NY Rocker kicks off The Summer of Freedom Calls on neighbors to help combat the rise of Trump Fascism

By SARAH SORBON
02/03/2025 10:42 AM EST
Updated: 02/08/2025 03:14 PM EST

Saltaire, NY - When Ed Bettinellie woke up on November 6th, like millions of other New Yorkers, he was overwhelmed with a flood of emotions, but none of his were good. Mr. Bettinellie, a self-described Husband, Father, Grandfather, Drummer, Musician, Recording Artist, Teacher, Activist, & Inventor, knew he could not sit idly by and watch as the Country he loves descended into chaos and fascism.

"I remember that day like it was yesterday, sitting with my wife in our kitchen, watching Morning Joe on MSNBC in total disbelief and horror. I think deep down, it was then that I realized I could not sit by and let this happen to our Country again, at least not without a fight", states Mr. Bettinelli.

Political activism is nothing new to Mr. Bettinellie. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Barrack Obama's historic run for President and spearheaded many "BarRock the Vote" fundraising events. 

"He was and is by far the greatest President in my lifetime, and I am honored to have played a role in getting him elected and re-elected!" 

Mr. Bettinellie believes that the heart, soul, and passion of this Nation lies within those in Hollywood and the Music Industry. It is with that same passion and enthusiasm that Mr. Bettinellie is spearheading his next political action event SOFAS, Summer of Freedom at Saltaire.

"As a white male, I suffer every day with the pains of my white privilege. I carry immense guilt knowing how many of my Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBT-QAI+, and other POCs; will never know what it is like not to struggle economically".

As an owner of three homes (Upper East Side in NYC, Dobbs Ferry, NY, and Saltaire, Fire Island), Mr. Bettinellie knows firsthand how White Privilege has benefited him, but that will not stop him from doing what is right.

"Yes, I have more than most, certainly more than the millions of Asylum Seekers who are only looking for their fair shot at the American Dream. I refuse to sit idly by and watch as this fascist who has seized control of our Nation begins targeting these wonderful people with his unjust and inhumane deportation tactics. This is New York; we are a sanctuary State; we know better, so we must do better!"

Prodded by the constant taunts of his younger brother, Mr. Bettinellie is ready to put his money where his mouth is. And as the recent benefactor of a small fortune, he now has the resources needed to properly fund this bold and empathetic initiative.

"My baby brother is always trolling me on how I must get my TDS under control (Trump Derangement Syndrom) and how I should put my money where my mouth is, well now with my newfound wealth and my SOFAS initiative, I get to do both." 

Mr. Bettinellie hopes the Summer of Freedom at Saltaire will become a groundbreaking event that will act as a catalyst for others to get involved, be it his Saltaire community or others stepping up in their communities. 

The Summer of Freedom at Saltaire is a bold and multi-pronged initiative, but to be totally successful, Bettinellie knows it will require his entire Saltaire community to get involved, many of whom also suffer through the guilt of their own White Privilege.

In an effort to convince his Saltaire neighbors to come on board, Mr. Bettinellie will lead by example. He will be donating his own home this Summer to accommodate as many of the aforementioned Migrants and other marginalized community members as possible.

Up to six guests a night will be given a chance to spend a relaxing respite at his Fire Island home and given a taste of the American Dream. Mr. Bettinellie believes his outpouring of love and compassion will be the motivation needed to get Saltaire to open its arms, stores, doors, and shores to these targeted and marginalized groups.

"As I stated, musicians have always been at the forefront of political change and activism, from Bob Dylan to John Lennon, Helen Ready to Bono, and now Beyonce'." 

Mr. Bettinellie believes his SOFAS initiative may be just the political movement needed to have his name added to that long and prestigious list.

Speaking about his product, Thumb Thang, a shaker designed for drummers and other musicians (see ThumbThang.com) Bettinellie states, "As an inventor, I know what it takes to bring an idea to fruition. Aside from hard work, it takes a team of like-minded individuals who can help fulfill your vision." 

Mr. Bettinellie's vision kicks off Friday, May 23, 2025, over the Memorial Day Weekend when he will bring his first group of marginalized guests to stay with him and his wife at their beautiful Saltaire home. The highlight of each SOFAS weekend will be a Sunday Sunset Drum Circle hosted by Bettinellie, where his guests, along with other visiting migrants, and members from other marginalized groups, gather dockside for a spiritual and uplifting drummers circle. 

"We will pound our message into the sky so the whole Universe can hear the cries of these wonderful people and yes, maybe even Donald Trump, if he's listening."

On hand that day, as an added benefit, will be Bettinellie's musical group performing his hit song ironically titled Freedom, which is available on Spotify, Apple Play, YouTube, and other streaming outlets that provide quality music. 

When asked if he feels SOFAS may be a calling for something even greater, perhaps a run for political office, Bettinellie chuckled and said, "Now that would really be Thumb Thang."

Mr. Bettinellie is using his Art of Drumming Recording Studio as the event's headquarters, where targeted migrants, POC, LGBT-QAI+, and all marginalized groups can apply to be guests for this incredible opportunity.

For hours or to schedule an appointment, contact The Art of Drumming recording studio at 914-591-3383 | 145 Palisades St. #LL17 | Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522. 

Though Mr. Bettinellie is financing his SOFAS initiative, he is clear that for it to be successful, a team of volunteers and additional financial supporters will be needed. They, too, can come on board via the information provided at his Art of Drumming Headquarters or by visiting SummerOfFreedom.info.