The Amps Up Stand Up Concert Brings the Community Together to Stand up for a Cause

The ever-growing number of shootings that happen daily in the United States is appalling.  It is unbearable to watch innocent children and adults die due to gun violence day after day, and the use of firearms to innocent souls must be put to an end.  Although New York ranks third in the country in gun law strength, 870 people a year die from gun violence in New York alone.  That is a devastating statistic, and the Port Washington community believes so, too. 

Port Washington fathers Marc Edelstein and Brad Widilok decided to take action and host an event, Amps Up Stand Up, at the Landmark Theatre in order to benefit an organization known as Moms Demand Action.  Together, they gathered local bands to perform in order to raise money for gun control, and,  more importantly, to raise awareness. 

Moms Demand Action began with something as simple as a Facebook group started by Shannon Watts the day after the Sandy Hook shooting.  As a mother of five, this tragedy made her realize how important it is to protect children from guns in schools everywhere. Gradually, this organization grew as more and more people around the country joined in uproar about the daily shootings.  The organization currently holds a chapter in every single state in the United States, and it is very easy to connect with the local chapter and get involved in raising awareness for such an important topic.  Two local moms, Josephine Peterson and Melissa Gallo, partnered with Edelstein and Widilok to make this event happen.  The four of them worked tirelessly to organize the event, meeting on Zoom three times a week and contacting person after person to put their idea in action.  Due to their hard work, they were able to raise more than $21,000 and sold over 300 tickets. 

Four local bands participated in the concert, including Cosmic Coronas,  of which Widilok is a member.  

“It was truly inspiring to see our community come together to support the important work of Moms Demand Action,” said Edelstein. 

The band Port Side Hustle is composed of members of the Port community who share a passion for music in addition to ending the violence surrounding guns.  They were an energetic band who added a great touch of spirit to the night.  The Bodega Boys performed to kick off the night with a lively choice of songs that got the crowd engaged right away.  Lastly, Antigone Rising, a band consisting of all females, showed up in colorful outfits and sang their hearts out.  

“The effort my dad put into the Port Side Hustle rehearsals for this event was outstanding.  I had never seen him so excited to perform,” said senior Jackson Walz. 

Students throughout the community were given the opportunity to take part in this special event as well.  Edelstein and Widilok were determined to find a student speaker that was able to convey what experiences they’ve had surrounding gun control in school.  Not only did they find one, but two.  These two speakers were unique because one was Schreiber’s very own, and one was from Great Neck North, exemplifying that this problem does not pertain to just a singular community, but stretches through different schools nationwide.  Angelia Wu, senior from Great Neck North, delivered a thought-provoking speech as she opened with the names of the children who died in the Uvalde shooting.  

Schreiber senior Grace Ain took the stage directly after Wu. 

“I had never before been so nervous, but when I finished, I was proud of myself for such an accomplishment,” said Ain.

 Regardless of Ain’s nerves, she took the stage with confidence and was able to lighten the mood with a touch of humor.  Both Edelstein and Widilok were extremely grateful and appreciative of the two speakers that took the time to join them at the event.  Organizers also raised over $1,000 by selling t-shirts at the concert, in what was a great addition to the event that contributed to the money raised for Moms Demand Action. 

Ultimately, the Amps Up Stand Up concert was a huge success.  It took a lot of effort and devotion to pull this event together, and both Edelstein and Widilok were beaming with pride by the end of the night.  The Port Washington community really showed what it was like to come together and stand up for a cause they believe in, while sharing a love for music.