Since 2014 when he released his first album “Welcome to the Now” and donated all the proceeds to Heroes In Transition (HIT), Rick Lockwood has found a way to support the Mashpee-based nonprofit.
He will do so once again this Sunday at 7 pm when he joins fellow bandmates Pete Childs and Rich McGrann in a Facebook live performance from the cellar of his Monument Beach home. The Rick Lockwood Trio will use the virtual concert to raise awareness and funds for the work HIT is doing to support veterans, active duty military, and military families.
“We are so grateful for all that Rick has done for Heroes over the years. He has been selfless in his support of our organization and used his creative talents to strengthen our work,” HIT Executive Director Nicole Spencer said. “We’re excited to see him continue those efforts online this Sunday. At a time when we are all isolated at home, it is wonderful to know there are artists like Rick who are bringing us together through the power of music and social media.”
Born and raised in Falmouth, Lockwood has been playing music since he first picked up a guitar at the age of eight. “Just like that it was an instant love affair,” he said. “I really haven’t put it down since.”
Upon the release of his first album six years ago, Rick wanted to use it as a vehicle to give back to a nonprofit that was making a positive impact in our region. He chose Heroes In Transition because of the work they were doing to assist those who have served our country. “I really liked that their focus was on helping our military heal and reconnect to society after they came back from their tours,” he said.
Lockwood’s connection to the military also played a role in his decision to align with Heroes. His grandfather Robert Wilson served in the Navy, his uncle Robert Wilson served in the Navy, and his cousin Brandi Guest currently serves in the Marines.
Over the past six years, Lockwood has deepened his relationship to Heroes, performing at several of its events including last year’s Ruck4HIT finish line at Dino’s Sports Bar in Mashpee and its Fall Couples Retreat in 2017 at the Red Jacket Beach Resort in South Yarmouth.
When he performs solo shows throughout the year, he will also put out a tip jar, donating that money to Heroes In Transition.
As to why he has maintained his commitment to the agency, he said a lot has to do with its founders Cyndy and the late Kenneth Jones as well as Nicole Spencer. “They are just great. I would like to always be affiliated with them on some level,” he said.
He expressed excitement for having the opportunity to continue that support virtually this weekend.
It will also be a chance for his band to perform amidst the uncertainty of whether several of their summer gigs will even happen.
“We can’t wait. We’re ready to go,” Lockwood said. “We’ll light up the basement and it will be like a live jukebox that people can actively watch or have playing in the background.”
To make a donation to Heroes In Transition, click this link. During the pandemic, we are organizing virtual gatherings to support our military community and connect them with one another. For details on joining a virtual meetup, email us at contact@heroesintransition.org.
