Behind the Scenes of Rock Against Racism NYC 2024

In spring 2024, Rock Against Racism NYC returned with a major open-air concert uniting musicians, artists, and activists in a vibrant celebration of unity and resistance. What most people didn’t see, however, was the tremendous behind-the-scenes effort required to make the event possible.

This concert wasn’t backed by corporations or major sponsors. It was organized, promoted, and funded by a single individual working under a newly formed nonprofit dedicated to reviving countercultural expression for a new generation.

Organizing the Event

• Permits: All necessary permits (sound permit, Temporary Use Authorization, etc.) were acquired using free paralegal support, then fully paid for by the organizer.
• Venue Deposit: A $1,000 deposit was submitted to the NYC Department of Parks (refunded post-event).
• Band Payments: Each band received $625, plus an additional $150 deposit for those affected by the rained-out May 5th show.
• Sound & Emcee:
  • Sound engineer paid $600 and assisted in forming his LLC, Sewer Lid Music.
  • Emcee paid $500.
• Logistics: Included generator rental, transportation, and use of a drum kit belonging to the organizer’s son, Donovan.
• Family Contributions: Sons assisted with hauling equipment and distributing water and snacks to bands.

Merch Proceeds and Charity Support

Proceeds from merchandise sales, along with the cost of production, went to Spectrum Designs Foundation, raising over $1,500. The logo and merchandise were designed using the organizer’s Photoshop account, with help from a friend.

Worldwide Promotion and Media Coverage

The event was publicized globally via Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and EV Grieve:

• Instagram Promo 1
• Instagram Promo 2
• Facebook Event Page
• EV Grieve Article

Embedded Videos

The final performance—“Resistance” by Lake Lanier—was recorded live and used to promote the band’s single, released in November 2024.

Giving Credit Where It’s Due

Despite the reach and success of the event, the organizer received no public credit in news articles, promotional posts, or artist acknowledgments—even by those who used footage and photos from the event to promote their own releases and appearances.

This post serves as a public record and recognition of the work done by the event’s real producer, who not only funded and managed every detail, but also engaged their family in the effort—without compensation or thanks.

If nothing else, let this be a moment of acknowledgment: It happened because one person made it happen.