CROSSROADS FESTIVAL
A festival of music and melody celebrating Mental Health Month to raise funds for Rebus Theatre’s mental health programs
This October, in honor of Mental Health Month, Rebus Theatre is proud to present the Crossroads Festival, a heartfelt musical celebration designed to raise awareness and funds for mental health programs. With a focus on reducing stigma and supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, the festival promises a series of inspiring performances by local musicians with lived experience of mental ill-health.
Salving Solos 5-7pm Sat Oct 19 – Pulp Book Cafe
An intimate evening with local singer songwriters Deb Morgan, Ben Drysdale and Duncan n. Sargeant
Bookings: https://rebustheatre.supporterhub.net.au/events/crossroads-salving-solos
Join us for an intimate evening with three talented singer-songwriters, each sharing their personal journeys through music. Duncan N. Sargeant is a gifted guitarist and songwriter whose music reflects his 30-year battle with mental health, including multiple hospitalisations. His captivating lyrics and virtuosic guitar playing have become essential outlets for his survival and mental health journey.
Sargeant will be joined by Ben Drysdale, an award-winning indie folk artist, and Deb Morgan, whose voice has been described as angelic. All three musicians bring unique stories and talents, ensuring a memorable and moving evening.
Recital Remedies 2-4pm Sun Oct 27 – Gorman Arts Centre Main Hall (between the two courtyards)
An instrumental recital featuring some of Canberra’s finest talents Alec Randles, Demetri Neidorf & Wayne Kelly and Duncan n. Sargeant
Bookings: https://rebustheatre.supporterhub.net.au/events/crossroads-recital-remedies
This instrumental recital will feature some of Canberra’s finest talents performing across a variety of genres and instruments. Alec Randles will present his Celtic Acoustic Guitar melodies, while the dynamic duo Demetri Neidorf & Wayne Kelly will captivate with their jazz saxophone and keyboard performance. Finally, Duncan N. Sargeant will offer a new instrumental guitar piece, including the world premiere of his latest work, The Mallard.
THE HISTORY:
The Crossroads Festival stems from Duncan N. Sargeant’s 20-year tradition of organising concerts to promote mental health awareness. First launched as a solo concert to combat stigma, the event has grown into an annual festival celebrating music and well-being. Over the years, performances have been hosted at notable venues such as Tilley’s, Belconnen Theatre, and Polish Club.
In 2021, Sargeant expanded this event into a full-fledged festival, aiming to spread the message even further. This year, the Crossroads Festival is a collaboration with Rebus Theatre, an organisation dedicated to creating social change through theatre and other art, particularly supporting artists with mental health challenges.
This festival is supported by #MentalHealthMonth2024, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT, Bytes N Colours and Spy in Canberra. Rebus also receives support from Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres and the ACT Government.
Join us for this one-of-a-kind festival that unites music, mental health, and community, all in support of a crucial cause.
