Evie Domingos

The Evie Rocks Tyler Suicide and Mental Health Awareness Concert set for this Saturday at True Vine Brewing Company aims to bring awareness, break stigmas and connect with the community for a second year.

Organizers say the evening will be filled with “impactful performances, engaging activities, and open dialogue” with a mission to raise suicide and mental health awareness.

“We all struggle with mental health, having thoughts of suicide is normal,” said Jessica Domingos, co-founder of Tiny Evie Rocks and event organizer. “We will have resources there for people. We just basically want to connect with the community to let them know that we’re not alone, by standing together and kind of taking a stand against the stigma.”

The event, set for 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, is free and will include an opening speech by Tyler Mayor Don Warren, and feature performances from five local rock bands including Lisa Lane, Toil The Earth, We Have Your Dog, Say Goodnight, and the Ho James Band. Engaging vendors will also be present.

In 2019, Jessica and Michael Domingos lost their 12-year-old daughter to suicide. Now, they are on a mission to help the community by having conversations about mental health and connecting the community with important resources.

The concert will illuminate the pressing concern of suicide, particularly among the youth and adults.

“Evie Rocks Tyler aims to dispel the silence surrounding mental health, debunking the myth that it’s a taboo topic,” the nonprofit stated. “By promoting open conversations, the event establishes a safe haven where individuals can openly discuss challenges and seek support.”

While the battle against suicide and mental health struggles extends beyond the community, Evie Rocks Tyler confronts this issue head-on.

The Smith County region holds the disheartening distinction of Texas’ highest suicide rate, the nonprofit said. This alarming statistic strikes a personal chord with organizers who have experienced the impact of suicide. United by a common mission, the founders and Board of Directors are resolute in their commitment to reduce this rate through community engagement.

Domingos said she hopes by speaking out, she can help someone who may be struggling.

“If we can save another family from going through what we went through by speaking out and showing other people, ‘even though you’re struggling, we’ve been through this,’” Domingos said. “’And we’re still standing and you can still be standing through your struggles.’ And to give people hope that might be struggling with suicide. We’re here to walk with people on their journey and maybe brighten their day.”

There will be a Bohemian Rhapsody singalong. In honor of Evie, there will be a special beer called Bohemian Hopsody with gummy bears inside, as those were Evie’s favorite. True Vine Brewing is also giving a dollar for each beer bought, Domingos said.

“Evie Rocks Tyler is more than music – it’s a catalyst for change,” she said. “This event gathers the community to save lives and remind those facing mental health challenges that they are not alone.”

“When you’re struggling with mental health, it’s very lonely,” Domingos said. “So just knowing that someone might be able to relate, or even cares, can make a difference and save someone’s life.”

Sponsors of the event include True Vine Brewing Company, Pet Supplies Plus, Dismantled Entertainment, Joshua & Patricia Glass, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Andrews Center, Prism Beauty Bar , Successful Sounds of Tyler, Kendra Scott Jewelry, Southside Bank, Camp Gladiator and Code Ninjas.

True Vine is located at 2453 Earl Campbell Parkway in Tyler. Click here for more information about the event.