Kevin Lyman, Talinda Bennington launch mental health-driven 320 Festival

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March 10, 2020

After revealing the 320 Project, Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman and 320 Changes Direction founder Talinda Bennington, who was married to the late Chester Bennington, are announcing the first-ever 320 Fest. 

The event, taking place on May 9 at L.A. Live, is bringing awareness to the importance of our mental health with a free community music and film festival, mental health summit and more.

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Last month, the pair revealed the 320 mental health summit taking place today (March 9).

The non-profit is kicking off with 320 Conversations, a roundtable discussion with actor/comic Ken Jeong hosting and Lyman moderating. Panel participants include Blue October frontman Justin Furstenfeld (who will also be performing), Morgan Freed (co-founder/director of Emo Nite LA), Tiffany Jenkins (Juggling The Jenkins), Jason Docton (CEO of Rise Above The Disorder) and Erin Raffery Ryan, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Alliance On Mental Illness.

Now, they’re announcing an all-new event taking place in Los Angeles, California.

The even is featuring a community festival, film festival, mental health summit and benefit concert. Approximately 10,000 people throughout the day are joining together to shift views on mental health.

The festival is running through the Unite the United Foundation. All net proceeds are going to participating official 320 Festival nonprofits.

“The idea for 320 was born out of my personal experience and the recognition that we can do better to address the needs of those who are suffering with mental health concerns and addiction,” Bennington says in a statement.

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“For 13 years I watched my husband Chester struggle with depression and substance use. I often felt scared and alone. I was uneducated about the challenges he faced and I wanted information – but finding answers to my questions and available help for our family was very difficult. We need to change the culture of mental health so that those in need – and their family members – are able to speak openly about their struggles so that they can seek the care they deserve.”
The event is featuring a free community festival at the XBOX Plaza at L.A. LIVE with over 30 non-profit partners. Adding to that, there are live performances from artists including Bruce Wiegner, Dylan Dunlap, Rouxx, Evaride, Holy Wars, Vaines, X.ARI, Atarah Valentine, Blue Midnight and more.
There is also a mental health summit with numerous panels and round table discussions. On top of that, there will be safe spaces with access to free, licensed therapists for all attendees.
Beyond the musical performances, panel discussions and speakers, there is a film festival happening. The film portion will see the LA premiere of Blue October’s documentary Get Back Up. The film is chronicling frontman Justin Furstenfeld’s struggle with mental illness and addiction.

Read More: Coachella allegedly postponed 6 months over coronavirus concerns

“I never thought I’d have the opportunity to be a part of something so special and important as this 320 Festival event,” says Furstenfeld. “Recovery saved my life. Not only have I found the peace and confidence that I was searching for, but I’ve been given the chance to share my experience, strength and hope with the world. To be asked to attend this function feels like I’m achieving a goal way beyond my own reach and I thank 320 for allowing me into its world.”
The festival is ending off with a very special close. A special musical performance and benefit show, Songs That Saved My Life, is taking place with the lineup arriving at tonight’s event. You can see that below.

You can also learn more about the event here.

What do you think of 320 Festival taking place in Los Angeles? Let us know what you think and if you are planning on attending in the comments below.

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