Right Turn and Berklee Announce Supergroup Concert

Berklee and Right Turn—a local nonprofit that provides an innovative program that offers intensive outpatient treatment and supportive housing in a uniquely creative environment for treating addictions and mental health—present the 27-Club Memorial Concert, April 4, at the Berklee Performance Center. 

The 27-Club refers to the talented musicians who have died, often as the result of drug and alcohol abuse, at 27 years old. Tragically, the list is long and includes such well-known artists as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, and Kurt Cobain, among others. 

A stage full of stars, including Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule/Allman Brothers), Simon Kirke (Bad Company), Dave Ellefson (Megadeath), Tony “Thunder” Smith (Lou Reed, Berklee), Barry Goudreau (formerly of the band Boston), Steve Bailey (Jethro Tull, Berklee), Gary Cherone  and Pat Badger (Extreme), Josh Kantor (Fenway Park), and Woody Giessmann (the Del Fuegos) will come together to play a tribute to the great rock and rollers lost to substance abuse. Led by Gary Hoey, proceeds from the concert will support Right Turn.

“I am very grateful to be working with Berklee College of Music along with my many friends to come out and play music in support of Right Turn,” says Woody Giessmann, CEO and founder of Right Turn. “The memory of these exceptionally talented musicians lost too early reinforces the importance of early intervention in saving lives.”

“Our partnership with Right Turn means we get to host the annual, exciting Supergroup show, and provide forums for our students to hear directly from some of the musicians on the importance of health and wellness," says Darla Hanley, dean of the Professional Education Division at Berklee. "The lifestyle choices students make can affect the advancement of their music and careers. Sponsor Mattina R. Proctor Foundation makes it possible for our students to hear some of the right information that will help them succeed in music and life."

Kirke, Ellefson, and Hoey are not only lending their talents to the stage, they will also meet with students prior to the concert at Berklee College of Music. The collaborative sessions will help promote Right Turn’s goal of a sober life style.

Right Turn is an innovative approach to addiction and mental health services. Established in March 2003 by Giessmann, former drummer for the Del Fuegos, Right Turn is a welcoming place where creative people in recovery can experience a sense of purpose and belonging. The organization has developed a continuum of evidence-based services, along with a creative approach, to assist people seeking treatment on their way to a productive lifestyle.