Veterans get a lot of love, and two staples of the Tampa rock scene want to give their fans a chance to really show support.
The Heroes Journey, a nonprofit organization that works to amplify the voices of veterans, first responders, and their families, is planning to open a small-scale performing arts center for veterans in Tampa. Those who have put their lives on the line will take the stage and tell their stories in any way, shape, or form they wish: New Vietnam protest songs? Maybe. A theatrical production about their experience in COVID America’s frontlines? Absolutely. “We will also have classrooms to run free workshops and provide jobs for local veterans struggling in the COVID impacted entertainment industry,” communications director Jamie Dunn told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
But in order to make those veteran voices heard, The Heroes Journey needs help.
On Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11), the 501c3 group—with the help of Mark Prator and Wes Dearth—will handle behind the scenes logistics for “Better Ground,” a livestreamed show that will basically be a preview of what to expect when the black box theater opens. Dearth, born John Wesley, was a touring guitarist and vocalist with UK prog-rock giant Porcupine Tree, but he also played in another prog-inspired band, Autodrive, with Prator, who’s played with late metal legend Ralph Santolla. Together, Prator and Dearth run revered local studio RedRoom Recorders.
Among those performing at “Better Ground” will be actual veterans reenacting scenes from the first Tony Award winning plays, “All My Sons,” and the Vietnam-inspired collection, “The Things They Carried.” Also included will be other veterans telling stories through song, or in other ways, one of which may just be sitting and talking. You know, like when you were a kid and your grandpa would tell you war stories.
All profits from this $10 event will go towards getting the theater into gear as soon as humanly possible. There isn’t an establishment like this in Tampa, so hopefully, this theater will make history by drawing in fellow vets, current fighters, and those who just want to hear a story. More information is at theheroesjourney.org, and tickets are available on eventbrite.com.
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This article appears in Nov 5-11, 2020.