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Earlier today, Kevin Lyman (Founder of the Vans Warped Tour, USC Professor, and CEO of the Kevin Lyman Group and Unite the United) and Talinda Bennington (Chester Bennington of Linkin Park’s Widow) announced the first ever 320 Festival, taking place May 9th at L.A. LIVE. As a part of this one-of-a-kind event, the day will conclude with a benefit show called Songs That Saved My Life and will take place at The Novo. The show will feature a number of incredibly notable artists, Art Alexakis of Everclear, Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October, Kiiara, Social House, Frank Zummo of Sum 41, Gnash, Aunty Social, special appearances by Brian Mackenzie, Joe Sib, and Lauren Dair, and more to be announced. Tickets will be on sale starting on March 27.
On being a part of this first-ever festival, some of the participating artists shared their thoughts. Social House says, “We believe that mental health is one of the most important conversations everyone should be having today – breaking down stigmatism and opening up acceptance to so many struggling. We are so excited to be joining 320 Festival and all the other artists participating to continue spreading the word about such an important cause that is both deeply personal & significant to us.”
Lauren Dair continues, “The work Kevin and Talinda are doing is incredible and I’m beyond honored to be included in such an important event. It’s a privilege to come together with some incredible artists and open the dialogue about mental health in a safe and supportive environment.”
320 Festival’s mission is to help bring awareness to the importance of our mental health and provide attendees the resources they need to better care for their emotional well-being and the well-being of those they love. This one-day festival will feature a Community Festival, Film Festival, Mental Health Summit, and Benefit Concert. 10,000 people throughout the day will join together in making a change. The 320 Festival will be run through the Unite the United Foundation and 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to participating official 320 Festival nonprofits.

The 320 Festival will feature a free daytime community festival taking over the XBOX Plaza at L.A. LIVE with over 30 non-profit partners, live performances from artists including Bruce Wiegner, Dylan Dunlap, Rouxx, Evaride, Holy Wars, Vaines, X.ARI, Atarah Valentine, Blue Midnight and more to be announced. A full list of nonprofit and community festival partners is available at 320Festival.com.

Taking place at The Novo and The Terrace at L.A. LIVE, the free Mental Health Summit will feature numerous panels and round table discussions surrounding topics like Criminalizing Mental Illness, Prevention Resources, Social Media and the Age of Anxiety, Entertainment Industry and Mental Health, Human Sustainability in the Food and Beverage Community, Youth of America and more. There will also be safe spaces with access to free, licensed therapists for all attendees.

Panelists and speakers include Jason Flom (CEO of Lava Records and criminal justice advocate), Justin Brooks (Director of the California Innocence Project), Tara Conner (Miss USA 2006), DJ Nash (Executive Producer of “a million little things”) and more, Gabe Escobar (Tik Tok Influencer & Mental Health Advocate), Paul Zak PHD, Jamie Tworkwski (Founder of TWLOHA), Anna Shinoda, Jonny Boucher (Founder + CEO of Hope for the Day and Sip of Hope), Erica Krusen (MFT, Senior Director of MusiCares), Richard “Wolfie” Wolf (Author of “Tune In: Music as the Bridge to Mindfulness”, Emmy Award-winning Composer, Multi Platinum Selling Producer, CEO of Producers Lab, Inc., USC Adjunct Professor), Joel Rivas (CEO and Founder of Saint City Culinary Foundation), Dr Michelle Saari (Executive Board of Directors Member of Heart Support, Mental Health Advisor Heartsupport, and Director of Psychological Services in the Minnesota Department of Corrections), LJ Malberg (Founder & President Compassionate Muse, Christmas Bacos – Sr. Director of Workplace Mental Health, HFTD), Marissa Andrada (Chief People Officer, Chipotle Mexican Grill), James Kinney (VP, People of Advertising Agency & Co-Founder of Disrupt HR LA) and more.

There will also be a free film festival at Regal Theater featuring movies, short films and documentaries that tackle various mental health topics. This will also mark the LA premiere of Blue October’s documentary Get Back Up, which chronicles frontman Justin Furstenfeld’s struggle with mental illness and addiction. 

For much of the budding success of Blue October, Furstenfeld was able to hide his addiction though the band was falling apart. His mental illness battle, however, was apparent through many of his dark lyrics found on Blue October songs, something he’s struggled with since a teenager. Get Back Up not only details his side, but the battles faced by loved ones as well.

“I never thought I’d have the opportunity to be a part of something so special and important as this 320 Festival event,” said Justin Furstenfeld, Blue October. “Recovery saved my life. Not only have I found the peace and confidence that I was searching for, but I’ve been given the chance to share my experience, strength and hope with the world. To be asked to attend this function feels like I’m achieving a goal way beyond my own reach and I thank 320 for allowing me into its world”.

The night will conclude with a very special ticketed Benefit Show called Songs That Saved My Life at The Novo. Artists will come together for a night unlike any other to deliver once in a lifetime performances for fans. The lineup for the benefit show will be revealed at tonight’s 320 Conversations event.

Additionally, Hopeless Records along with their non-profit organization, Sub City, will be launching this year’s $10,000 Sub City Songs That Saved My Life grant at 320 Festival. The grant is awarded to an applicant partnering with a non-profit organization related to mental health awareness and/or suicide prevention.

Kevin Lyman expressed, “It is a true honor to be involved with the 320 Festival, honoring the legacy of Chester Bennington and bringing together so many wonderful organizations in the mental health and resource space together. It has always been a belief of mine that it if you empower today’s youth and create experiences where a community can have fun and come together it will create a melting pot for true societal change. The 320 Festival embodies that thinking.”

For more information on 320 Festival, please head to www.320Festival.com.

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