Raising the Standards Podcast
September 1, 2025
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. —
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen and musician Lauren Monroe are using music, drumming, and other healing arts to help veterans and first responders address stress and trauma through their nonprofit, the Raven Drum Foundation.
The foundation, founded by Allen and Monroe more than two decades ago, has helped veterans on the Central Coast and beyond. Monroe said their work is rooted in exploring how rhythm and the mind-body connection can aid healing.
“We started exploring how the mind-body work, along with the rhythm world, along with the rhythm work, really helps people. And so it was helping us, and we decided to share it. And my, my husband’s story really is the catalyst, you know, for him to continue the work and share it,” Monroe said.
Allen said his own personal battles were a significant factor in starting the foundation.
“We formed the Raven Drum Foundation in, in the first place was, obviously to help others, but also to help us out,” Allen said.
On Saturday, Allen and Monroe brought their mission to Santa Cruz with a fundraiser at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.
The event featured an evening of music, science, and personal transformation.
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