Stand Up to Trump: Support Jeanette Vizguerra and Undocumented Communities at This Local Benefit Concert

These days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant headlines that leave many feeling powerless under the second Trump administration. But Chris “Time” Steele, a musician and producer of the upcoming Sanctuary For All Benefit Concert, isn’t giving into that mindset. With deep roots in North Denver, he’s turning frustration into action.

"I’m just always trying to find ways that we can try to bring the community together," Time says. "Right now, there’s a lot of rhetoric that is fear-based by the Trump administration, including promoting ICE raids and cracking down on DEI, so we wanted to bring people together. That's why we decided to organize an event that would be both a joyful celebration of music and a space where we could share resources to help Denver's immigrant and migrant communities."

On Thursday, March 27, the Marquis Theater will host the Sanctuary for All Benefit Concert, a night of music and activism. The lineup includes some of Denver’s most celebrated musicians: Los Mocochetes, LatinSoul, Time (from calm.) and Stay Tuned.

The event promises powerful performances and a strong message of solidarity, raising funds for an urgent cause: Sanctuary For All. Founded by activist Jeanette Vizguerra, this community-based, grassroots organization of impacted families and allies is committed to supporting and advocating for Colorado's immigrant community through mutual aid, media work, political advocacy, and nonviolent direct action.

The timing of the show could not be more urgent. On March 17, Vizguerra was detained by ICE while on a break from her job. Her arrest has sent shockwaves through immigrant rights circles and ignited widespread concern. Vizguerra has long been a symbol of resilience, having once taken sanctuary in a Denver church for three years to avoid deportation. In 2017, her bravery earned her recognition as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

Now, as she awaits a federal court hearing on March 28, her community is rallying to her side once again. A petition has been launched demanding the government free Vizguerra, and more than 10,000 people have added their names to prevent ICE from taking the activist "away from her family and community without any concern for her due process rights," as the petition reads.

The urgency of Vizguerra's situation adds weight to this concert, but it is not the first time the musician Time has used a performance to rally the community. Last year’s Gig for Gaza event, which he also helped organize and host at the Marquis, proved how powerful these gatherings can be.
Time says the Marquis team has provided unwavering support. “When we brought the idea to them, they didn’t hesitate. The only thing they asked about was extra security because there were some threats to the Palestine show last year," he says, "but they’ve been great about it. There hasn't been any talk about [extra security] this year because there hasn’t been any threat. People are just excited about the event.”

He also made it clear that the concert lineup was no accident — it was carefully curated to showcase a variety of sounds and voices, with a particular focus on representing the Chicanx community. Los Mocochetes brings its infectious Chicano funk and activist energy; LatinSoul, led by Felisa Hernandez, offers smooth, soulful Latin jazz; Stay Tuned delivers hard-hitting hip-hop beats rooted in social justice; and Time ties the night together with thoughtful rap.

“We wanted to make something that felt representative of the community,” he explains. “This isn’t just about putting on a show — it’s about raising up voices, supporting immigrants, and bringing people together.”

As Vizguerra's fight continues and her future remains uncertain, the concert serves as a show of support for her and others facing similar threats.

"This event is a celebration of music as well as a gathering place for ideas and people to come together in resistance to white supremacy and colonialism," Time says. “But we are also going to build the world we want to see rather than just resisting what we don’t want to see.”

Sanctuary for All, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer Street; tickets are $28.