Courtesy Photo Dr. Jason Beatty speaks at last year's event about Freedom Recovery Center in this photo taken by Heather Rae Photography.

ALPENA — Freedom Recovery Center and Vivero Industries proudly announce the return of the 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands “Rock Recovery” on Sunday at The APlex in Alpena. This highly anticipated event supports the Freedom Recovery Center and aims to raise awareness, education, and prevention efforts for those impacted by substance use disorder. Last year’s inaugural event was a success, raising over $4,000.

“Last year’s event was a huge success in more ways than one,” said Shannon Vivero, CEO and founder of the new organization Reborn Rescue. “This year I would like to extend invites for those thinking about recovery. No one is beyond saving. Nine years ago I was lost in the midst of untreated alcoholism. I am not anonymous and I have made it my life’s mission to share my story and success in recovery so that one day, future generations will not have to do the same.”

Doors open at 3 p.m. for an exciting lineup featuring five Northern Michigan bands competing for a $500 cash prize, a band promo photo shoot with Heather Rae Photography, custom merchandise from My Merch Guy, and studio time with New Level Productions. There will also be prizes for second and third place. Returning to headline the event are last year’s winners, Driving Dawn, who generously donated their 2024 cash prize back to the Freedom Recovery Center.

Dr. Jason Beatty, owner of Freedom Recovery Center, commented on the event’s purpose: “This is our attempt at normalizing sobriety and offering a safe event for those in recovery or thinking about recovery. These events can be a great place for those still suffering to make some connections in the sober community.”

Guest speakers will share powerful testimonies of recovery between performances. These stories were truly impactful at last year’s event, showing the community that recovery is possible. This is an all ages event. There will be concessions available for purchase, as well as a guitar raffle, and recovery resources.

Gage Beatty, a passionate advocate for recovery and peer support at Freedom Recovery Center, said, “My personal struggles with the loss of my mother to substance use have fueled my dedication to supporting at-risk populations. The Battle of the Bands is more than a competition — it is a substance and stigma-free event designed to unite and uplift the recovery community, offering a safe space for healing, connection, and advocacy.”

The event will highlight Northern Michigan’s pool of talent and encourage audience participation in selecting the winning band along with judges in the music industry. Heather Shape, a local photographer and owner of Heather Rae Photography who will be returning to capture the event, said, “This is an amazing event to be a part of. The amount of talent we have in our community and surrounding areas is astounding. I am excited to photograph the battle again this year.”

Carlos Vivero, owner of Vivero Industries, reflected on the broader impact.

“Music is a universal language that has the power to heal and unite,” he said. “We are redefining the conversation around alcoholism and recovery. For too long, those in recovery have felt confined by anonymity, but we are choosing to embrace our journeys openly. As organizers of this event, we are in recovery ourselves, and we want people to know that. By sharing our stories, we hope to inspire others struggling with substance use disorder to realize that they are not alone and that speaking openly about their experiences can be a powerful step toward healing.”

Tickets are $10 and are available online at aplex.org/events. Attendees can also purchase tickets at the door on the day of the event. For more information, visit Vivero Industries or Freedom Recovery Center on Facebook.

The public is invited to come out to the event on Sunday to celebrate resilience, recovery, and the power of music to bring people together for a worthy cause.