New collection, out today, features Blue Élan artists Morgan Myles, India Ramey, Janiva Magness, Chelsea Williams, Colin Devlin and more
October 21 benefit show at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood features Bernie Barlow, Man Boy Brown, Max Gomez and Rose’s Pawn Shop
Blue Élan Records is proud to continue its support of UCLA Health Operation Mend with a new album featuring label artists and friends performing a mix of classic songs, reimagined favorites and original material, out today. The project brings together artists from across the Blue Élan family to raise awareness of Operation Mend’s work providing specialized medical and psychological care to post-9/11 veterans, service members injured in the line of duty, and their caregivers, all at no cost.
The album release will be celebrated with a special benefit concert supporting Operation Mend on Wednesday, October 21, at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, featuring performances by Bernie Barlow, Man Boy Brown, Max Gomez and Rose’s Pawn Shop. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with showtime at 8:00 p.m.
Operation Mend Benefit Show
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
The Roxy Theatre
9009 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Doors: 7:00 p.m. | Showtime: 8:00 p.m.
As a UCLA alum, Blue Élan co-founder Kirk Pasich became aware of Operation Mend several years ago through Dana Katz, who sat next to him at UCLA basketball games. Blue Élan has a history of supporting worthy causes, including the Alliance for Children’s Rights and the Chino Valley YMCA’s holiday drive, while drawing on rock ’n’ roll and roots music’s long tradition of social engagement.
“The idea came together very quickly,” explains Pasich, whose father was a World War II veteran. As a teenager, Pasich received a draft card to serve in Vietnam but was not called up, a war that took the lives of several of his classmates. “This isn’t about being pro or anti-war, it’s about helping people.”
Music has long played a role in bringing people together, and the Operation Mend project gives Blue Élan and its artists an opportunity to put that connection to work in support of veterans and their caregivers.
Operation Mend is the only program in the nation dedicated to healing the visible and invisible wounds of war. Established in 2007 as a partnership among UCLA Health, the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the program began by providing reconstructive surgery for service members who had suffered severe facial injuries in the line of duty. Its work has since expanded to address a broader range of physical injuries, as well as the invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
Today, Operation Mend takes a whole-person-centered approach, developing individualized treatment plans around each warrior’s needs and goals. Its comprehensive care includes specialized surgical and psychological treatment, coordination of care, connections to local resources and follow-up for one year after treatment. The program also recognizes the essential role of caregivers and families in the healing process.
Operation Mend covers medical and surgical costs associated with holistic care, transportation to and from its facilities, housing for patients and caregivers, and care coordination. These services help remove significant barriers that can prevent veterans and their families from accessing the care they need.
To learn more about Operation Mend or make a tax-deductible donation, click here.