A benefit concert to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic is set for Sunday, May 19 at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville.
Local artists Opal Agafia & the Sweet Nothings, Jesse Dean and Co. and Caleb Ryan Martin will perform at the event, organized by the Matt Adams Foundation for Opioid Recovery, a nonprofit working to combat the opioid epidemic in Fayetteville and the surrounding areas.
What: Enigma – Benefit Concert to Combat the Opioid Epidemic
When: 6 p.m. May 19
Where: George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
Cost: $10 in advance, $12 day of show
The foundation is named in memory of Fayetteville native Matt Adams, who died of an accidental overdose in 2017. It was founded by his mother, his two sisters and his fiance, Heather Starbuck. The women speak at engagements across the country, offer resources for families and friends of those struggling with abuse, and recently launched a local confidential hotline for free Naloxone kits.
Naloxone is used as an opioid overdose reversal drug. Once injected, it removes the effects of opioids from the brain receptors and stops the overdose.
The foundation has distributed nearly 250 Naloxone kits to the community in the last six weeks. The founders believe that the first step in combating the epidemic is to keep the person needing help alive and give them a second chance at life.
Starbuck said Arkansas remains the second most over-prescribed state for opioids in the country with 114.6 prescriptions per 100 people. She said Northwest Arkansas needs more resources, understanding and compassion in order to combat the issue.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the foundation’s kit distribution program and help with financial aid for treatment.
Starbuck said the event is scheduled on the day that would’ve been Matt’s 32nd birthday. She said she hopes the concert is the first of many events to help with the foundation’s efforts.
Besides music, a silent auction is also planned. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of show. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit stubs.net/tickets/2410/enigma-matt-adams-memorial-benefit
