Concert benefits suicide awareness cause

Salvatore Paul “Sully” Erna Jr. (born February 7, 1968) an American vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the American Heavy Metal Band Godsmack. He is also a harmonica player, percussionist and pianist, performing at the Impact Festival on July 28. (photo by Mark Huard, owner of Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

In 2019, Maine’s suicide rate is higher than the national average. That’s a staggering statistic, and is the reason why many central Maine residents traveled Northeast to Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion. The Waterfront Concerts, Music Matters and SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) all joined together to bring some of the biggest names in Rock n’Roll to Maine to raise money for this cause. This two day event took place on July 27 and July 28, 2019 and housed more than ten bands to include: Five Finger Death Punch, Skillet, In this moment, Clutch, Between the Buried and Me, Godsmack, Evanescence, Killswitch, Engage, All that Remains, Beartooth and Andrew W. K.

Many people are impacted by suicide or by suicidal ideation, and they don’t have the awareness, resources or access to resources to help identify and manage the symptoms. For these reasons, the Impact Music Festival takes place and all of the proceeds go to organizations providing mental health treatment and outreach services to those in need. Last year in 2018, the Impact Festival raised more than $25,000 for suicide awareness and prevention.

Both days were filled with great music and just all around positive energy. The bands have all taken an interest in giving back to help those in need. It really was amazing to see all of these celebrities take an interest in Suicide Prevention and Awareness in order to raise money but also to raise awareness. It’s easy to feel like you are all alone when you are facing these kinds of situations and the message by many of these bands is to say, “You are not alone.” Five Finger Death Punch was able to discuss their work with children and adults to improve their lives and overall functioning.

“This event uses the power of music to support suicide and mental health awareness. We all go through our own personal battles and demons in life, but music is the common theme that brings us all together,” reported Winslow resident Kyle Clavo. He was right in the front row on the fence both days and loved every second of it, seeing all the bands perform up close and personal. This being Clavo’s second time at this event, he says, “I support suicide and mental health awareness and I will attend this event for years to come.” He would like to see as many people as possible attend this event in the future and cautions, “Before you judge about the genre of music that is performed at this event, listen to the meaning before you judge the screaming.”

The musicians traveled far and wide to be there in order to make it clear that suicide is an issue that is plaguing Maine and the entire nation. This approach not only is away to spread the message and band together as a community, but it also is a way to gain proceeds to benefit the heavy expenses of the necessary treatment.