When singer-songwriter Jordan Lally lost his father to suicide, he knew he could no longer hide his own struggles with anxiety & depression. It was time for him and his bandmates in Big Infinite to get “real” and share their own mental health struggles with the world. The "Power of Expression" is a one-of-a-kind presentation that shares Big Infinite's healing journey through storytelling and music, while providing proactive mental health strategies and suicide prevention resources to help others find hope, purpose and healing.
Together with The Ed Lally Foundation, the Big Infinite share “Power of Expression” to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. The Ed Lally Foundation is a non-profit organization.
Watch the "Power of Expression" Intro video on YouTube:
The time is now to focus on the mental health needs of our young people. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data and Trends Report, more than 1 in 3 high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40% increase since 2009. And 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan in the past year, a 44% increase over ten years. In December of 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued an Advisory on Youth Mental Health Crisis.
From the 988 number to the QPR protocol, "Power of Expression" shares much needed suicide prevention resources with students, while also teaching them proactive mental health strategies like mindfulness and parasympathetic breathing techniques. This information is offered in a down-to-earth manner and interwoven with live music and personal stories that break down stigma and keep the students engaged.
Bring “Power of Expression” to Your School or Organization!
"Power of Expression" has been shared at school assemblies and community events up and down the east coast since 2018.Big Infinite have shared their mental health message in various formats nationwide, including collaborations with AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) and Hope Squad (peer-to peer suicide prevention). We look forward to partnering with you.
How do I learn more?
If you are interested in learning more or how to bring the Power of Expression to your community, please reach out and contact us, or Andre Toney, "Power of Expression" Program Coordinator, here.
Testimonials:
“Power of Expression was truly moving, informative, and deeply relatable for our middle school students and staff. The speaker’s authenticity and openness created a safe space where students felt seen, heard, and understood. By sharing personal experiences and important mental health strategies, they delivered powerful messages in a way that was both age-appropriate and impactful. What made the presentation especially meaningful was the way they incorporated music to share their story. Their songs brought emotion, connection, and energy into the room, allowing students to engage with the message on a deeper level. The music wasn’t just a performance—it was a bridge that helped students reflect, connect, and feel less alone in their own challenges. The impact on our school community was profound. Students walked away with practical tools, greater awareness, and a stronger sense of empathy for themselves and others. Staff members also gained valuable insight into how to better support student mental health. This presentation made a lasting difference, and we are incredibly grateful for the positive influence it had on our entire school community."
— Kristin Tsamoutalis, School Counselor, St. Augustine School
"Big Infinite’s Power of Expression assemblies were a transformative experience for our students. Through powerful music, authentic storytelling, and moments of mindfulness, they created a space where students felt seen, heard, and inspired. Big Infinite's ability to connect on a deep emotional level helped break down stigma around mental health challenges and encouraged open, honest conversations. The assemblies didn’t just entertain—they empowered. Students walked away with tools for self-expression, emotional regulation, and a renewed sense of community. We are deeply grateful for the positive impact Big Infinite had on our schools."
— Jessica Smiley, LCSW, Heritage Behavioral Health Center-Illinois
"We were blessed to experience the incredible work of the Ed Lally Foundation and the powerful storytelling and music of Big Infinite. Their message of hope and mental health awareness left an everlasting impact on our students and parents alike. It opened hearts, started meaningful conversations, and reminded us of the importance of caring for both mind and spirit. Our middle schoolers are still talking about the experience—and can’t wait for the chance to see you again, share your songs, and hear your beautiful stories that continue to inspire and heal. Thank you for this unforgettable gift."
— Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Middle School
"As Superintendent of Clinton School District, I had the privilege of welcoming The Big Infinite to our high school for a powerful program on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Their message was fantastic—authentic, relatable, and deeply impactful for our students. Discussing topics like depression, anxiety, and suicide is serious business, and schools cannot afford to ignore these challenges. The Big Infinite creates a safe space for students to reflect, listen, and understand that it’s okay to talk about mental health rather than hide from it. I strongly encourage other school districts to consider bringing The Big Infinite to their schools. They not only perform great music but also deliver a message that truly resonates with young people and helps break down the stigma surrounding mental health."
— Drew Goebel, Superintendent, Clinton School District, Illinois
“The Power of Expression messaging around mental health awareness and suicide prevention was delivered in a manner that broke down the stigma traditionally associated with any discussion of the need for mental health support. The "Stand Up If You Know Someone ..." activity was very eye opening to all of us as it highlighted the number of young people who are struggling with mental health needs. The music and stories shared by Jordan, Andre and DJ were relatable, relevant and inspiring to all students and staff.”
— Christie Edelson, Coordinator of Guidance Services, Cecil County Public Schools
“I could not have imagined the assembly going any better and we have heard a lot of over-the-top positive student feedback. Actually, just about everyone, including faculty and staff, have told us how grateful they were to hear your story and the message of practicing more mindfulness and simply being present.”
— Jake Hollin Vice Principal, The John Carroll School
"Your presentation at our Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore have been incredible! Your group’s voice is so needed for our youth in today’s world. I would highly recommend you to any elementary, middle or high school. Your message resonates with all. Thank you for sharing your journey!"
— Karen Murphy, Associate Superintendent Archdiocese of Baltimore
“My main takeaway from the Power of Expression is that students are ready for these conversations, and they are only being held back by the adults in their lives setting up these boundaries for when it's "appropriate" to have them and when it isn't. Everything about the Power of Expression helps to remind us that we're all human beings who feel feelings, and these human reactions/feelings aren't put on hold just because you enter a school building.”
— Emily Batten, Ed.S., NCSP, Fallston High School
“Jordan’s story has a powerful message of hope for all students and helps to shine a light on an issue impacting all schools.”
— Michael Thatcher, Principal C. Milton Wright
“You guys were awesome! We wanted to create an event that would open up conversation on mental health but also provide a message of understanding, empathy, support and hope. Jordan and the Big Infinite’s involvement in the planning and execution allowed us to celebrate the ways we can reach positive mental health rather than just outlining what mental illness looks like. The weaving of music, storytelling and personal experience really resonated with a lot of students and has been the catalyst for more open and meaningful conversations regarding mental health within our school.”
— Brian Tully, Friends & Family-CMW Advisor
Ed Lally Foundation Mission
To inspire and empower individuals, families and communities to adopt a proactive approach to mental health & suicide prevention through accessible evidence-based practices of self-healing, stigma-shattering self-expression and interpersonal connection. Donate to support Ed Lally Foundation.
Big Infinite
Big Infinite is a nationally touring acoustic rock band comprised of Jordan Lally (singer/songwriter), DJ Fritzges (multi-instrumentalist) and Dre Toney (drums, vocals). Big Infinite shares a message of hope and healing through their music and the platform their music provides.Follow Big Infinite.
“We believe that honest self-expression - creative, conversational and therapeutic - will help to remove the sense of isolation that so often exacerbates struggles with mental health and create a profound sense of connection. Through personal practice, we also know of the evidence-based healing power of mindfulness upon the brain. We believe in accessible present-moment practices of self-awareness to foster healing and improve coping skills & resiliency, helping folks to “weather the storm” in moments of crisis and prevent suicide.” ~ Jordan Lally
