POTSDAM - What began with a disappointing audition for The Voice has grown into a six-year journey of music, friendship and giving back.

On Sept. 26, the sixth annual Rock the Call Music Festival returns to the North Country, bringing musicians and supporters together to benefit Americans Supporting Armed Services (ASAS), a Potsdam-based nonprofit celebrating 10 years of supporting veterans and active military personnel.

The event will begin at noon at the Outlaw Saloon, 65 Sheldon Road, Winthrop and will feature several bands and appearances by former The Voice contestants Tom Nitti and Ashley Bryant Nitti, both members of Team Reba during their respective seasons..

Rock the Call was founded by Andy Deon, whose inspiration came after an unsuccessful audition for The Voice. Discouraged, Deon visited An Beal Bocht, a small pub in the Bronx, where he met blues guitarist Jeremy Bar-llan, founder of the Purple Hat Foundation.

Bar-llan invited Deon to perform at a concert honoring his late son, Zachary. The experience sparked a lasting friendship and ultimately inspired Deon to create Rock the Call in the North Country, honoring Zachary while raising money for a different cause each year.

“This now being the sixth year, I run my own event here in the North Country to honor Zach and donate to a cause that we choose each year,” Deon said. “This year will be for Americans Supporting Armed Services.”

Nitti is a combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient who continues his public service as a New York state trooper and trainer at the State Police Academy in Albany. This will be the couple’s second Northern New York appearance supporting the veteran community.

The festival lineup also includes Johnny Droppers, The Dad Bods, Honeycombs, Adam Ghost, Benny Ben Tail, Sweet Revenge, Sister Cinnamon, and Divided Roads.

The Rock the Call Bike Run, held in conjunction with St. Lawrence County American Legion Riders members, will add another way to support the cause. Riders should meet at the Outlaw Saloon by 11:30 a.m. to register with kickstands up at noon.

Deon also credits Barker Productions, the Outlaw Saloon and the musicians and supporters who continue to help the event grow.