Written by a human, Tim Tompkins, on 10.31.26
Our mission is rooted in meeting individuals and families exactly where they are on their journey through substance use disorder. Today, we are thrilled to announce a powerful new partnership that brings our mission to the stage: Music | Strength | Hope, a one-of-a-kind benefit concert taking place on Saturday, April 10th at Jacksonville’s historic Murray Hill Theatre featuring live music & lived-experience recovery speakers.
100% of the net event profits will go directly toward funding Flagler OARS’ frontline peer recovery coaching, family support, and overdose prevention resources across Northeast Florida.
We sat down with Executive Director Brock Birtolo to talk about the power of peer support, what this event means for our community, and how music helps break down walls to celebrate this announcement.
The Power of Lived Experience: A Q&A with Brock Birtolo
Flagler OARS provides vital peer recovery support and overdose prevention resources across our community. For someone who isn’t familiar with your work, what makes peer-to-peer support so effective in helping individuals and families navigate addiction?
“Peer support works because it replaces judgment with real, lived experience and connection. When someone is navigating substance use disorder, sitting down with a peer who has actually walked a similar path creates instant trust. Instead of telling someone what they should do or handing them a pre-made roadmap, we share a ‘me too’ perspective- meeting folks right where they’re at and helping them define their own pathway forward.”
100% of event profits from the show are going directly to Flagler OARS. How will these funds directly support local recovery services, and what does a partnership like this mean for the organization?
“Unrestricted funds from donations like this are a huge deal for us. They cover the real, everyday essentials that grants often can’t, things like Uber rides for participants, meals, clean water, hygiene supplies, and diapers for families in need. Beyond the dollars, though, raising awareness across the First Coast is just as powerful. Getting our name out there means someone in crisis finds out where to get help or pick up Naloxone. Every person who learns about OARS represents a potential life saved, and that directly moves our mission forward.”
Bringing together national artists like Colicchie, Benjamin Lerner, and Matt Keegan alongside local recovery speakers at Murray Hill Theatre is a unique approach. How do events like this help break down the stigma surrounding substance use disorder?
“Music has a way of bringing people together and breaking down walls faster than almost anything else. Having national artists who are open about their path right alongside local recovery voices shows that recovery isn’t something that needs to stay hidden in the dark-nit’s alive, creative, and worth celebrating out in the open.”
This night is built for you whether you are in recovery yourself, a family member, an ally, or simply a fan of great live music. Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation; it takes an entire community showing up together. Join Us at Murray Hill Theatre on April 10th.
Date: Saturday, April 10, 2027
Time: Doors open at 4:30 PM | Show starts at 5:00 PM
Location: Murray Hill Theatre (932 Edgewood Ave N, Jacksonville, FL)
Performers: National recovery artists Colicchie, Benjamin Lerner, and Matt Keegan, alongside recovery speakers Jesse Mogle, Meredith R., and Andrew F.