Positive Force, a D.C.-based volunteer activist collective founded in 1985 by Kevin Mattson and Mark Andersen, marked its 40th anniversary last month through a series of vibrant events.
The anniversary celebrations included a Juneteenth concert and rally, three benefit shows, panel discussions, and a notable punk percussion protest against Vladimir Putin outside the Russian Embassy.
Reflecting on the events, Andersen expressed his delight, stating, “They exceeded my expectations.”
Since its inception, Positive Force gained recognition for hosting all-ages punk fundraisers to support local organizations addressing pressing issues such as homelessness, healthcare access, and abortion rights.
The anniversary events took place from June 19 to 22, featuring four nights of concerts that attracted between 400 to 800 attendees per night.
Funds raised from these shows, approximately $33,000, were directed toward supporting organizations like Ayuda, Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Defend DC Coalition, We Are Family, and SMYAL.
The inception of Positive Force was inspired by a wave of activism within the punk scene, influenced by Los Angeles punk bands advocating for social justice and British anarchist bands like Crass.
The founding of Positive Force also coincided with a significant moment in D.C.’s punk community referred to as “Revolution Summer.”
This era saw bands like Embrace, Beefeater, and Rites of Spring actively striving to promote unity and combat sexism within the scene, as well as distance themselves from the hardcore punk movement’s more violent elements.
Over the years, the collective has organized around 600 shows, raising nearly $300,000 solely through ticket sales.
Notably, acclaimed D.C. band Fugazi participated in 80 benefit events and protest shows for Positive Force between 1987 and 2003.
Andersen recounts one of his most memorable events: a protest show held in Lafayette Park just before the Gulf War in January 1991.
Other significant events include a counter-inauguration show in 2005 featuring Anti-Flag and Q and Not U, and a 1987 benefit for Amnesty International where Dave Grohl appeared for the first time as the drummer for Scream.
An iconic triple headliner show with Bikini Kill, Fugazi, and L7 took place just before the March for Women’s Lives in 1992 outside the U.S. Supreme Court.
During the 40th-anniversary weekend, Andersen passionately spoke about the spiritual value of D.C.’s music scene.
With tears in his eyes, he highlighted the importance of activism against political leaders, remarking on the continued fight against “the orange man in the White House.”
Andersen also opened up about his personal experiences, including a recent successful battle with prostate cancer, revealing that he was diagnosed just nine months prior.
The weekend felt akin to a school reunion, bringing together people from various generations connected through Positive Force.
Despite their proud history, Andersen emphasizes the collective’s commitment to addressing contemporary issues.
The beneficiaries of the anniversary events were selected to highlight current challenges, advocating for immigration support, assistance for the people of Gaza, D.C. statehood, and LGBTQIA rights, all issues perceived as under threat moving into 2025.
Andersen aims for the weekend’s events to inspire greater public involvement in Positive Force and similar grassroots organizations.
While he acknowledges that some people attend the shows primarily for the music, he stresses, “many have shared with me that attending a Positive Force show changed their perspective on the world and their own lives.”
Currently, around 25 to 30 volunteers contribute their time and energy to Positive Force.
Anna Tecson, one of the dedicated volunteers, was motivated to join the collective after viewing the 2015 documentary Positive Force: More Than a Witness.
She appreciates Positive Force’s emphasis on consensus decision-making, stating, “Everyone has opportunities to weigh in on what bands to book and what organizations we would support with the proceeds.
Everyone’s views are respected and appreciated.”
The booking process for the 40th anniversary focused on inclusivity, presenting a diverse lineup of both new and veteran bands.
The Juneteenth concert featured various performers, including the Messthetics, a jazz-rock outfit with former Fugazi members Brendan Canty and Joe Lally, D.C. rapper Head Roc, and newer bands like Soroche and Celebration Summer.
Friday night’s show included acts like Kevin Seconds from 7 Seconds and D.C.’s Swiz, representing a mix of bands formed from the late ’70s to late ’80s.
Saturday showcased music from ’80s members of Scream and other local acts from the same era.
The lineup for Sunday highlighted contemporary local musicians, reflecting the current state of D.C. music, featuring acts such as Bed Maker, Sensor Ghost, and Miri Tyler, leading an ensemble of local talents.
Looking ahead, Positive Force plans to host a benefit show for We Are Family in September and has outlined two Palestinian-themed benefit events for October.
image source from：washingtoncitypaper
