Non-profit festival to aid local homeless through music

Details

Hits: 448

Anonymous Relief Mission, Inc. will host its second annual musical festival, A.R.M. Fest, April 22 and 23 at its operation in downtown Kent. The festival will feature a mixture of out-of-state and local musicians in a variety of genres.

Founded in 2006, A.R.M. is a non-profit organization in Kent that moves families and individuals out of safe houses and homeless shelters to different housing. It provides furniture, appliances, food and other living necessities to those in need.

“I think it’s the coolest thing to help people out who are in a rough place,” said Jesse Sloan, sophomore pre-nursing major and a volunteer for A.R.M. “It allows them to keep their dignity. It’s all done very respectfully.”

Sloan said that the festival’s creators drew inspiration from other area festivals, including DIT Fest and Berea Fest.

“It’s bands that are playing music just for the love of playing music,” Sloan said. “It’s like a community. They are self-supporting artists. The festival is celebrating what we create together.”

Sloan said the organization recommends a $5 donation each day, as the event is a fundraiser for A.R.M., but those who can’t afford that are still welcome to attend. He said the event is as much about giving as it is about music.

“It’s doing stuff for people who need it,” Sloan said. “I do it because I want to help.”

The festival is at The A.R.M. House on 154 N. Depeyster St. The doors will open at 4:30 p.m. on April 22 and at 11:30 a.m. on April 23.

Contact Alison Ritchie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .