Mark your calenders

May 9th McKnight & Beyond Borders Concert
Benefits Friends of Loudoun Mental Health

Andrew McKnight & Beyond Borders, a Loudoun band with a growing national reputation, will perform a benefit concert on Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m., at the Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville, VA. Proceeds from the $15 tickets will go to Friends of Loudoun County Mental Health, which provides support for people recovering from mental illness.

Award-winning singer/songwriter McKnight’s bandmates include Les Thompson (banjo and bass), who was an original member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Stephanie Thompson (harmony vocals, bass and percussion), and WAMMIE-winning singer/songwriter Lisa Taylor (drums and harmony vocals).

The band’s music transcends the genres of folk, blues and bluegrass. The Boston Globe wrote: “With a voice reminiscent of Don McLean, McKnight traverses from old-time Appalachian tuned to contemporary folk and blues, all backed up by his dead-on guitar playing.”
McKnight has long lent his talents to community causes nationwide in his music as well as performing. The 19 million Americans struggling with depression helped inspire McKnight’s song “Hour of Darkness” from his latest CD, Something Worth Standing For. “Those who face serious mental illness are, I believe, among the least-served members of our community,” McKnight explained. “So we are happy to have the opportunity to help here in our own community through the work of Friends of Loudoun Mental Health.”
“We’re thrilled that Andrew, Les, Stephanie and Lisa are putting on this concert,” said Judy Hines, President of Friends. “Their music is fresh, and many of Andrew’s songs call on us to see the world through the eyes of others.”
Friends of Loudoun Mental Health, working in partnership with Loudoun County’s Mental Health Services, helps Loudoun neighbors facing mental illnesses avoid homelessness through rent and utility supplements; provides gifts and events that help in their treatment, and sponsors public presentations and conferences aimed at erasing ignorance and stigma relating to mental illness.
The Franklin Park Arts Center, built on the site of an old dairy barn, opened last year as Western Loudoun’s premiere performance venue. It’s at 36441 Blueridge View Lane in Purcellville. Visit the Franklin Park website at http://www.franklinparkartscenter.org/ for driving directions.
The concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets ($15, with a $3 discount for students and seniors) are available from the Franklin Park Arts Center box office, 540-338-7973, or, while they last, can be purchased at the door.

Come out and support the Friends of Loudoun Mental Health, and enjoy good music at the same time.