Penny Shute Menze

Overview: “Because We Don’t Talk About It” is a music-driven addiction awareness initiative by Penny Menze and her son, Kevin Aldridge, imprisoned for a vehicular homicide DUI. Their upcoming album shares a raw story of addiction, loss, and redemption to inspire life-changing decisions and connect with audiences in their struggles. The songs trace Kevin’s fall from success to ruin through alcohol and cocaine, a fatal accident, and prison’s heavy toll, alongside the pain of victims, their families, and Penny’s four granddaughters. Kevin warns addicts: “You’ll die or end up in prison; don’t drink and drive—it kills good people,” urging decisive action. Music’s emotional power drives empathy, awareness, and resilience.