Syosset High School students took the stage at Mongo’s Coffee in Syosset for “Noise & Nostalgia,” a cabaret-style fundraiser that paired classic rock and pop performances with a mission to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.
The event was organized by Dylan Linde, a sophomore at Syosset High School and founder of Dream Lyric, a student-run music and performance organization. Held during Mental Health Awareness Month, the cabaret was designed to feature local high school singers and musicians while raising money and awareness for Sound Mind Live, a nonprofit that uses music, community and conversation to promote mental health awareness and support.
“Dream Lyric started because music has always been such a huge part of my life, and I wanted to create something that gives younger performers and students a space to grow, perform, and feel confident doing what they love,” Linde said. “I also really wanted to find a way to give back to the community, which is why I planned this cabaret.”
The evening featured a lineup of vocalists, musicians and theatrical performers drawn from the Long Island community, many of them active in local theater, choir, a cappella and live music programs. The setlist spanned generations, with songs from rock and pop artists that have endured across decades.
For Linde, the choice of beneficiary was personal. “This show is especially important to me because all proceeds are going to Sound Mind Live, an organization that uses music to help spread mental health awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health struggles,” Linde said. “Music has the ability to connect people, comfort people, and make people feel less alone, which is exactly why I felt this was the perfect cause for this event.”
Beyond the performances, the night included raffles and community engagement, with tickets priced at $15 at the door, which included coffee and refreshments. A roster of local businesses donated gift cards and raffle prizes to support the fundraiser, including Mixology, Here Hot Yoga, Fitique Pilates, Organic Krush, Frantonis, Bagel Master, Diva Nails and Eastern Breeze.
“I also want to thank all of our performers, musicians, local businesses who donated raffle prizes, and everyone who helped make tonight happen,” Linde said. “There are so many talented high school students and local performers here tonight, and I’m really proud that Dream Lyric can be a platform that celebrates them.”
The cabaret is part of Linde’s broader commitment to combining performance with giving back. Through Dream Lyric, Linde mentors children ages four to eight in vocal and acting technique, charging $20 per session and donating the fees to a different charity each month.
Students handled nearly every aspect of the production, from recruiting performers and coordinating musicians to promotion, sponsorship outreach and event planning. Dream Lyric focuses on mentoring young performers, creating community performance opportunities and using music to bring people together.
The cabaret reflected the organization’s broader aim of giving young performers a platform to showcase their talents while supporting meaningful causes, blending live entertainment with advocacy to spark conversations around mental health and connection.
Source: LI Press
