Music for the Mind’s fundraising season wraps up with a sonic boom on Aug. 17 with Brews and Beats at the Barn.
The charity group is holding a day of music, beverages, food and fun at Red Barn Brewing on Lagoon Road, south of Charing Cross.
Music for the Mind’s Elisha Banks said Sons of Kent hosted the event last year in Chatham, and she wanted to spread around the good times.
“Last year was amazing. We loved it and had a great time. I just thought we’d switch it up,” Banks said. “We like to support different businesses in our community who support us.”
The event runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 17. It features performers DJ Shawn L, Bren, Courtney Wells Band, Dirt Country, and 40 Hours Over.
Food trucks Smash Burger and Sizzlers Snack Shack will be on hand as well.
Entertainment will also include corn hole, as Banks said she is bringing several boards with her to the event.
“Music, food and drinks. It’s going to be a great day,” Banks said. “How can you beat an outdoor summer concert?”
Red Barn’s Denny Vervaet said the brewery is happy to host the event.
“I think with Music for the Mind, it’s something I’ve witnessed from a distance for a while. When Elisha said she wanted us to host it at the Barn, I was pretty thrilled.”
He added he thinks the day is a great event, but stressed the fundraising is in support of mental health, “a cause that affects so many people locally. Elisha does a great job and puts so much time into it.”
Funds raised from Music for the Mind events this year will go to Family Service Kent, the KIDS Team program and Chatham-Kent Victim Services. The money will help pay for minimal-fee counselling for people aged six and up, aid in covering the cost of psychological assessments for children up to age 18, and to provide supports beyond counselling for victims.
Banks said this is the final fundraiser for Music for the Mind for 2024.
“I’m hoping for a great turnout so we can reach our goal,” she said.
The goal for the season of fundraising is $60,000.
For tickets, you can go online to redbarnbrewing.com in advance, or show up day of and purchase a ticket at the gate. Tickets are $35 and that includes a beverage. For day-of tickets, Banks said it is cash only.
Doors open at 1 p.m.
Banks said sponsors such as Red Barn are vital in helping Music for the Mind host such events.
“We want to recognize all our sponsors. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to pull this off,” she said. “Thanks to their belief in our mission and what we are doing, they make this event possible.”
