San Diego Union-Tribune

Concert supports music therapy for area military

- Linda.mcintosh@sduniontri­bune.com

A Semper Sound benefit concert titled “Living Your Dreams” that will benefit area military is set for Oct. 16 at the Encinitas Elks Lodge.

The concert will raise money for local nonprofit Resounding Joy’s Semper Sound music therapy program for service members and their families.

The military music therapy program, which started 11 years ago through a request from Naval Medical Center San Diego, helps military members and veterans working through challenges such as traumatic brain injury, posttrauma­tic stress and depression. It is open to active-duty service members and veterans of all ages, needs and abilities.

The music therapy is intended to enrich participan­ts and help them progress toward non-musical goals, such as symptom management, pain reduction, career developmen­t and family bonding.

Semper Sound is offered in the San Diego area through military bases, veteran facilities and at Resounding Joy’s Music Wellness Center in Sorrento Valley. Most clients qualify for free services.

The Semper Sound Band was formed by military members in the music therapy program who wanted to play music and share camaraderi­e. The band’s repertoire is diverse, and genres include Americana, contempora­ry rock, country, heavy metal, jazz, salsa, pop and funk.

Along with service members and veterans, the concert will feature musicians from the community performing original music and covers of favorite songs. Performers include military veterans James Boyden, Joel Hamlet, Corey Jernigan, Will Weatherspo­on, Jason Danley and Devi Whitlock and military spouse Jennifer Santis. The Island Mist band will open the event.

The event will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Encinitas Elks Lodge,1393 Windsor Road, Cardiff. Tickets are $30 or $75 for VIP early admission and table seating. Parking is free. Service members and veterans can use promo code “MILITARY” for 50 percent off. Food will be sold at the event by local vendors and there will be raffle prizes. Visit resounding­joyinc.org/lyd2021 for tickets.

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