By Susanne Reynolds

Oh, listen to the music—and while you are listening, keep in mind that you are supporting local veterans.

On May 30, Honor Sentinels, Inc., will host its first family-friendly music festival, dubbed the “229 Music Fest,” at the Bainbridge Bikefest Grounds, located at 1754 Pond Town Rd., Bainbridge.

The primary focus behind this charitable music festival is to open a veterans’ center in Bainbridge.  All of the proceeds will go to the veterans’ charities such as the local veterans’ center establishment and the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).

The Honor Sentinels, Inc. is a community service organization that desires to help improve the lives of others in the community. The group is open to anyone interested in the overall mission. Its intention is to serve the needs of Veterans and children in the area.

Their first project for the area is to provide it with a veterans’ center, which will be a much needed asset in the community. Veterans will have access to computers to use for job searching, communication, education, etc. A volunteer will be at the center at all times to better assist the veterans. Also, a television room with couches and chairs will be available for relaxation, along with a library, game room and meeting room for monthly support group meetings.

Currently, Decatur County serves about 2,400 veterans who would benefit from the center.

“At the current time there is not a place set aside for the emotional betterment of our veterans,” said Dan West, festival coordinator, “The center will be a place for veterans to come and relax, share and spend time with other veterans in this area. Also, the monthly Veterans’ Support meeting will be gathering there and it is a great need for our veterans. At this time, there is nowhere to the south side of Tallahassee available to provide these support meetings. As a result of it being so far from Bainbridge, most do not go. Now they will have meeting place here in their hometown.”

“229 Music Fest” will have activities for all ages, which include face painting, bouncy houses, classic car displays, food and miscellaneous vendors. And of course there will be lots of music.

Eight bands have been selected to take part in the all-day event, beginning at noon and ending at midnight.

Featured bands are Avenue of the Giants of Atlanta, Tobacco Rd., the Lost Southern Boys, Rock Kandy, Luke Martin Band, Georgia 3 Band, and Cold September. Among the featured bands, Bainbridge area-based, Midnight Matinee will be performing.

Midnight Matinee is a four-piece rock band based out of Bainbridge. Formed by vocalist Patryk McLaughlin in the summer of 2007, members now include guitarist Cody Enfinger, bassist Jared Inlow, and drummer Jonathan McLaughlin.

While being driven by ambient guitars and heartfelt vocals, Midnight Matinee is not shy in delivering the melodic hooks and rhythms that keep people tuned in and captivated. They present their spin on rock music each time they perform.

Midnight Matinee is pleased to be helping bring the community together for the “229 Music Fest”, while supporting local veterans

“Music helps by bringing people together,” said Patryk McLaughlin, lead vocalist. “And our veterans need our support. We may not risk our lives like the soldiers fighting to keep us free, but we will do what we can to provide a service to the men and women who serve and protect us.”

According to Dan West, this festival is only the beginning for supporting projects to benefit veterans.

He said, “Our plans are to have the “229 Music Fest” every year as our major fundraiser for our veterans’ projects. As with this year, every music festival will be family-friendly and 85 percent of the proceeds go to projects that will benefit our veterans.”

The gates will open at 11 a.m. Space for camping will be available. For more information on the “229 Music Fest” and its fees, please find “229 Music Fest” on Facebook or contact Dan West by e-mail at Musicfest229@yahoo.com.