RitzFest is aiming to raise at least $5,000 for suicide prevention! According to the CDC’s WISQARS National Data Report from 2019, suicide is the third leading cause of death of 10-24-year-olds in South Carolina. The Jason Flatt Act was signed into SC law by Governor Nikki Haley in 2012. Sponsored by the The Jason Foundation (JFI), training in suicide awareness is provided to public school teachers each year in South Carolina. Headlined by Chris Reed and the Bad Kids, and joined by 14 other performances, all donating their time, the event is giving all proceeds to JFI. Ritz Fest ‘24 will feature: Ritz Fest Eve - Friday, 2 February 2024 - a theater night (7:00 PM - 11:00 PM) We will have different theater performances: ACT 1 - Pensive John M. Starino - poet Letters from Anne and Martin (a powerful performance about Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King) Standing Up - a short film on suicide that was made through the Doko film festival. ACT 2 - Have a laugh (for audiences over 18 and NOT easily offended) Joel Dolinger - stand up comic Skits and Giggles - an improv troupe that is a spinoff of the Newberry Community Players Ritz Fest - Saturday, 3 February 2024  - a benefit concert (Noon - 10:00 PM ) We will again feature local celebrity emcees like our Mayor, Sheriff, and Fire Chiefs, giving brief public service announcements on suicide prevention and awareness before introducing each act.  While the exact lineup is yet to be determined and timed, the following acts have committed thus far: Chris Reed and the Bad Kids Martina Williams Stillhouse Gabriel Flores BAGLOCK THE Dubber Five on Fire GPS Plaid Overdrive Preston Tran Fresh Picked String Band Bucket Brigade SHIFT Watson Village Voltage Multiplier