I was given the privilege to attend a benefit for mental health awareness tonight showcasing the power music has on us. Taken from the Armonk NY Daily News:
"The Applebaum family have invited the community to the rescheduled benefit reception and concert in tribute to Miles Applebaum on Friday April 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre. “The evening will provide educational awareness about mental health that will go a long way to help end stigma of our youth and young adults who struggle many times in painful silence,” says the Applebaum family. The event will include live music, gourmet tastings, a silent auction and raffle items. Band members from the funk band, Lettuce will be doing a "meet and greet" at Garcia's located in The Capitol Theatre prior to performing that evening. The money raised will go towards the first music scholarship at the Lagond Music School for a student whose passion is to pursue performance in the way that Miles did throughout his high school and college years. The scholarship will be presented on the 8th along with introductions from the founders of The Jed Foundation, a national organization that promotes mental health in high schools and on college campuses."
"The London Souls" opened for the Boston born band. A duo of a Hendrix doppleganger and Robert Plant turned drummer who was able to make this clacking noise on the snare that completely blew my mind. As aside from just looking like Jimi this guy was able to morph the atmosphere to his liking. Perfectly setting the stage for what turned into an energetic and electric second act. Charles Wright came out for "Express Yourself" which ignited the room causing almost everyone to sing along.
Mental health is something that many people put to the side and overlook. This avoidance to acknowledge only enables these illnesses to grow worse and manifest to the unfortunate outcomes we all know. Music is an excellent medium to decompress and allows you the time of reflection we so consistently overlook.