by
Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | July 31, 2015
In the U.S., the rate of first-time heroin users has doubled in less than ten years, according to the HHS. For the state of New Jersey, heroin has been the most commonly cited drug behind emergency department and drug treatment admissions since 2010.
Whatever the reason for the disturbing return of a drug that had long seemed to be drifting out of fashion in the U.S., the toll addiction takes on health care systems is moderate in comparison to how they can devastate lives and families.
New Jersey's
CFC Loud n Clear Foundation, a relapse prevention program that aims at rebuilding lives and healing families that are dealing with the trials of addiction, is fighting back with a music festival.
Rock The Farm “Amplify Your Life” — which takes place on August 29 at Regan’s Hollow Farm in Farmingdale, NJ — will bring together a slew of well known rock bands with roots in the Garden State to raise money and awareness in the battle against drug addiction.
Among the performers slotted to perform are David Bryan (of Bon Jovi's band), Dawg Whistle (featuring the E Street Band's Vini Lopez), Ricky Byrd (of Joan Jett fame), Joey Stann, Carmine Appice of Vanilla Fudge, the Characters, Frankenstein 3000, and many others.
Besides live music, the family-friendly event also promises local craft vendors, games, raffles, a kid zone, horses, volleyball, and a beer garden. There will also be a dog costume contest with prizes and a free yoga class.
According to the event website, tickets are $25 in advance — but they are also looking for volunteers to help out. Children under 10 get in for free.
Proceeds raised through Rock the Farm "Amplify Your Life" will benefit the CFC Loud n Clear Foundation, which has helped more than 900 families in New Jersey's Monmouth and Ocean counties, according to event organizers.
