“A Funny Kind of Recovery” Brings All-Star Musicians and Comedians to Bellforge Saturday

An all-star cast of musicians and comedians will unite for “A Funny Kind of Recovery,” hosted by beloved Boston comedian Tony V, on Saturday, October 10 at 2 p.m. The afternoon celebrates the healing power of music, laughter and community at the Bellforge Arts Center, 45 Hospital Road in Medfield.

Proceeds from the event will directly support the development of “Rock Bottom: A Musical,” a theatrical work and recording project created by Woody Giessmann (The Del Fuegos), founder of Right Turn, along with producer and co-writer Simon Kirke (Bad Company, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and Tony V, who share a history in long-term recovery. For over two decades, Right Turn provided treatment programs for individuals and families recovering from substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders in the Boston area.

The event features the Rock Bottom Band with Kirke on vocals, guitar and drums; Giessmann on vocals, percussion and drums; Jim Mayer (Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reef Band) on bass and vocals; Dave Herlihy (O Positive) on guitar and vocals; singer-songwriter Amy Fairchild on vocals; Shannell Grant on vocals; and Matt Frawley on piano. They will perform music from the show as well as songs from the extensive catalogs represented by the group.

Comedians joining host Tony V include Chris Redd (Saturday Night Live), Steve Sweeney (There’s Something About Mary), Lenny Clarke (Fever Pitch), Jim Cash, Mike McDonald and Jack Lynch. Tickets and more information are available at bellforge.org/rockbottom. Seating is general admission on the Bellforge lawn, with a limited number of VIP packages available including a pre-concert reception, a meet-and-greet with performers and premium seating.

“Rock Bottom: A Musical” is a tragic love story about two people who find themselves helpless in the throes of addiction, love and laughter. They struggle with their demons and confront their mortality, all the while carrying a tune and laughing in the face of adversity. The work is meant to inspire hope, raise awareness and support individuals and families affected by addiction and recovery challenges.

“I had a concept about turning a tragedy of addiction into a love story. This project is an extension of the work I had been doing at Right Turn for over 20 years,” said Giessmann. “We brought together an all-star musical cast to create a soundtrack that reflects our mission; to help people heal on their journey to recover from substance abuse and help them find their true authentic self as a creative person in recovery.”

The musical and its accompanying soundtrack are being created with a collective of celebrated musicians and recording artists, many of whom are also in long-term recovery, including Darryl “DMC” McDaniels (RUN-DMC), Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith), Barry Goudreau (Boston), Josh Kantor (Boston Red Sox organist), Derek Trucks (Tedeschi Trucks Band, the Allman Brothers), David Minehan (The Neighborhoods, The Replacements), G.E. Smith (Saturday Night Live Band, Hall & Oates), Stu Kimball (Bob Dylan, Peter Wolf) and Brad Halen (Ministry, Nervous Eaters), among others. “Rock Bottom: A Musical” is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Hosted by Tony V, the October 10 afternoon of music and comedy in Medfield benefits the development of “Rock Bottom: A Musical,” supporting recovery from addiction.

The Bellforge Arts Center is a growing regional arts and outdoor recreation campus on the historic grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital. Rooted in nature and a legacy of healing, Bellforge brings people together through concerts, festivals, wellness programs, youth initiatives and creative partnerships — a fitting home for the event. The afternoon is sponsored by the Margaret Stewart Lindsay Foundation.