Sunday’s show putting community first, providing safe space while aiding local organizations
The band’s music explores a range of issues through Rubino’s “stream-of-consciousness lyrics,” with a particular focus on the oppression of marginalized communities, including queer people and people of color.
“It feels vital to provide space for folks to congregate, to celebrate, to feel safe, to feel seen, to feel a part of [the] community together,” Rubino said. “And that’s something that’s at the core of what punk means to me is sharing in that community.”
When asked what led to the fundraiser gig, Yemin flipped the question: “Why aren’t they all benefits?”
“There’s no reason for us to not be able to use what little sort of influence we have to do some good, especially in a time that is politically one of the darkest times that I’ve lived through,” Yemin said.
Open City will be playing their first show in Philadelphia since 2019 on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in the famed basement at First Unitarian Church. Ticket sales will benefit Juntos and non-perishable food donations can be traded for records. (Photo by Farrah Skeiky)
Ticket sales for Sunday’s show will go directly to Juntos, a Philly-based organization that has been advocating for community members affected by ICE operations.
“Once you’ve got a militarized response to a fabricated problem, you’ve got the foundations of the unravelling of whatever elements of a democratic republic we have still functioning,” Yemin said. “[We] feel like supporting an organization that’s trying to do its part to turn that tide and to keep people safe.”
The band will also trade copies of their first album to anyone who brings a nonperishable food donation for the Share Food Program community fridges.
Ticket prices start at $13.48. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 3:30. Supporting Open City will be The HIRS Collective, Disappearances and Taurus Judge.