Inspired Voices

“Everyone Deserves a a Chance to Fly!"

Inspired Voices Sets the Stage for Hope & Recovery

On Saturday, June 6, the lyrics of “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway Show Wicked came true for everyone in the audience at Inspired Voices, the annual concert and art exhibit to benefit Tri-County Mental Health Services. In fact, the audience did not just fly but soared, along with the musicians and ensemble performers who donate hundreds of hours to the event. But no one soared like the clients who took the stage to sing, read poetry, or share their stories of hope and recovery.

Returning for the second year, Mary Ellen Davis enchanted the audience with her angelic voice in an a cappella presentation of “How can I keep from singing?” a Quaker hymn. Rebecca Tyler of Auburn sang “Friends” with accompaniment from Nicholas Place, the talented young composer and Music Director for the show for four years in a row. One of the many extraordinary highlights of the evening was the world premier of an original composition by Mr. Place, a hauntingly complex chorale work sung a cappella by the Inspired Ensemble. The piece was created to complement the lyrics of a poem by Tammy Neely, a client who uses poetry to touch the hearts and lives of others. The poem was part of a remembrance of Russell Mann, who was part of the show last year and inspired many of his friends and peers to reach beyond their illnesses and embrace recovery. He sadly passed away this spring at the age of 49. “Knowing Russell has made this agency redouble its efforts in integrated care to address the physical health needs as well as mental health needs of the people we serve, who too often suffer do not receive adequate primary care and die prematurely,” said TCMHS Executive Director Chris Copeland.

Other tributes included a nod to Patty Roberge, who has delighted the crowd for the past three years with her joyous “These Boots are Made for Walkin” but was not able to attend Saturday night due to health reasons. Ensemble members Deb and Pete Sevee delivered the number in her honor. Jeanne Greenwood and Mary Ellen Davis led the ensemble in “One Voice”.

Co-Emcee Andrew Harris, Executive Director of L/A Arts, delivered a powerful reading of a journal entry by AJ, a woman who describes the difficult journey to recovery with the metaphoric piece “The Relentless Sea”. Charlie (Rick) Ames returned for the fourth year with his “One Day at a Time,” and a new original work, “I Think You’re Wonderful.” Dave Moreau, Melinda Mackenzie, Dawn Gates, Kitrina Byrnes were all compelling and beautiful. The evening concluded with a rousing ensemble performance of “Together we are One” and as always, a ray of hope for everyone.

TCMHS would like to thank its generous sponsors: Lead sponsor for Inspired Voices is Healey & Associates. Partners are Isaacson & Raymond Attorneys at Law, St. Mary’s Hospital, Auburn/Lewiston Rotary Club, First Choice Printing, EZ 1240, and Turner Publishing. Supporters are Norman Hanson & DeTroy, P&G Tambrands, CMMC, Sun Journal, Camden National Bank, and Wal-Mart of Mexico.

Tri-County Mental Health Services is one of Maine's most respected and progressive agencies dealing with the psychological and social well-being of children, adults, and elders. TCMHS serves almost 10,000 individuals each year in Androscoggin, Northern Cumberland, Franklin and Oxford counties with innovative programs and services addressing mental health, substance abuse, mental retardation/developmental disabilities, autism, and more. The agency is a state, regional and national leader in trauma-informed and recovery-based service delivery, and strives to offer hope to individuals, families, and communities. For more information, visit www.tcmhs.org.

To view more photos, including behind the scenes and rehearsal shots, go here