The third annual O+ Festival isn’t scheduled to happen until early October; but for those clamoring for its heady mix of art, music and wellness, a one-off benefit concert featuring Mike and Ruthy should spark an interest. O+ began in 2010 as a means of calling attention to the underinsured musicians and artists in the community, bringing them together with health care practitioners, many of whom also happen to be music fans. In exchange for health care in pop-up clinics, musicians like the Felice Brothers and Richard Buckner will be among the 35 musical acts on the roster. Artists, filmmakers and other creative professionals are also in the mix; and with children’s activities, spoken-word performances and public wellness workshops all across Kingston, it’s likely that O+ will have something for everyone.
But as the fundraiser demonstrates, O+ can’t succeed without funding, and Mike and Ruthy’s performance will help ensure that the 2012 festival goes off as planned. Donations made to O+ directly support the production of the Festival, including expenses such as clinic supplies, medical and dental expenses, facilities, art and music production, sound and audio equipment, insurance and administrative costs.
The O+ Festival benefit featuring Mike and Ruthy is scheduled for Friday, August 24 at the Old Dutch Church at 272 Wall Street in Kingston. $25 VIP tickets include entry to the pre-show party at 7 p.m., featuring Deejay Raissa St. Pierre, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a silent auction and first crack at seating for the concert. General admission tickets cost $10, with the show beginning at 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://opositivefestival.org/benefit.