guitar_b92 Posted March 5, 2006 Report Share Posted March 5, 2006 Take Action tour has a mission beyond music Event draws attention to mental health, suicide prevention COURTNEY DEVORESSpecial to the Observer The annual Sub City Take Action Tour kicked off Wednesday in Washington, with a news conference on Capitol Hill, which included speakers congressman Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., and congresswoman Grace Napolitano, D-Calif., and an acoustic performance by tour headliner Matchbook Romance. The event was held to urge the government to fully fund the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act and pass the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act, as well as to draw national attention to suicide prevention resources and mental health awareness. The Take Action organization has worked with The National Hopeline Network (1-800-SUICIDE) since 2001. In addition to petition-gathering and fundraising, a portion of the tour's proceeds go to The National Hopeline Network, which works closely with the National Mental Health Association and Youth America Hotline (1-877-YOUTHLINE). This year's tour, which stops at Tremont Music Hall on Sunday, includes Matchbook Romance, Silverstein, the Early November and Paramore. Hayley Williams, the 17-year-old lead singer of Paramore, said depression and suicide is an issue that hits home for her age group. "Everyone knows at least one person that seems like they can't get out of a rut. It's normal," said Williams, whose bandmates range in age from 15 to 18. "We all have friends separately that have gone through suicide attempts or depression." Williams said she wasn't aware of the scope of the tour before signing on. "We weren't aware of everything (that they do)," she said. "We knew it was an important tour, especially for people our age going through problems." Sub City Records, the label behind Take Action, was formed with charities in mind. A portion of album sales goes to organizations such as The Women's Justice Center, The National Foundation for Blindness and suicide prevention programs. Sub City released its fifth Take Action compilation in February. The tour also has been instrumental in breaking new hardcore, emo, and punk acts. Past years have included Hawthorne Heights, Thrice, Thursday, Sugarcult, Jimmy Eat World and Charlotte's Hopesfall. Williams and her bandmates are aware of the tour's strong following, but are more interested in its mission. "It's the first tour we've been on that's actually stood for something. I'm really excited to see, not only if it makes our fan base larger, but what we learn from being a part of a tour like this," she said. "After this tour we can move on to working with other organizations that help people." Take Action Tour WHEN: 6 p.m. Sunday WHERE: Tremont Music Hall, 400 W. Tremont Ave. TICKETS: $15 DETAILS: (704) 343-9494; http://www.tremontmusichall.com Link: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/living/religion/14015481.htm It sucks that they had to cancel the tour But I hope that Hayley gets better and rests alot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locomotion Posted March 17, 2006 Report Share Posted March 17, 2006 the article was really good it sucks they cancelled most of the tour : / Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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