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Roots Rock Legend Sam Llanas Promotes Suicide Awareness with Acclaimed Drama A Day for Grace

A Day For Grace Indie Gogo Campaign

 

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Send Sammy to Broadway!

Help roots rock legend Sam Llanas promote suicide awareness with the critically-acclaimed drama A Day for Grace.

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A Day for Grace is a critically-acclaimed drama that deals with social taboos we never speak of: bullying, alcoholism, mental illness, and a host of other devastating precursors that can ultimately lead to suicide.

Sam Llanas and Doug Vincnet

photos: Matthew Staver

The true story of playwright and lead actor Doug Vincent’s life, A Day for Graceweaves a profound tale of loss and redemption.

Sam Llanas (formerly of BoDeans) accompanies Doug Vincent live on stage with original music that mirrors the story’s message of hope and triumph over tragedy.

Every member of the production team, including Sam, has lost a family member to suicide.

It is our hope that by speaking of the unspeakable, and sharing our own stories with those yet unable to do so, A Day for Grace will create a safe space in which it is possible for healing to begin.

The Backstory

In its first year of production, A Day for Grace opened to rave reviews across the country.

Doug Vincent

Playwright/Actor Doug Vincent

Audiences in Denver, Chicago, Boulder and New York City courageously embarked on a journey of healing with Doug Vincent and Sam Llanas, whose original music provides the haunting, deeply moving underscore.

The results have been astounding.

While suicide remains “the last taboo” in our society, being able to speak of it openly and share in Doug’s story has been truly healing for the communities in which the play has been presented.

It is our goal and honor to continue to bring this special piece to as many people as possible.

In addition to bravely addressing the destructive impact suicide has on any family, the play confronts relevant contemporary issues such as bullying, sexual abuse, alcoholism, mental illness  (among the leading causes of suicide) and most importantly, hope and recovery.

Sam Llanas

Singer/Songwriter Sam Llanas

Most of the music in A Day for Grace was written years before the show came into being.

In 1998, Sam Llanas released a solo album called A Good Day to Die. The album is profound and haunting, and expresses the pain and confusion surrounding the suicide of Sam’s brother.

When Doug contacted Sam about creating some music for the show, both artists were shocked to discover that Sam had already written music for the show – he’d just done it 14 years earlier.

 From songs about bullying to drug abuse and recovery, each song complements a scene from the play perfectly. It’s almost impossible to watch the show without marveling at the obvious synchronicity inherent in this collaboration.

A Day for Grace is produced by Boulder StoryHealers, a project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, a nonprofit charity under Section 501(c)3. A Day for Grace was developed at Stage Left Studio in New York City.

Doug Vincent

Along with producing A Day for Grace, Boulder StoryHealers conducts monologue workshops for people affected by trauma, illness, and adversity, and helps them write, perform and share their stories with live audiences.

How your tax-deductible donation will be used

In 2013, A Day for Grace will continue its tour to Milwaukee, Chicago and back to New York. It is our hope to reach as many people as possible in order to facilitate healing in communities across the U.S.

Your tax-deductible donation will help the production

  • rent theater space
  • cover travel expenses
  • hire sound and lighting crew
  • design and produce marketing materials
  • produce monologue workshops for those affected by issues related to suicide
  • perform A Day for Grace in Milwaukee in September 2013 (TBA) and Chicago at Stage 773, September 11-13, 2013
  • perform A Day for Grace at a producer’s showcase at Stage Left Studio in New York from September 19-22, 2013

Our ultimate goal is to secure funding to produce A Day for Grace Off-Broadway.

In order to do that, we need to give the production every opportunity to be seen in front of artistic, visionary funders who care about these causes as much as we do.

Boulder StoryHealers Mission

Boulder StoryHealers works with people facing trauma, illness, and adversity to fully experience their true healing voice through storytelling in a deeply supportive environment.

A Day for Grace tells the true story of Doug Vincent’s life, accompained by original live music by Sam Llanas.  Every member of the ADFG production team has lost a family member to suicide. Doug and Sam’s performance brings the message of hope and healing to communities around the country.

Other Ways You Can Help

We welcome your contribution, no matter its form.

Your tax-deductible contribution to Boulder StoryHealers will be processed by the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, a nonprofit charity under Section 501(c)3.

If you’re unable to contribute financially, you can help by spreading the word about A Day for Grace to as many friends and family as possible.

You can:

  • Copy and paste this content into an email and send it to your email list

  • Share our campaign link on Facebook, Twitter and Google+

    http://igg.me/at/adayforgrace/x/2805992

  • Come see the play in Milwaukee, Chicago, and/or New York

    2013 Tour Dates:

    Milwaukee: September (TBA)

    Chicago: September 11, 12, 13, 2013

    New York City:  September 19, 20, 21, 22, 2013

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By Abbe Sparks

Abbe Sparks is the Founder of Abbe Sparks Media Group & Socially Sparked News. A social entrepreneur, she is a social media and content influencer who has been covering the entertainment, music, tech and advocacy sectors for over 25 years. A member of US Press Association, she has written for many online and print publications including the UK's Blues Matters Magazine, Big City Rythm & Blues & her former column 'Abbe's Sparks' for RFPalooza. You can also find her stories on Medium & Tumbler. Twitter: @asparks01

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