Lucy Blues is excited to announce a music festival benefiting the Sgt 2 Step Foundation offering programs, scholarships, resources and support for survivors of the fallen on Gold Star Mother and Families Weekend.
The event is Saturday, Sept 27, from 2pm-midnight at Lucy Blue’s which is located at 711 Madeley Street in downtown Conroe.
September 28 is National Gold Star Mother and Family Sunday, a national observance on the last Sunday of September to honor the families of military members who died in service to the United States. The day began in 1936 with a congressional resolution and was later expanded in 2011 to include all family members of the fallen, not just mothers. Gold Star Mothers lost a child actively serving our country in any branch of the military.
This special event is dedicated to honoring and supporting Gold Star families, those who have lost a family member in service to our nation. The festival will feature a powerful lineup of live performances from both local and national artists, bringing the community together to celebrate the power of music and the strength of military families. All proceeds will benefit the Sgt2 Step Foundation, which supports Gold Star families through advocacy, direct aid and remembrance initiatives.
Performances include Uncle Ryano, John Swat, Scotti Fraser, Caleb Hoelscher, Celeste Marie Wilson, Susan Hickman, Jimmy Ninja, Britney Doyal, Shree B., Gabe Choate, Megan Urby, Howard County Band, Tylar Tillman, Grifters and Shills, The Perkins 2, Christi Allen, Carson Clay, Tucker Hart, The Joan Hearts, Maddy & Colten, Hannah Mercedes, Tasman Sharp, Connor Thompson and Two Fifths. Veterans and Gold Star families have free admission to the festival. Public tickets can be purchased at the door or online: http://bit.ly/41UOTOO.
“As a Gold Star mother, I know how important it is to stand by our youth, our families, and the survivors of the fallen,” said Tracy La Porte, Gold Star Mother & Founder of the Sgt. 2Step Foundation. “Too often there are no programs, no groups, no unit for us, so we created one. The Sgt. 2Step Festival is about bringing the community together, honoring the fallen, lifting the siblings and getting back to the root of who we are. Music is the universal language, and taking care of our people is simply human nature.”
The Sgt 2Step Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to honoring Gold Star Families and fallen heroes through impactful programs. Programs include sibling scholarships to a trade school, summer retreats and camps, or extracurricular activities, writing/music camps, Gold Star Family Festivals, family support for counseling referrals, youth outreach, and a special award, the “Sgt 2Step Award” given to a nominated individual or organization that goes above and beyond for service, honor, and truth.
Tracy “2Step” La Porte went from being in foster care to now a Gold Star Mom enduring a path defined by resilience and purpose after the loss of her son, Sgt. Adam “2Step” La Porte, a proud U.S. Army infantry soldier.
She founded the Sgt 2 Step Foundation to honor his legacy and support the families of the fallen, especially siblings and children who are often not included in beneficiary benefits or recognitions. Through scholarships, family programs, and music-driven events, the foundation brings healing, unity, and remembrance carrying forward the belief that the “Beat of the Brave Lives On.”
During the festival, the Flag to Remember and the Texas Honor Flag will both be revealed. The Flag to Remember is a handsewn flag by active military representing veterans, first responders, and active-duty service members. The Texas Honor Flag travels to ongoing festivals including military bases honoring the fallen from Texas including Tracy’s son and the author of this article, Margie Taylor’s son, Spc. Joey Lenz.
Emily Perkins coordinated the bands that will be performing at the music festival on Saturday. She is also a member of The Perkins 2 band, a participating group at the festival.
“As a Blue Star family, service is personal to us. It lives in our home, in our hearts, and in our music. That is why The Perkins 2 proudly stands with the Sgt 2Step Foundation. This mission gives a voice to the voiceless, remembers those who gave all, and uplifts the siblings and families. We are honored to use our platform the keep the beat of the brave alive,” she said.
Donations help survivors of the fallen, siblings, veterans, first responder families, humanitarians, community leaders, and underserved youth heal. Learn more about the Sgt 2Step Foundation and their mission at www.Sgt2StepFoundation.org or www.2StepTribe.com.