For sober musicians and music fans, going to a concert can present a serious challenge. With drugs and alcohol being normalized and even glorified in the music industry, many believe that going to a show puts their sobriety at risk. Venues rely on liquor sales to turn a profit, performers can often be paid in drink tickets, and a hard-partying lifestyle is encouraged to maintain a rock star persona.
Enter Sober Sessions, a new concert series presented by nonprofits The Phoenix and Music Minds Matter with help from the Denver Music Advancement Fund. Sober Sessions offers sober and sober-curious folks an alternative concert experience. Free to attend for anyone with 48 hours of continuous sobriety from alcohol and non-prescription drugs, the first Sober Session will take place at the Phoenix's Denver headquarters on Saturday, May 13. The event will start with a panel discussion about recovery and mental wellness, followed by performances from El Javi, Alysia Kraft and Kayla Marque, with special guest There's an Ape for That spinning records between sets.
