The University of Dayton’s Mental Health concert and art event M-Fest will be at noon Saturday, March 23, on Art Street.
This year’s event will celebrate the 10th anniversary of M-Fest, started by the student organization Active Minds, said Sarah Liming, a sophomore psychology major and co-president of Active Minds.
Ten years ago, UD student Michael Littler committed suicide here at UD, Liming said. His friends started M-Fest, “M” standing for Michael, in his honor, wanting to spread awareness about mental health issues, Liming said.
This year, UD alumni are coming back to celebrate with students about M-Fest, and will speak in between the bands playing.
The event will also feature 13 bands playing, beginning at noon. PJ and the Monaband, Brendan and the Bandits, Lauren Eylise and the Part-Time Lovers, Samuel Day, Pickled Beats, Isomatic, DVL, Gem City Horns, Schneider and Co., and the Pluckers will perform at the event, as can be seen from the posters around campus.
Tables from a variety of student organizations will be set up to spread awareness about mental health issues. Some of these include the Red Cross, The Wellness Center, Psi Chi and the Sustainability Club, Liming said.
The UD Dance Team will also be making a performance.
In between each performance there will be short speeches made by fellow students, a testimonial from Dr. Steve Mueller, from the counseling center and alumni of the university.
Students are encouraged to learn about mental health and help spread awareness for the issues while enjoying the music.
“It doesn’t matter if you have mental health disorders, or go through everyday stress or anxiety, all of these things have to do with mental health and it’s important everyone knows that,” said Liming.
While during “Little Sibs Weekend,” students and their siblings can participate in face painting and small crafts, according to Abigail de la Rosa, a senior pre-med major and co-president of Active Minds.
Kids are more than welcome to attend, and there will be many interactive and hands-on things for them to do at M-Fest, de la Rosa said.
It is encouraged that you see what time the bands you want to see are playing, and then plan your visit to M-Fest around that, Liming said. The music is the big draw-in, but “we also want to make sure you get the facts,” Liming said.
The event starts at noon on Saturday, but ArtStreet will open at 11:45 a.m.
Plans may change if there is rain or cold weather, in which case the event will be moved to McGinnis Center.
There is a $5 cover charge to the event, with a wristband, but for $10 you can enter with a T-shirt for M-Fest. For more information, visit and join their Facebook page, under the 10th Annual M-Fest, or email Active Minds at activemindsud@gmail.com.
