A Concert For Recovery with Keith Urban

Every day in Connecticut, at least two people die from an opioid overdose. Because of this problem, Connecticut REALTORS along with iHeartMedia, and WTNH News8 have come together. They are working to promote awareness of the ever increasing opioid crisis in the state. The premier event of their campaign was a recent concert featuring country performers Travis Denning, Matt Stell, and Keith Urban. Mohegan Sun Arena was packed with an enthusiastic crowd that night.

Michael Barbaro, Chair of the CT REALTORS Opioid Awareness Work Group, said, “Our hope is so much bigger than this concert. We want to make a significant impact in the way people view opioid use disorder, and remove the stigma directed at those who suffer from addiction. We can’t stay on the sidelines while so many people in our communities are suffering.” “If we can get people out of the shadows and they can get the help that is available to them out there, then we can save lives.”

Proceeds from the concert ticket sales will be donated to the CTREALTORS Foundation to provide charitable grants to organizations in CT addressing the opioid crisis.

Georgia’s own Travis Denning kicked things off with a rousing set that got the crowd moving. Denning is a relative new comer on the scene at the tender age of 26. His love of hard rock brings a harder edge to his music but it’s certainly grown from country roots.

While he has released several singles, we’re still awaiting an album from Denning. He has made a name for himself not only by performing but by songwriting as well. He has written for several country acts, most notably, Jason Aldean. Keep your eyes on this young man as he will no doubt be more of a household name in the future.

Next up was Arkansas native Matt Stell. Stell taught himself to play guitar during his college years and also self released several albums since. He’s certainly not one to sit on the sidelines and let the world dictate his direction. His drive and initiative shines through in his powerhouse of a performance. Early in October, his single “Prayed For You” hit #3 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. This is his first hit single as a lead artist but we highly doubt it’s his last.

Keith Urban took the stage to a thunderous greeting from his adoring fans. This New Zealand born and Australian raised artist has worked hard to win over the traditional minded American country music fans. His work has certainly paid off! He has won numerous awards including several Entertainer of the Year awards.

Keith Urban always shows why he has earned such accolades. He is an entertainer who enjoys what he does and doesn’t seem to take his success for granted. His music is a blend of country, rock, and power pop which gets the audience on their feet and singing. Even if you are not a fan of his music, do yourself a favor and go to a Keith Urban concert. I will guarantee you will enjoy yourself tremendously and walk away a fan.

If you wish to donate to become involved in the opioid awareness campaign, you can click here – Get Involved. You can donate by texting CTR25 to 52000. That’s a one time $25 donation which will be added to your mobile phone bill.