Art and Music Fest Entertains

A collection of local artists filled the High School Auditorium with their art, tunes, and song last Tuesday during the Students Against Destructive Decision's (or SADD) Art and Music Fest.

The event began with Sophie Irish, a Broadus High student, performing "Saturn" by Sleeping At Last, and "Nuvole Bianche" by Ludovico Einaudi on the piano.

Next up was Justin Lammi reading his poetry. Justin is currently the Operations Manager at MSU Sports Facilities, and has been writing poetry as a passion project. His writing touches on the grief of losing people, places, idea of self, love and highlights his experiences as an out LGBQT Broadus alumni.

Lammi recited poems including: "Cowboys Don't Cry", "The Sixth Sense", "8 Second Eternity", and "Love Beyond Life".

Drew Gatlin, playing piano was accompanied by her sister Denni on vocals performing "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith, and Drew performed "Stay" by Rihanna.

Drew makes special dog treats, available for sale at Broadus IGA, named "Drew's Doggie Delights". Denni works as a dispatcher at the Sheriff's Office, helping the community behind the scenes.

Tom Trusler then played guitar, performing "Silent Lucidity" by Queensrÿche, and "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, with the help of James Draine.

Tom is a proud business owner of High Mountain, providing cannabis products that are locally grown as an alternative health care option. He was a part of the Class of 87 and known for his leather jacket and packing around his drumsticks in his back pocket.

James trains and works with livestock guard dogs for protection services. He recently started working with equine therapy. His song choices reflect rural, cowboy culture's struggle with addiction. Generational ranch trauma is difficult to get out of when it's all you've ever known.

Draine performed "Run Away High" by Sam R Barber, and "Bag of Pills" by Arlo McKinley.

Luke Mobley, a 2014 Broadus Grad is a former SADD member. As a lifelong music lover, Luke enjoys playing guitar, writing music and singing in his free time. Luke played guitar to "Nobody's Fool" by Shakey Graves and "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen to round out the night.

Throughout the performances the story of SADD was presented to the audience. Began by Eli Turnbough and Kristi Mobley, the program has blossomed over the years as a way to share, educate and bring awareness to social, emotional and community issues.

Current advisors include Morgan Weller, Dani Draine, and Kylie Randall. Recent projects from SADD include Valentines Day crush delivery, lunch meetings to discuss positive decision making, and the pinwheel compassion project at the courthouse emphasizing the costs of tobacco use. Upcoming projects include summer gatherings at 5 PM on Thursdays at the park, with activities including yoga, pet therapy, art, music, and sports.

This Thursday a "Community Dip Party" will be held at the park, featuring a variety of delicious food dips.