J. Eric Gentry is a veteran musician - and a long-time recovering drug addict -- who has devoted his entire career to spreading word of addiction recovery after kicking his own habit a third time.

Maizee Demske, 14, is an up-and-coming rocker known simply as Maizee who has never had a drink or a drug and is committed to staying that way as she proceeds in a career known for its connection to substance use and abuse. "It must be really hard, especially if you get into it young and have done it for a while," says the Clearwater native. "I just know I won't do that."

The two are among a group of musicians joining efforts Saturday for Recovery Rocks, the first of a planned series of concerts with addiction recovery as the theme.

"This is a chance for people in recovery to congregate and hear music that is supportive and regenerative and speaks a language they understand," says Gentry, a member of the Sarasota duo Kleen.

Founded by local vocalist and producer Nyla Petruccione, Recovery Rocks is part of a national trend of defying the stereotypical connection between drugs and rock 'n' roll. The trend is manifesting in not only local concert series, but online radio stations and national organizations such as MusiCares. It's a cause championed by rock stars including James Hatfield of Metallica and Anthony Keidis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Locally, participating musicians say, the chance to perform at an alcohol-free venue is rare and often limited to churches, Starbucks, Denny's, "or any place that has coffee," Gentry says.

"In Sarasota, bars aren't interested in promoting this kind of music because alcohol is really where they make their money," says musician Bob Deighton, also known as Crash, another featured performer at Recovery Rocks. "It's like that in most cities."

"Recovery Rocks" will blend a variety of musical styles, including rock, folk-rock, pop-rock, alternative country, and blues. Participating musicians are looking forward to the chance to share their own message of recovery, the final step in traditional 12-step recovery programs.

"My career took off more authentically when I began the recovery lifestyle," says Lisa Egan, the other half of Kleen. "I became more connected to God, to my soul, and felt like I wasn't distorted and polluted."

Gentry emphasizes the event is for people of all faiths.