CLEARWATER, Fla. — David Ritchey is walking his Dutch Shepherd, Aggie, near his Clearwater home, recalling the first words he heard after receiving cochlear implants a few years back.

What You Need To Know

  • Learn about Deafstock in today's On The Town with Virginia Johnson  

  • The location is Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road, Brooksville

  • The event includes interpreters and deaf performers and entertainers

  • The dates are April 24-27

“David, can you hear me?”

Simple, loud and crystal clear — he tells us this sentence changed his life.

The retired marketing professional is only on a short walking break.

Back in his Clearwater home, Ritchey’s living room is filled with organizers of the upcoming inaugural Deafstock Music Festival, happening in Brooksville.

"It feels really good. As a deaf person, being able to be in charge of this is just a thrilling experience," said Tony Maucere, one of the Deafstock organizers.

Vibrations close to the stage and from speakers help them feel the music.

“As a Deadhead here,” said Deafstock organizer George Martens. “I’ve been to lots of music festivals, and it’s always been a struggle with whether they will provide interpreters.”

Something they didn’t often see, especially at their first concerts.

“In Buffalo, New York, when I was in college, it was the WHO was my very festival,” said Deafstock organizer Dan Cook.

“I went to Woodstock in 1969,” said Martens.

And in addition to the groovy merch that includes Aggie, Deafstock will also have interpreters, deaf artists and entertainers.

“Our goal is to work closely with hearing people who do not understand our culture. We’re opening up opportunities to understand our culture. We’ve been marginalized for too many years, and it’s not easy being deaf,” said Ritchey.

For these men, Deafstock is a way they can help make it a little easier for all walks of life.