpet). Find more information on the band on their website here.
Opening up the show is the band Juniper, formed by Scott Johnson, Ahren Shreeve, and Alejandro Marín. The group crafted their unique sounds from diverse influences of alternative rock, folk, R&B, and bedroom pop. With various vocalists throughout their early discography, one thing has remained constant: their songwriting. Tangibly honest, ranging from upbeat and high energy to delicate and introspective with roots in local venues and basement gigs, their music found a loyal fan base early on. And it’s only grown since then.
Next Generation Concerts, established 2011, organizes unique events for musicians of all ages and genres. Making an impact on the local music scene is the driving force behind Next Gen’s music opportunities. The Benefit Concert for Ukraine at the Foundation Room was a first choice in Next Generation Concerts comeback to the House of Blues in Boston. Find more information about the organization here.
When the war first hit the eyes and ears of the world, Don’t Be Denied band members felt devastated. They all have friends and/or coworkers from Ukraine and knew it was important to raise awareness. With so much tragedy going on in the world these days, they fear that the horrific and unjust war on Ukraine is losing attention. Timing for this show is of the utmost importance to them. Let’s help them sell out the Foundation Room and raise significant funds for Sunflower of Peace and Ukraine. GET TICKETS HERE!!!!!!!
