Busking for Justice Returns May 1 with Lavine and the Flying Machine at Café Dewitt

Immigrant Solidarity will host the next Busking for Justice event on Friday, May 1 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Café Dewitt (Dewitt Mall, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca).
The evening will feature live music by Lavine and the Flying Machine with a vibrant blend of klezmer and Yiddish swing—rich with storytelling and irresistible rhythms. Listen for wisps of New Orleans brass bands, the golden age of hazonnus (Jewish cantorial music), smoky French cafés and more.
The ensemble includes Jennie Lavine (clarinet and vocals), Dave Davies (guitar), Sam Swartz (tenor horn and vocals), Greg Ezra (percussion) and Ryan Zawel (tuba).
Admission is free, with donations encouraged. All proceeds will directly support immigrants and families dealing with the impacts of detention and deportation. Food will be available for purchase.
“This is our seventh Busking for Justice event, and we have been profoundly moved by the generosity and spirit of participating musicians, our hosts at Café Dewitt, and all who come to support our immigrant neighbors’ right to due process,” said Jayne Demakos, principal organizer.
Busking for Justice is an ongoing community initiative organized by Immigrant Solidarity, bringing people together through music in a shared commitment to collective care, dignity, and due process.