Our nation’s military does an extraordinary job recruiting and training the world’s finest soldiers. Boot camps and bases around the globe ensure that our men and women serving are ready to face any battle, any task, anywhere, at any time.
But what about when their work is done? When our nation’s finest complete their service, they receive little or no assistance in their return to civilian life. For most, the transition goes fine, but for a few, the return is more difficult. Memories don’t fade and support networks are few.
Through a unique turn of events, singer songwriter Darden Smith, uncovered the therapeutic power of mentoring individuals to give words to their feelings and then put those feelings to music.
SongwritingWith:Soldiers operates from a simple principle — pair veterans and active-duty service members with professional songwriters to craft songs about their military experiences. With a focus on collaboration and building trust, this innovative program, founded by Austin, Texas singer-songwriter Darden Smith, offers a unique path to helping soldiers, their families, communities and our nation cope with the aftermath of combat duty and the challenges in returning home.
SW:S Alum, Sandi Primous
And the sobering measure of their success? With the alarmingly high rate of suicide among our veterans, not one alum of the SongwritingWith:Soldiers has taken their life. An enviable 100% success rate of giving our veterans a tool with which to deal with their grief.
Join us as we partner with well+done DESIGN and Hotel Ella for salon performance to raise much needed funding for the first SW:S dedicated to helping women veterans. For the first time in the history of the organization, they will be able to host a retreat exclusively for women veterans by women songwriters.
The evening will feature a rare, intimate performance of these life-changing songs by Darden Smith including the song of SW:S alum, Sandi Primous who will be on hand to share details of her experience. Additionally, there will be an auction of performances, art and a chef-prepared three-course dinner by Goodall’s Kitchen. Valet parking provided by Hotel Ella.
For tickets and more information, visit https://songwritingwithsoldiers.splashthat.com/
