Substance Free at FoCoMX
Did you know that FoCoMX hosts an alternative green room for musicians that is substance free at FoCoMX? Thoughtfully called the Alt Green Room, this The alt green room is a place for musicians in recovery to have a space to go during the festival to take a beat. Over the past four years it has grown into it's own microcosm of FoCoMX, A place to dive into wellness, take a moment of respite in the midst of the festival energy, and for musicians to find heir footing.
Led by powerhouses Sugar Britches lead singer Brian Johanson, and Alysia Kraft of The Patti Fiasco and Alysia Kraft the space invites you in and wraps you in a big hug. Learn how Brian found his sobriety + words of encouragement from Alysia, and more about the green room deets below. We hope any musicians in our community needing support with sobriety will join us.
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Brian's Story
My name is Brian Johanson, lead singer/Colorado sex symbol/local buffoon and alcoholic. I started playing music in Fort Collins 23 years ago, when I was 19 and going to open mics all over town. I loved writing, performing, collaborating and being a part of this great music scene. I also really, really loved to drink.
It always started out fun; a drink at a show to get loose, then a few after. Then I needed a few in the morning, a few in the afternoon and some all through the night to sleep. I was in a band, was a full-time single dad and I needed to drink daily to function, lest I got the shakes or became a horrible mess.
I eventually got kicked out of my band for not showing up or showing up drunk, and in general just being a huge wreck. I had to move back in with my parents, I almost lost my child, and I eventually lost every job I tried to hold down. It all became too much and I went on a two week bender without eating, hoping just not to wake up.
Luckily, I was found and taken to the ER and the psych ward to detox and recover. I received the gift of desperation that day, as I was physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually exhausted from my addiction. I found a recovery community, did the work and have been involved for the last 10 years. I will celebrate 10 years sober from drugs and alcohol this July, thanks to the community and support I’ve found.
I was able to start playing music again 8 months into sobriety, with encouragement from my daughter and my peers; I brought along my sponsor to my first few shows to keep me accountable, and I let everyone know I wouldn’t be drinking. I was pleasantly surprised to find that no one really cared that I wasn’t drinking as a musician, and people were extremely supportive. No one offered to buy me drinks, I wasn’t a horrible mess, and the gigs went so smoothly. I kept going to my community and peers for support, and I made sure all my friends/bandmates know how to support me as well.
10 years later, I’ve been playing in a rowdy, raucous and super fun band, Sugar Britches, and we have been opening for national acts, touring when possible, making albums, and playing almost 150 shows per year sometimes. I have a wonderful wife, 3 kids, a job and I get to make money making music- AND it’s super fun! I have found my voice and my passion again, thanks to the gifts of sobriety, community and recovery.
If you’re on the fence about sobriety, sober-curious, sick and tired of being sick and tired, or you just want to talk- Please look to your peers and community- there are a ton of great resources out there, and I am happy to be one of them. If you are an artist at FOCOMX 25 this year, I encourage you to come check out our alternative/sober green room on 4/19. We will host an AA meeting from 4:15-5, followed by food and NA drinks, as well as massages and acupuncture. Our space will be quiet with low stimulation. We will have Sober representatives to talk to and hopefully provide you with any of the support you need.
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Tips for navigating the festival sober from Alysia Kraft:
Line up some Accountability - Having one support person in your corner (who you can depend on to stay sober and hold you accountable) is clutch. Make a plan to have them stick with you and support you. Musicians need a sober pal for your set? Someone with valuable experience in recovery in the music world? Email Brian or I, and we can introduce you to someone who can help!
(Musicians email us at info@focoma.org and we'll connect you to them)
Don’t Overdo It - The greatest gift of sobriety: You can get the hell out of places that you feel uncomfortable. Don’t feel like you have to overextend yourself at the festival. People will understand if you can’t support their sets this year because you need to prioritize your sobriety and mental health. Over time, these environments feel less triggering. If you need a chill space before or after a set where no-one is going to be breathing beer into your face and talking you into a corner, Alt-Green is substance-free and soothing on purpose. There will be delicious Music City Hot Chicken, good non-alcoholic beverages, plenty of space to spread out, and zero social obligation.
Hit the Support Meeting at Alt-Green- It is soooo nice to be in a room with people who understand what you’re going through— to look around and see that there are artists and production folks and industry leaders who’ve been in the struggle and have found a better way to get through it. No judgements, no shame, just understanding and love. Finding a community in recovery changes everything. If you can't make the meeting, great volunteers with time in recovery are available to chat casually and support you from 4 - 9 PM at Alt-Green.