Dance a ‘Funk for Freedom’ 

Rachel Benton

When I look at national headlines, I get a sinking feeling in my gut, a sadness that comes when you know there is little you can do to solve a problem, clear up all the toxicity, or fix our democracy. This is why I find local news so empowering, and you should too!  

Local news not only gives a clearer view of what is going on in our neck of the woods, but it also allows us to do something about it. This is why supporting our work at The JOLT is crucial; whether it be through donating, subscribing or volunteering, it all remains important to our community’s quality of life. 

One of the issues that frequently appears in national news but is seeping into our community is U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforecment. Regardless of how often these stories appear in The JOLT, there has been a startling, significant increase in the number of murmurings I hear about locals being detained due to immigration issues. If you ever hear anything we at the JOLT should be aware of, please do tell us about it here.  

As an arts columnist, I could say, “Not my monkeys, not my circus,” but as long as we all live in our little corner of the world, it should be all of our concern. Without direct access to what is going on, it is challenging to know what to do. May I suggest that we dance at "Funk for Freedom."  

 Event 

Aiming to make a positive difference in our community, both in the funds it raises and in the atmosphere it is creating, Funk for Freedom is a community benefit dance with all proceeds going to Legal Immigration Services of Olympia (LISO). Other local organizations doing this work will have information tables at the event. 

Funk for Freedom will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus. All ages are invited to come get their groove on and enjoy live performances from groups, including the Func Pro Tunc Band and Choro Tomorrow, which has a cool connection to this cause, Choro Tomorrow plays Brazilian music from yesterday, today and tomorrow, and is led by local immigration attorney Lisa Seifert. 

Remaining accessible to people of all ages, Funk for Freedom will operate on a pay what you can model, with donations ranging from $5 to $5,000. There will be delicious food from Nineveh, a variety of beverages, and raffle tickets available for purchase and donation.  

While walk-ins are welcome, registering in advance will help the event's hosts ensure they have enough of everything for everyone. Click here to register.   

Bigger picture 

“LISO is dedicated to ensuring that underserved and often isolated detained immigrants receive free expert legal counsel during critical moments in their proceedings,” event organizer Lynn Grotsky told me. “By providing this essential representation. LISO helps protect the rights of individuals to remain with their loved ones and stay connected to their communities.”   

Reflecting on what she shared above, Grotsky said, “I think we all are, or soon will be, affected by what is happening with immigrants being picked up in such cruel ways.”

She continued, “With all the things happening with Trump, there were a million things I could have gotten involved with. I wanted to help, and I knew I wanted to put my personal focus on immigration.”  

Grotsky explained that she had experience producing many shows and benefits in the past, and realized she could apply her experience here. Her story reminds us that all our unique talents, especially in the arts, can be used and channeled to support the causes that need our attention.  

At the same time, participating, sitting or dancing in the audience is both a crucial and fun role that we can all play in this. The history of dance has often been recalled through the ways it has been used as a form of resistance, a means of freedom. It’s an elaborate, artistic form of protest and shows solidarity in a way that invites all in.  

The same can be said for many art forms and the way they have painted bright colors during gray, melancholy and horrific moments in our history.  

For instance, take World War II. We think of the tragedies, but we also remember “Rosie the Riveter,” Big Band musicians like Glenn Miller, films like “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “Casablanca.” Even today, we continue to embrace Swing dancing.  

When we enjoy art, we resist. When we embrace joy, we speak life into what feels hopeless. And when we embrace hope, we conquer half the battle. In our own way, we control how we are remembered, how our legacy and history are defined.

Now doesn't that make you want to dance?

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and a minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.