As a singer-songwriter and lyricist, I've always believed in the power of music to heal, inspire, and connect. But my journey goes beyond the confines of concert halls and recording studios—it's a quest to harness the transformative power of music in service of a greater cause: mental health advocacy.
Today, I'm thrilled to embark on a new chapter of this journey as I unveil the vision behind a passion project close to my heart: the near future goal of founding of a nonprofit charity dedicated to building mental health awareness through live music events. But this isn't just any charity—it's a movement fueled by the rhythm of resilience, powered by pedal strokes, and grounded in the simple joys of community and connection.
The Vision Unveiled
![The words Harmony on Wheels arcs over an outline of the state of Michigan. Within the mitten is a composit of an acoustic guitar, a bicycle and a tent.](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/398098/3566fb39bfd5a9544e455e451e4f09385b33e1c4/original/harmony-on-wheels-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==)
Imagine a series of live music events spanning the picturesque landscapes of Michigan, each stop a testament to the healing power of music and the beauty of human connection. But here's the twist: between each event, I'll be traveling by bicycle, camping under the stars each night, and inviting others to join me on this adventure.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
The journey begins with humble beginnings—a solo cyclist pedaling through small towns and communities, stopping to perform pop-up concerts at local community centers, libraries, and other venues along the way. It's about sparking conversations, igniting passions, and planting the seeds of change in every heart we touch. But first, planning, preparation, and getting back in shape, both mentally and physically, so I can hit the ground rolling.
Growing Together
But this is just the beginning. As the wheels keep turning and the music keeps playing, the vision is to grow into something truly extraordinary: an annual month-long series of mini-festivals that celebrate the power of music, community, and resilience in the fight against mental illness. And even beyond our flagship events, we'll continue to host smaller gatherings throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons, keeping the spirit of hope and healing alive year-round.
A Personal Journey
![Stuart Benbow stands head high as he revels in the renewed ability to perform while standing, making music that he loves in front of an audience that appreciates the music.](http://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/398098/4620eab076d1a2f9c9031245aa65d2455d88469d/original/333b5e04-1b7c-46f9-abb6-bff0e84ba708.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==)
This vision is deeply rooted in my own experiences of struggle and triumph. Toward the end of 2020 I found myself grappling with severe vertigo—a condition that shook me to my core and left me questioning my own strength and resilience. For nearly two years I battled through constant dizziness and exhaustion, with debilitating periods where I reacted very poorly to attempted treatments. I was grappling with not only the physical toll, but also with the profound impact it had on my mental well-being.
During those dark days, music became an even more important lifeline—a source of solace and comfort in the midst of uncertainty. As I gradually regained my footing and emerged from the shadows of illness, I realized that my journey wasn't just about overcoming a physical ailment—it was about rediscovering my passion for music and my purpose in life.
Join the Movement
I invite you to join me on this remarkable journey—a journey where every pedal stroke and every chord struck is a testament to our unwavering commitment to building a brighter, more resilient future for all. Whether you're a fellow musician, a passionate advocate, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, there's a place for you in our growing family.
Together, let's ride the rhythms of resilience, one mile, one song, and one heart at a time.
In harmony and hope,
Stuart