Opioids Awareness Music Festival to Take Place in Kent in August

Clearly at the center of the opioid crisis, Ohio has the second highest rate of fatal overdoses in the United States.

As a result, local musicians, knowledgeable speakers, and Family & Community Services have just announced that they'll team up to host the Opioid Awareness Music Festival on Aug. 11 at Kent’s Hometown Bank Plaza.

“Almost all of us now know a friend or family member who has been devastatingly affected. We want this to be a positive event that will create a ripple effect to spread awareness and make a significant and lasting impact in defeating the opioid crisis,” explains Tom Letizia, the event’s music coordinator, in a press release.

Local acts such as 15-60-75 (The Numbers Band), The Dog Friendly Band, Gaetano's Underworld Blues Band, Hubb's Groove, Outlaws I & I, Sam Hooper Group, the Outside Voices and Thieves of Joy will perform at the event, and speakers and experts will give short talks between bands.

Multiple recovery agencies and resource programs will be on hand as well. There will also be food vendors, and proceeds from the event will benefit the addiction recovery programs of Family & Community Services, including Root House, the Portage Area Recovery Center (PARC) and the On Track to Recovery (OTTR) program.

Sign up for Scene's weekly newsletters to get the latest on Cleveland news, things to do and places to eat delivered right to your inbox.