Andrew W.K., Save Ferris to take part in mental health awareness festival

August 7, 2017

Acting Out! Fest, which is a four-day arts festival for mental health and addiction awareness, announced that it’ll be returning to Cleveland with a lineup consisting of free stand-up comedy, talk, film, music and art events this fall, Sept. 13-16.

See some of the event highlights below!

The event will be going down in Cleveland’s Gordon Square neighborhood, with participants including nationally known and local experts, comedians, artists, and musicians, and advocates, all putting the spotlight on mental health and addiction issues.

Plus, Monique Powell, frontwoman of Save Ferris, along with local musicians and recovery professionals will discuss the difficulties artists face while in recovery.

Not to mention, all events are free and open to the public, with more than 15 events over four days, including a free waterfront concert from Andrew W.K., a special screening of Mind/Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw, with a talk from former WNBA player Chamique Holdsclaw and sports psychologist Dr. Sam Manier and more.

Mental health and addiction professionals involved in festival events include:

Dr. Joseph Calabrese (University Hospitals), Dr. Joan Papp (MetroHealth), Judge Joan Synenberg (Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas), Dr. Jason Joyce (Recovery Resources), Dr. Sam Maniar (Center for Peak Performance), Joseph Penola, (The You Rock Foundation), Dr. Julius Bailey (Author & Wittenberg University Professor) and more to be announced.

See some of the other highlights of the event and how you can take part in it below!

Stand-up comedy showcase with headliner, Aparna Nancherla, from Late Night with Seth Meyers, Jude Apatow’s Love, and more
Heroin Storytelling: My First Time, featuring former heroin users in recovery, sharing their personal stories and a roundtable discussion with Dr. Joan Papp & Judge Joan Synenberg
Special presentation by Dr. Joseph Calabrese (with artist Derek Hess) detailing the connection between Vincent Van Gogh’s psychiatric symptoms and artistic productivity
Buddhist teacher and counselor Noah Levine will deliver a talk on spirituality and recovery, followed by guided group meditation
Panel discussions on mental health and addiction topics including mental health stigmas in the African American community, Mental Health First Aid, After Treatment, and more
Art exhibition with works from 30+ artists from across the country who have been diagnosed with or have been affected by mental illness or addiction
Mac’s Back-Books Pop Up Mental Health & Addiction Book Shop and Provider Festival Village