Local band Drain’s ‘MELT THE ICE’ tee raises $40,000 for immigrant community support

Local hardcore trio Drain is known for its motto “Drain is your friend.” Now the band members have shown they’re willing to put their money where their mouth is. 

Last Thursday, lead singer Sammy Ciaramitaro gave a $39,955 check to Community Foundation Santa Cruz County (CFSCC). The band raised the money by selling a limited-edition T-shirt that read “MELT THE ICE!!” and included its “Kewpie” logo holding a flamethrower. 

“100% of the profits will be donated to the Supporting Immigrants in Santa Cruz County Fund – through Community Foundation Santa Cruz County,” read a social media statement from the band on Feb. 27.  

The statement derided U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration. “If this bothers you, please unfollow us immediately, stop listening to our music and don’t come to our shows,” it continued. “No room for hate, racism, sexism, homophobia or any other …  bigotry at a DRAIN show.” 

The band sold more than 2,000 shirts over a single weekend. 

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In a social media post, CFSCC wrote, “We are grateful for Sammy, guitarist Cody Chavez and drummer Tim Flegal for supporting our ongoing efforts to educate, protect and serve local immigrant families.” 

The Supporting Immigrants in Santa Cruz County Fund is a network of nonprofits helping local immigrant communities with legal aid, education, case management and safety plans for children. The help includes helping with green card renewals, citizenship applications and providing financial assistance for immigration filing fees, which can range anywhere from $100 to $1,500. 

For more than 40 years, CFSCC has been a hub for nonprofit activity in the community. From environmental issues to social concerns, CFSCC connects people and funding to local nonprofits in need. Senior Communications Officer Jenny Kurzweil said the money donated by the band will continue to help fund various nonprofits as the needs arise, such as the child care safety plans. These are contingency plans put in place to help ensure the safety of children whose parents might be detained or deported by federal agents. 

Founded in 2014 by Flegal, Drain has been a favorite in the hardcore scene locally and internationally. The band signed to legendary punk rock label Epitaph Records in 2021 and released its third full-length album, “…Is Your Friend,” last November. 

They’re scheduled to return to Santa Cruz on April 18 when they play the Quarry Amphitheater at UC Santa Cruz, a day before taking the Coachella stage. 

For Kurzweil, the band’s donation is a reminder of what a unified community can do. 

 “I’m always reminded of the power in collective giving and action,” she said. “In these days when people are often feeling disempowered, there is such a positive impact in collective work.” 

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