Supporting community through music

After the 2024 election, Dustin Saksek told himself "I have to act."

He was deeply concerned about what the Trump Administration was threatening to eliminate and how that would hurt people in his Seattle community.

After mulling a bunch of ideas on how he could best help local nonprofits, Dustin realized he should focus on what he already knew how to do--bringing together people around music.

"I don't know how to run a nonprofit, but I do know how to put a show on," he said.

As a musician and former event producer, he tapped his network to recruit seven bands for an all-ages music festival this month. All proceeds from the concert will go to Real Change and Disability Empowerment Center.

His goal is to help direct resources to local nonprofits that are already helping people who are struggling to secure housing or employment or are navigating having a disability.

"This is my attempt at building a more proactive and intentional community. It's going to be easier to weather everything (over these next four years) if we have community."

The Good Neighbours Festival takes place Sunday, Aug. 31, from 2-10 p.m. at Tim's Tavern in White Center. All ages venue until 10 p.m. Tickets are $17 and available online.

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[Visual: Colorful poster of music festival featuring words “Good Neighbours Festival” and two hands clasping]