Talking about suicide is never easy, especially when it has claimed a friend or loved one. And unfortunately, chances are that we all know someone who has been affected by suicide.
For the caring minds behind The Saving Grace Project, an endeavor dedicated to preventing suicide and honoring those whose lives have been taken from suicide, this sentiment definitely rings true.
The project started when Grace Pinckney Evans, a talented songwriter and musician, ended her life in January of 2015 while she was a student at Belmont University.
Her friends and fellow musicians were shell shocked, plagued by the feelings and questions suicide loss survivors often experience. As they processed their grief together, they realized that the best way to honor their friend was to create her legacy through what she loved most: music.
The group decided to write and record an album dedicated to Grace, aptly named Saving Grace.
Stephanie Boshea, a member of The Saving Grace Project, remembers writing her contribution to the album. “I felt like Grace helped me write it, the words poured out in under five minutes on a crowded bus in Ireland. This was a few months before Marjorie, Julia and I got talking about putting an album together. Then, after we started up the album process, we found Sam and Innovo to get the ball rolling for the show. Looking back on the story of the Saving Grace Project, I think this is something that Grace would’ve loved and supported and participated in.”
When I listen to the album, the raw emotion and love for Grace is palpable and it moves me to tears.
After partnering with local powerhouse Innovo Management, The Saving Grace Project developed into an annual benefit to raise awareness about suicide and the importance of mental health, for Grace, the nearly 44,000 Americans lost to suicide yearly, and others struggling. Not only does the annual benefit raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, it has become a welcoming community platform for discussion and healing.
To help support The Saving Grace Project, come out to the Exit/in Saturday October 20, 2018 for their annual benefit concert. I will be there to say a few words as well!
Come out and listen to some awesome music to support a great cause!
SAVING GRACE:
10/20/18, Exit/In, 18+
Event Page : https://www.facebook.com/events/2112746555652469/
Website (story, tickets, donations) : http://www.savinggraceproject.com
Charity Info : https://afsp.org
Saving Grace Story : http://www.savinggraceproject.com/story/
Saving Grace write-up : https://www.nashvilleoffbeat.com/music/saving-grace-show
Contact Us:
(615) 800-2634
@ehsnashville