Do More Ag songwriter circle comes to Standard

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

As part of an initiative to raise awareness of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, an organization helping with mental health in rural communities, local country musician Drew Gregory will join as a special guest in a songwriter’s circle performance in his hometown of Standard, along with the four main acts: Blake Reid, Joni Delaurier, Troy Kokol and Duane Steele.
Three Chords and The Roots Songwriter Circle in Support of Mental Health for Farmers will perform at the community hall in Standard on Nov. 20.
“It’s been a tough year for a lot of farmers and it’s been put in place to try to help with some of the stresses of farm life … it’s been a very tough year on farms and I’ve experienced this firsthand,” said Gregory, who also farms. As a rural farmer and musician, he said he is glad to be able to mix both music and his agriculture background for good.
“Farmers tend to try and be very tough and not talk to anyone about the stresses they are feeling,” said Gregory. “(It’s been) proven over and over in studies of mental health this can be a very dangerous thing, and the silence and living in your own head can start a real downward spiral that can be tough to get out of.”
Gregory said Do More Ag is trying to break down the stigma that farmers need to be tough and shouldn’t talk about what they are feeling.
The Nov. 20 show will follow a relaxed songwriter circle setting where the five performers will be on stage at the same time and each performer will share the stories behind the songs they sing. The intimate and relaxed atmosphere allows the audience to get to know the artists personally, to hear the stories behind the songs and to laugh at the jokes that will pass between the entertainers.
Gregory is playing two out of the eight Three Chords and The Roots Songwriter Circle in Support of Mental Health for Farmers fundraising shows being held, with every show raising money for the Do More Agriculture Foundation. In Standard, a portion of the funds raised locally will go towards helping build a new permanent rodeo arena.
The show on Nov. 20 goes from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Standard Community Hall. Tickets are $15 at the door and there will be food and beverages available for purchase.