Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox, couldn’t imagine a world without music, but for his 8-year-old niece, Lexi Vernon, that was a sad reality. The daughter of Gary’s brother and sister-in-law, Kevin and Jamie Vernon, Lexi was growing up in a world where she was unable to hear. At 18 months old Lexi received bilateral cochlear implants which allowed her to go from silence to hearing music. That experience inspired her mother and father to create Songs for Sound #HEARtheMUSIC Project.

#HEARtheMUSIC project is a mobile clinic that provides free hearing screenings, protection and education for hearing loss. Currently on a year-long tour around the country #HEARtheMUSIC will join up with Rascal Flatts at their Hollywood Casino Amphitheater show on Aug. 7.

“As a musician I live and breathe music and can’t imagine a world without being able to hear,” said Gary in a statement. “This is a cause that really hits home for me. I know Lexi lives life to the fullest, including a gift we all need – music. I’m so glad to have the Hear the Music Project come and teach our fans about the importance of healthy ears, and I’m so proud that it’s from my family.”

For more information or to help donate to #HEARtheMUSIC project check out their website here.

You can visit the clinic at the following locations in Aug.:

• Logan Square Boys & Girls Club – Aug. 3-4, 10am-5pm
• Southside YMCA, Aug. 5 – 8am-5pm
• Chicago Children’s Museum – Aug. 6, 10am-4pm
• Rascal Flatts at Hollywood Casino – Aug. 7 (TBA)
• Shriner’s Hospital, Aug. 10 – 9:30am-3:30pm
• Morgan Park Boys & Girls Club – Aug. 119am-5pm
• Sandridge Fitness Center – Aug. 13-14, 8am-3pm
• Louis L. Valentine Boys &Girls Club – Aug. 17, 8am-12pm
• Louis L. Valentine Boys & Girls Club – Aug. 18, 8am-5pm
• South Chicago YMCA & Senior Housing Center – Aug. 12, 8am-5pm
• Sandridge Fitness Center – Aug. 13-14, 8am-3pm