PREVIEW: A Matinee for Lebanon
10/04 @ No Fun, Troy
“I hope by doing these shows, the people in our local community are inspired to take action, research social struggles, and become more mindful of how we can all improve our own lives and the lives of those around us.”
In these politically charged times, a lot of people like to talk, but a lot of the loudest talkers sit around when it comes time to put their money where their mouth is. Shouting a slogan between songs or on your Instagram story is a nice place to start, but change requires action. Luckily, our local scene has Dani Rahal (aka D3athrock Dani) and BJ Patrignani, who didn't wait for somebody else to step up and take charge.
They're familiar faces to anybody in the heavy side of the scene, and they decided to organize some of those bands into a benefit show supporting Lebanese Civil Defense. Dani tells me that they spent time in Lebanon in September and saw the organization’s hard work with their own eyes.
"Lebanese Civil Defense are heroes who show up to emergencies of every kind, every day, all over the country with zero aid, donations, or suitable equipment. I chose them because I saw firsthand how much this group of first responders could use the donations, and in turn help an even greater amount of people in need."
BJ heard that call and took it up without a second thought. "After the success of the first fundraiser, Dani asked if I would be willing to help her again with a benefit for the people of her family's home country, Lebanon. I didn't have to think twice."
Benefit shows have a long history in the punk scene. If you're gonna get a bunch of people together to spend money, why not get them together to donate instead? As a politically active scene, there was never a shortage of causes to support. Food Not Bombs, Anti-Racist Action, and Anti-Apartheid causes were all common targets of this goodwill. Nowadays, causes range from hyper local to global, aided by the ability to send money instantly online.
Of course, getting to see some of our area's best bands makes it an easy sell too. You Are Not Brave Enough's modern reimagining of old school screamo stopped me in my tracks at the Scotia Diner a few months back, Drawn By Blood's pure audio assault will have you in the pit in mere moments, and Marinette's max throttle, ultra-aggressive sound will keep you there. Iced Over will cool things off with glacially heavy riffs that guarantee you'll make the stink face. Fear of Being Rained On will make their screamo debut, and if you're good enough, you might even get a secret set or two from some titans of the scene.
I asked Dani what inspired her to start doing benefit shows and she says, "I owe a lot of who I am today to this scene, especially because I met my best and closest friends by going to shows. My first benefit show for Palestine was originally supposed to be a one-and-done type deal, but the reception was astounding, and I was asked to do it again by quite a few people. So this time it’s for Lebanon."
BJ looks back on it fondly too, "Towards the end of 2025 [Dani] asked me for help setting up a benefit for Palestinian relief. I agreed, we put in the work, the show went well, and we were able to fund supplies for Palestinians who are going through absolute unnecessary misery and horror."
Digging deeper, we discuss our mutual frustration with the political inactivity in modern music culture. Dani agrees. "I wanted to remind people that music and music scenes are inherently political. All of our struggles are interconnected. The people on the other side of the world living under occupation and siege are suffering under the same imperial boot as us in the States."
A local scene can be more than just a group of people who like going to see music. We already organize shows, provide support, exchange money, and build relationships between people who wouldn't have met otherwise.
"Supporting your communities and others in need with music, showing people the music you appreciate and have love for, and passing on the lessons you've learned through organizing, supporting, and living within it all is what it's what it's all supposed to be about," BJ says. Dani knows this too and uses it as a jumping off point for these gigs, hoping to light a spark in the scene.
"I hope by doing these shows, the people in our local community are inspired to take action, research social struggles, and become more mindful of how we can all improve our own lives and the lives of those around us. The only thing we have that cannot be taken away is each other and the homes we make in our friend’s lives."
If you want to do your part, swing by No Fun on Sunday October 4. Doors open at 2 p.m. and noise starts at 4 p.m. It's an all ages gig (but those under 18 will require a guardian). Tickets are $15 at the door, with a pay what you can policy. Dani can be reached at @d3athr0ckdani on Instagram with any further questions.