PEYTON, Colo. (March 1, 2013) – Musical artists from around the United States are joining voices in Colorado Springs to take a stand against bullying. Falcon School District 49 will host Stand Up. Speak Out, a concert to end bullying, Aug. 17 at Security Service Field. The event takes a proactive approach to prevent bullying and promote a positive, safe and compassionate culture for students and families in El Paso County.

“The ultimate goal of this event is to stop bullying before it starts,” said concert organizer Mindy Quinn, District 49 marketing and communications specialist. “Stand Up. Speak Out. is designed to bring children and families together from all areas of Colorado Springs to raise awareness, empower and educate the community.

“Our schools have individually and collaboratively brought in guest speakers to address bullying at the elementary, middle and high school levels,” Quinn said, “but it is time to organize a community-wide event, featuring public figures who can speak to students in a different way. We hope to approach this effort using the power of music.”

A diverse line up of six artists will perform during the event in support of the cause, joining with national anti-bullying and educational organizations. Vertical Horizon, an American alternative rock band, will headline the festivities.

The BottomLine is an indie-country singing duo from Colorado Springs featuring Bree Bremser, a 12th-grader at Sand Creek High School, and Nathan Noblit.

Brian Jarvis, New England-based singer and songwriter; Taylor Watson, recording artist from Nashville; and Devyn Rush, American Idol contestant and national spokesperson for Hey UGLY, non-profit anti-bullying organization will perform.

Brendan James, singer and songwriter of “The New Plan,” a song recently released for the victims and families of the Newtown, Conn., shooting will be in the lineup. He will join speakers from Rachel’s Challenge, Hey UGLY and Safe2Tell, who will take the stage to educate students and families about resources available within in the community.

District students and staff will to take to the streets, volunteering their time to canvass the community with posters, concert information and invitations to school districts in El Paso County.

The event is funded through sponsors and partnerships with local and national businesses, along with ticket sales. Tickets will be available in April at the Security Service Field box office and online: $13 for youth 12 years and under and military, or $15 for adults.

Businesses or organizations interested in donating to help fund this event may contact the district communications team at 719-491-2902. For more information about Stand Up. Speak Out., please visit: http://d49.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=290981.

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