It’s common knowledge that opioid addiction is the leading epidemic facing the U.S. today. It’s also no secret that it’s had a devastating impact on upstate New York, particularly in our region, the Hudson Valley. Having had many friends in the music community over the years who’ve struggled with the condition—most of whom have not survived it—I welcome any opportunity that comes my way to combat this sickening scourge. Today’s post, which is to get the word out about the FH Festival, a music event in Saugerties on August 5 designed to raise awareness of the issue and commemorate the loss of 33-year-old Normand Ducas, is one such opportunity. I’ll leave it up to you to determine what the “FH” stands for. (Right on.)

From the festival’s Facebook page: “The goal of this event is to bring awareness to [the growing local heroin/opiate epidemic], and raise the remaining burial funds for the Ducas family after losing their beloved Normand. Food will be served all day, raffles and bake sales will be held, vendors will be present with a primary focus on addiction and recovery, and live music from 17 different artists and bands all day! Please come out and support this event and let’s begin putting our community back together.”

Among the acts performing are Whiteout, Mattrix, Upgrade, Dom Gotti, and Painmask. Here’s video for Whiteout’s latest single:

The FH Festival will take place at the Saugerties Elks Lodge on August 5 from noon to 8pm. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/109337513058391/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22page%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22page_upcoming_events_card%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A[]%7D]%22%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D.