On Friday, September 8, the vibrant city of New Orleans will host an evening of music and community engagement at the 6th Annual Music for Mental Health Benefit Concert. Presented by the Brett Thomas Doussan (BTD) Foundation, this year’s event aims to bring together four local artists for a night of stripped-down, intimate performances to raise awareness for mental health issues.
The lineup features diverse musical talents, including Charm Taylor, who sat down with OffBeat Magazine in 2017 Marc Paradis, from Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Mikayla Braun, and SaxKixAve. These artists will take to the stage at Siberia (2227 St. Claude Ave.), offering emotionally charged song-and-storytelling performances that provide a window into their personal experiences with mental health. Hosted by founder Kathryn Rose Wood, the event will open at 7:00 p.m., with the show starting promptly at 7:30 p.m. This evening is open to those aged 21 and above, and admission is available at the door for a minimum donation of $10.00 per person.
The Music for Mental Health Benefit Concert is significant during September’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Past concert editions have allowed performers to share their mental health journeys through curated songs, fostering a sense of connection and understanding among attendees. The concert’s inception in 2017 aimed to create an inclusive space where individuals who may be less inclined to engage in mental health discussions can find solace in the language of music and connect with their community.
As the world grapples with the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, the concert assumes even greater importance by addressing localized mental health needs. Disturbing statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reveal that over 194,000 adults in Louisiana faced barriers to accessing mental health care, with financial constraints being a significant obstacle. Furthermore, a staggering 62.3% of Louisiana teenagers dealing with depression did not receive the necessary mental health care in 2021, leading to higher dropout rates in this group.
The alarming suicide rates in Louisiana underscore the critical role of events like the Music for Mental Health Benefit Concert. Suicide ranks as the 14th leading cause of death across all age groups, with particularly distressing numbers in the 10 to 34 age range, as highlighted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The concert aims to combat these challenges by providing a platform for open dialogue and offering resources to those in need. Local non-profit mental health organizations will be present at the event to provide assistance and guidance. The concert’s proceeds will be directly funneled to Louisiana-based mental health organizations, including NAMI New Orleans, AFSP Louisiana, the New Orleans Musician’s Clinic, and Children’s Hospital.
For more information on the event, visit the official Brett Thomas Doussan Foundation website.
