On March 14th, Touching Infinite & the Bolt Cutter Collective held an anti-ICE rave, fundraising money for five local families with members currently in detention centers. The event was a collaboration of organizers and DJs donating their time, and Touching Infinite renting out the space. Coming at an appropriate time, with detainments in the Valley having no indication of slowing down. While one of the easiest things to do right now is to feel too afraid to act against wrongdoing bigger than one person, this fundraiser was a lower-risk form of protest and proved to be a safe and entertaining avenue for addressing an issue that has been affecting the Valley more & more.
A Rave Worth Recognition
Coming from a collaboration between two organizers, with a motive and a mission, the rave featured four DJs donating their time & talents to the cause. El Coyote, DJ Pwned, Lil Duende, and Grim Figment all delivered great sets for a great cause and, in doing so, brought out a crowd of ravers, enthusiastic and proud to support efforts to raise funds for detained community members. Ravers were able to donate directly to the families or pay the cover, with the proceeds split evenly among the families’ fundraising campaigns.
While everyone’s set was dance-worthy, a personal favorite set to get lost in was DJ Pwned’s, since it was the only one that had me finishing my drink to get back to my unapologetically awkward dancing. Recognition is also deserved for Lil Duende, who, in addition to playing, is Touching Infinite’s main organizer and helped make the event possible.
All It Takes is an Idea
Following the shooting of Renee Good, a member of the Bolt Cutter Collective was spurred into action, and saw Touching Infinite’s post sharing the feeling. One message later, the seeds for the fundraver were sown. Bolt Cutter is an anarchist collective that practices lateral leadership, giving everybody equal space to take, and acting through consensus. Meaning, it just took one member to suggest it, and for it to be expanded into a material goal.
This was also not the first protest or fundraising event Touching Infinite has thrown, having previously thrown events for reproductive rights and against the Palestinian genocide. He expressed how he was moved to do good with his events as soon as they started gaining traction and rapport, adding that he “had to destroy fascism via euphoria.” While there was some fear that the event would be accosted or counter-protested, Duende of Touching Infinite assured that there was no precedent that inferred it would, and security stayed vigilant nonetheless.
Don’t Panic. Organize.
Of course, if you have the resources to, consider donating to the families still needing to reach their goals. The five families are all still looking to reach their goals on their GoFundMe campaigns. Both Touching Infinite and Bolt Cutter Collective have expressed wanting to throw another fundraiser, whether in rave form or whatever garners interest.
A Bolt Cutter organizer also expressed interest in throwing a similar event with local bands, who are willing to donate their time and talents. If that sounds like you or someone you know, feel free to contact the organizer on Instagram!
Apart from donating and showing up to similar events, organizers shared how others can help the cause by getting to your neighbors, connecting and organizing with people of common goals, and offering aid or support to those who need it.
