Our Story
Music Has Always
Been the Medicine.
The Mental Health Concert Series was born from a simple belief: that live music creates the kind of emotional openness that makes real conversations about mental health possible.
Why We Exist
The Mission
Too many people are suffering in silence. Mental health struggles don't discriminate — they touch every community, every age group, every background. And yet the stigma, the cost, and the isolation keep millions from getting the help they need.
We believe music can break through those walls. A concert is one of the few places where strangers become community — where it's okay to feel something, to cry, to be moved. We build on that energy by bringing mental health resources, peer support, and real conversations into those spaces.
How It Started
From One Night to a Movement
It started in 2022 with a single show at a small Detroit venue. Our founder, Amara Williams, had lost a close friend to suicide the year before — and she kept thinking about how music had been the one thing that helped her grieve. She wanted to create a space where that healing could happen for others, with actual support present.
That first show drew 200 people. Three mental health organizations set up tables. A peer counselor talked to 40 attendees. Two people called a crisis line that night. By the end of the evening, something had shifted — and the Mental Health Concert Series was born.
Since then we've grown to 18 events across Detroit and Southeast Michigan, partnered with 12 organizations, and reached thousands of people who might never have walked into a therapist's office but found their way to a resource table between sets.
The People
Meet the Team
Amara Williams
Founder & Executive Director
Amara started MHCS after losing a close friend to suicide in 2021. A Detroit native and community organizer, she brings together music, advocacy, and grassroots connection.
Marcus Reid
Music Director
Marcus has spent 15 years in Detroit's music scene as a producer and talent buyer. He curates every lineup with intention — artists whose music opens doors to honest conversation.
Dr. Priya Nair
Director of Wellness Programs
A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Nair oversees all on-site support programming, peer counselor training, and partnerships with mental health organizations.
Dr. Tehmina Shakir MD
Child Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Shakir brings specialized expertise in child and adolescent mental health, ensuring our programming is inclusive and supportive for young attendees and families.
Darryl Nolen
Strategic Consultant
Darryl brings years of strategic leadership experience, helping guide the organization's growth, partnerships, and long-term vision.
Darrell Strickland
CEO
Darrell holds an associate degree in mental health and social work. His passion for community healing drives the heart of this organization.
Hilary Murusak MD
Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Director
Dr. Murusak brings academic and clinical expertise in psychiatry and behavioral health, strengthening the clinical foundation of our wellness programming.
Vaughn Cooper
Marketing & Promotional Manager
Vaughn leads all marketing and promotional efforts, amplifying the organization's message and growing our community reach across Detroit and beyond.
In Loving Memory
The Louise Strickland Foundation
Founded in honor of Louise Strickland, who passed away from dementia, The Louise Strickland Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Every donation brings us one step closer to a world free from this devastating illness.
Our Partners
Organizations We Work With
We partner with trusted mental health organizations to ensure every event has real, qualified support on the ground.
NAMI Detroit
Mental Health Advocacy
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
Community Behavioral Health
Common Ground Crisis Center
Crisis Intervention
Hegira Health
Behavioral Health Services
Michigan 211
Social Services Referral
Therapy for Black Girls
Culturally Affirming Therapy
The Guidance Center
Family Mental Health
Peer Mental Health Advocates
Peer Support Training
Come Be Part of It
Every show is a chance to connect, heal, and remind each other that we're not alone. Find your next event and join the movement.
See Upcoming Shows