WINONA, Minn. – Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) is excited to announce that Wisconsin-based Americana band Them Coulee Boys will headline Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center's 6th annual Bringing Light into Darkness community awareness event presented by The Winona Eagles and Winona County Health & Human Services on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The free community event brings together individuals, families, organizations, and community members for an evening focused on mental health awareness; substance use prevention, hope, healing, and connection. The event will feature community speakers, including mental health advocate Ryan Sullivan, a resource fair, family activities, food, a silent auction, a remembrance ceremony honoring those lost to overdose and suicide, and a live concert from one of the Midwest's most beloved Americana bands.
Hailing from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Them Coulee Boys have built a loyal following throughout the Midwest and beyond with their unique blend of folk, bluegrass, rock, and Americana music. Known for their powerful storytelling, four-part harmonies, and energetic live performances, the band has shared stages with nationally recognized acts and earned praise from Americana and folk music audiences across the country. The band's music explores themes of resilience, community, loss, hope, and the shared human experience—making them a fitting addition to an event dedicated to bringing light to mental health and addiction challenges.
This year's concert is especially significant as Them Coulee Boys have announced that 2026 will be their final year touring together. Their performance at Bringing Light into Darkness will be one of the final opportunities for local audiences to experience the band live.
"We are thrilled to welcome Them Coulee Boys to Winona for this year's event," said Ryan Buhler, Marketing & Communications Specialist at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center. "Their music creates a sense of community and connection that aligns perfectly with the message of Bringing Light into Darkness. As they embark on their final tour, we're honored to have them help us raise awareness and inspire hope throughout our region."
In addition to the evening concert, attendees will hear from musician, mental health advocate, and retired law enforcement officer Ryan Sullivan. Sullivan will perform live music throughout the event from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. before taking the stage later in the evening as one of the event's featured speakers.
Following a career in law enforcement, Sullivan experienced a life-altering injury that led to significant physical, emotional, and mental health challenges. Through his recovery journey, he discovered the healing power of music and has since become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, resilience, and recovery. Today, Sullivan shares his story through both music and public speaking, encouraging others to seek support, remain connected, and find hope during life's most difficult moments.
"Ryan's story demonstrates the strength it takes to face adversity and continue moving forward," Buhler said. "His openness about his own mental health journey and the way he uses music to connect with others embodies the spirit of Bringing Light into Darkness. We are honored to have him join us this year."
The event will be held on the grounds of Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center's Winona Clinic, located at 420 East Sarnia Street. Activities begin at 4:30 p.m. and include family-friendly activities, a community resource fair, opportunities to connect with local organizations, inspiring speakers, a remembrance ceremony, and live music throughout the evening.
Bringing Light into Darkness was created to increase awareness of mental health and substance use challenges while highlighting the hope, resilience, recovery, and support that exist within our communities. Since its inception, the event has welcomed thousands of attendees and raised awareness about the importance of mental health, suicide prevention, overdose prevention, and community connection.
The event is free and open to the public. For event details, updates, sponsorship opportunities, and a complete schedule of activities, visit: https://www.hvmhc.org/bringing-light-into-darkness-2026/.
About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic serving Southeast Minnesota. HVMHC provides comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services and is committed to delivering exceptional, responsive, and consumer-focused behavioral health care that supports recovery, resilience, and wellness. In addition to outpatient and community-based services, HVMHC operates Peer Support Networks, and supportive housing programs that help individuals achieve stability, independence, and long-term recovery.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center's Southeast Minnesota Mobile Crisis Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are always free to the caller. Call 1-844-CRISIS2 (1-844-274-7472) to speak with a trained crisis practitioner who can assess the situation, provide support, and help determine the most appropriate next steps. Individuals can also call or text 988 from anywhere in the United States to be connected to the nearest crisis call center for immediate support.