A music event which raises money and awareness for people affected by dementia is to return after a three-year break.
Between 2015 and 2018 Feel The Blues held several gigs in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Maryport and Workington.
Maryport-based organiser Graeme McGrory started the events for his wife Ann, whose PCA Alzheimer’s gradually worsened, affecting her mobility vision and spatial awareness. Feel the Blues was a way of bringing the music to her and raising awareness of how music helps those affected by dementia.
Ann’s many musician friends have supported events since the first at the now-closed Crown Inn in Maryport in April 2015 for her 64th birthday.
Buzz Elliott, from Workington, has helped by not only playing at all events but also came up with the name and designed the FTB artwork including the UNCHAINED poster.
Ash Wilson, Jon Amor, Julian Jules Carter and Tommy Allen have all come to join Cumbrian musicians and play for Ann. Born Healer and now-defunct Voodoo Blood have also travelled to play at FTB events.
In addition to raising awareness of music therapy, FTB also raises funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. To support their activities helping those affected by dementia. More than £2,000 has been donated so far.
This is expected to increase following the events on June 25 and June 26.
Joining with Cockermouth Rock and Blues, the weekend will celebrate the return of live music, as well as raising money at awareness for those affected by dementia.
The following events will take place across the weekend:
June 25, Dalton Court 3pm – Zoe Glen, a well-known Cumbrian solo entertainer from Silloth will get the party started at Dalton Court in a private event. Zoe will perform a special rock and blues set for Ann, residents and staff. Representatives of Alzheimer’s Society and Cumbria County Council hope to attend.
June 25, Huntsman, Cockermouth 7pm/8.30pm – Slagbank, a legendary power trio from Workington of Buzz Elliott, Mark Coles and Tony Steel will perform a blistering selection of rock and blues classics.
This warmup gig is free entry but donations and a raffle sponsored by Cockermouth businesses will raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society.
June 26, Maryport Rugby League Club 2pm until 9.30pm – Slagbank will open the show at 2.30 to kick things off with a bang.
Checkerboard Lounge – Young Cumbrian folk and blues songwriter Ethan Thomas goes electric with Martin MacDonald and Rod McKay from renowned blues band Redfish as well as Steve Harrison from classic rock band Fireball. They will play a mix of Ethan originals and covers. A rare opportunity to see this band because of their other collective commitments.
Dean Newton Trio – Still only 30, Dean has been on the Cumbrian music scene since 2002. DNT will perform a selection from their critically acclaimed debut CD of jazz, blues-influenced Dean originals and covers.
Delta Geckos – Comprising members of two previous respected bands, Solway Delta Blues Band and South Quay the Geckos will play an eclectic mix of harmonica, twin guitar-led blues.
MT Arms – A trio of Colin Nichol, Mandy Hays, manager turned bass player, and Mike Ellis on drums this long-established band will play a mix of lively Colin originals and covers.
Roz Sluman – Roz, a well-respected saxophonist and music teacher who has her own bands including Evolution will be on hand to join in. At previous FTB events, Roz has jammed with Ash Wilson, Jon Amor, Julian Jules Carter and Tommy Allen as well as Slagbank. Like Buzz Elliott Roz has supported all main FTB events.
Mark Jones – Mark has played keyboards in his own bands including The Misfitz and now AKA Skafell who play brass tinged ska.
Along with Buzz Elliott, Mark also plays in Basketcase, led by Pete Cruikshank from The Groundhogs when they visit Cumbria.
The venue has a capacity of 150 but will be reduced to 60 if restrictions not lifted on June 21. In view of this only 50 tickets are being released until further details regarding coronavirus restrictions are revealed.
Admission is £10. Net profit after gig expenses will be for Alzheimer’s Society as will any donations and raffle sponsored by various businesses.
