Grace Ostrosky, Asst. Arts & Life Editor–
On Oct. 23, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and the Bandersnatch teamed up to host the second-annual Songs for Palestine, a fundraiser for an NGO called Help Me Live USA (HMLUSA) to provide tent clinics in Gaza. The student-run event included performances from Eli & John, Just Okay, Cat Eat Cat, and The Overalls.
The event began at 9 p.m., with a line of excited students forming outside of the Bandersnatch to support both an important cause and their fellow peer musicians.
Duncan Curry ‘25, a representative of SJP, stated that HMLUSA stands for “Help Me Live USA,” which is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that was created to provide medical care in hospitals and clinics in Gaza. Representatives from SJP had a table inside the Bandersnatch, where they encouraged donations in exchange for a discount on Bandersnatch bagels and milkshakes.
Additionally, according to Nina Ng, the founder of HMLUSA, tent clinics will be created “in various underserved parts of Gaza to maximize [their] reach.”
When asked how SJP came about running this event, Curry said that “the Bandersnatch approached [us].” He mentioned Bandersnatch’s event manager, Antonia Baylor ‘26, took a leading role in the event, and was excited to host the event again.
A new band, Just Okay, debuted at the beginning of the fun-filled night. Band members include Leah Jackson ‘26, Wyatt Guilliams ‘26, Gibson Painter ‘27, and Fletcher Williams ‘26. As the lead singer, Jackson encouraged her peers to donate to HLMUSA in between songs.
After Just Okay, The Overalls took the stage, led by Erin Oberle ‘26. They played a fan-favorite, “Just a Girl” by No Doubt, which got the crowd up on their feet and dancing.
Cat Eat Cat, a student band featuring Noah Holland ‘27, Ferris Floyd ‘27, and Jakob Loche ‘27, followed up at 10 PM, with powerful vocals that brought the alternative rock scene to the Bandersnatch.
Finally, Eli & John performed, closing out the event on a strong note with energy that lasted until 2 AM, when the Bandersnatch closed for the night.
“I’m glad we use our resources as a community to support a cause,” said Maria Mohr ‘28, when asked about her thoughts on the event. Mohr is a student employee at the Bandersnatch.
“[The Bandersnatch] is super student-run. Our goal is to have a place for community and to celebrate the arts…I love working with people who value that,” Mohr said when asked to expand on the impact of the Bandersnatch.
By the end of the night, SJP raised over $1,100.
“The Bandersnatch is so much fun! I love it when they host events with student bands, especially ones like this [because] they’re such a good cause,” Addison Fransen ‘28 said of the event.
