by Jackie Swisshelm

By Shervin Lainez

On March 31 at the Lilypad in Cambridge, three sober artists will share their music to honor and celebrate the strength of musicians who embrace sobriety, and speak about their own recovery. This kind of showcase, called Singing Sober: Musicians Sharing Stories of Recovery, is 100% the kind of event the Boston scene needs to support.

Because let’s face it— Drinking and various other intoxicants are commonplace at music-related events. Most find it difficult to even pry the two practices apart. Consequently, it’s the sober-in-recovery artists who don’t receive the support they need.

“My experience over the last twenty years on the road, playing in clubs with booze every night, wore on me.” Melissa Ferrick, who was raised in Ipswich, Mass, said. “My desire to find other sober-in-recovery folks, and those who support us, was met with very little response; we need stronger relationships.”

Ferrick, who has released 17 albums over the last 23 years, headlines Singing Sober. Guitarist/singer-songwriter/New Hampshire native MB Padfield will open alongside local artist Anjimile, who strings raw lyrics along indie-pop melodies.

Hosted by Haley Katrin Studios, EBASS, and Right Turn, this show will provide performers a space to share their personal stories. On-lookers, too, will have the chance to share their experiences of recovery during an open-mic session during the show.

When the majority of shows take place at bars or boozy basements, this one exists to interrupt that. “I am interested in doing anything I can to create community within the art world for people in all aspects of recovery,” said Ferrick. And Singing Sober can help do just that.

March 31, 2017, 7-9pm
Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St., Cambridge MA
Tickets ($10) here.