ARTREACH'S MUSIC HEALS COFFEEHOUSE RETURNS ON APRIL 5th and 6th THE COLOR OF SOUND ART EXHIBIT ON DISPLAY

Artreach, Inc. will present live musical performance with its popular Music Heals Coffeehouse on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm. The performance, along with "The Color of Sound" art show and sale, will take place at Chestnut Street Playhouse located at 24 Chestnut Street, Norwich, CT. Artwork created by Artreach members can be purchased at the event. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at https://our.show/musicheals. Discounts available for groups of 6 or more. For more information, visit www.CreativityisHealing.org.

The Music Heals Coffeehouse is a longstanding Artreach tradition and will highlight Artreach program members performing popular music, while raising awareness of mental well-being and busting the stigma of mental illness. Each member picked a song to perform that is meaningful to them; they have been rehearsing with the volunteer band for over 3 months. The process not only develops musical skills, it also teaches life skills and builds community, something that has become increasingly recognized for its importance in maintaining mental health.

"Now, more than ever, we need to raise awareness about mental health. Music and art are such great ways to bring people together to make progress," said Becca Atkins, Executive Director of Artreach, Inc.

Each performance will also feature The Color of Sound, an art show and sale featuring Artreach members’ work created in weekly visual arts workshops. Proceeds from art sales go directly to the artists. Doors will open at 6:30 pm for the art show on both evenings.

Tickets may be purchased online at https://our.show/musicheals, or by calling Artreach at (860) 887-0014. Limited seats will be available each night at the door.

Individuals requiring accommodations should contact Carin.ArtreachHeals@gmail.com.

Sponsors for Music Heals are: Lawrence & Memorial Hospital/Yale New Haven Health, Chelsea Groton Bank, Dime Bank, and UCFS. Artreach, Inc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, receives funding from the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS); CT Department of Economic and Community Development/Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; CTHumanities; City of New London (ARPA/Fair Shot); City of Norwich (ARPA/Impact grants with the Cultural Coalition); Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; Chelsea Groton Foundation; The Edward and Mary Lord Foundation; Norwich Rotary Foundation; and countless individuals.

ABOUT MUSC HEALS COFFEEHOUSE

Music Heals is a life-changing program that truly makes a difference for individuals in our community who are living with mental illnesses. Music Heals Coffeehouse not only provides musical training, it teaches life skills and builds community among participants. Artreach Music Director Dick Pape assembles a band of professional and community musicians who volunteer their time to rehearse and perform with the Artreach members over a twelve-week period, which culminates with live public performances.

ABOUT ARTREACH

Artreach heals through creativity. Using the creative arts, Artreach supports sustainable recovery from psychiatric disorders and raises awareness about mental health in the community-at-large. By providing theater, music, visual arts, and recreational opportunities to members, Artreach enhances the quality of its members' lives and teaches skills that help them achieve and sustain recovery after experiencing mental illnesses. Our public performances and art exhibits engage attendees in conversation about mental health and serve to bust the stigma of mental illness, creating social change in our community. Founded in 1985, Artreach is known for the Second Step Players sketch comedy troupe, the Music Heals Coffeehouse, and Mixed Bag performances of comedy and music. www.CreativityisHealing.org and social media @ArtreachHeals.

WHO:        Artreach, Inc. presents

WHAT:        Music Heals Coffeehouse
                    with
                    "The Color of Sound" art show and sale

WHERE:    Chestnut Street Playhouse
                    24 Chestnut Street, Norwich, CT 06360

WHEN:    Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 7:30
                    Doors open at 6:30 pm for the art show

HOW:    More information and tickets can be found at https://our.show/musicheals;
                or by calling Artreach at (860) 887-0014.
                Limited tickets will be available at the door.

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