Band ‘No Context’ performs at Shuffle // Chris Young, WMNF News, 5/1/2026

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Last Friday was May Day, a holiday celebrating workers and the history of labor organizing- and a May Day Benefit show in Tampa sought to cancel one million dollars in medical debt for people in Hillsborough County. 

A crowd on the patio of Tampa bar  Shuffle listened to music and enjoyed drinks as the sun set. 

Magalys Oro-Fernandez, member of Democratic Socialists of America’s Tampa chapter and campaign organizer for the fundraiser, spoke on stage to kick off the show. 

“And now we’re here, cancelling one million dollars in medical debt,” Oro-Fernandez announced to the crowd. 

Oro-Fernandez later called the event inspiring. 

Physician ‘Sadie O.’ speaks at Shuffle in Tampa. Chris Young, WMNF News, 5/1/2026

“This is the most collective I’ve seen our org be. Everyone’s been trying to get a part of this, everyone’s trying to get involved, everyone’s using whatever talent they have, whether they DJ, whether they host, whether they make bracelets, whether they make art, people have donated what they can to make this happen. I’m proud to be a part of that and it inspires me to keep going.”  Oro-Fernandez said. 

Sam May is the co-chair of the Tampa DSA. 

She says the topic of healthcare isn’t only crucial for our communities, it’s also really close to her heart.

“When my mom was sick in 2019, she delayed medical care when she had stage 4 lung cancer because she was afraid of the crippling debt and the bills, and she waited a long time. But, I do think that some of her suffering could have been prevented if we had universal healthcare in the country.” May told WMNF.

And the situation isn’t uncommon.  

A study published in April by KFF found that just under half of U.S. adults say it is difficult to afford health care costs, and 36 percent say that in the past 12 months, they have skipped or postponed getting health care they needed because of the cost.

So the DSA partnered with Undue, a nonprofit focused on the elimination of medical debt, to raise over ten thousand dollars to cancel $1 million in medical debt for Hillsborough County residents.

Michael Brady sings in the Band “No Context”, which performs both comedic and socially conscious music. 

He said performing at this benefit concert was meaningful. 

“If you can, if you can afford to go out and have a good time, please support local events. Not just music – music of course, but anything. Support your local venues, support your local community, get out there, and enjoy your time with your families, your friends, your community. Get active, it’s the only way we’re going to rise up out of this.” Brady said.