Over £400 was raised at a recent Feel the Blues event in Carlisle.
The popular event was held at the Old Fire Station on November 7 and followed the theme of previous events by raising awareness about how music helps those affected by dementia, raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society in the process.
The events started in 2015 to bring music to Ann Westcott, Graeme McGrory’s long term partner, who was diagnosed with PCA Alzheimer’s when she was 59 in 2010.
Feel the Blues events are organised by Graeme and Mark Howes from Cockermouth Blues. Earlier this year Graeme won the Alzheimer’s Society Hero Award for Campaigning for raising awareness on care home issues and fundraising.
Ann still loves music and a special event, covered by BBC Radio Cumbria, was held at Dalton Court Care Home in Cockermouth on April 16 for Ann’s 70th Birthday. Blues musicians including Ash Wilson, Jon Amor and Tommy Allen have played at Feel the Blues over the years to support Ann and Alzheimer’s Society.
After a three-year break, to allow Graeme to adapt to Ann now living in a care home, Feel the Blues returned in June. Since then £1,443.04 has been raised from a number of events, including the online auction of a guitar and gigs at The Huntsman in Cockermouth and Maryport Rugby League Club.
Determined not to let this dampen spirits, an opportunity arose for a long-term friend of Ann and Graeme, internationally renowned Blues musician Danny Bryant, to support Ann and Alzheimer’s Society.
Danny was able to find a date in his diary and Feel the Bonfire Blues happened on November 7. Danny was ably supported by some great local musicians. Stephen Dunn from the Postcard Band welcomed the intimate audience of around 90 with a humorous couple of songs before handing over to Stoney Broke who gave a masterclass in solo guitar blues.
Roz Sluman’s Big Shoes Band then entertained with a set of jazzy blues. Roz has played at every Feel The Blues since the first in 2015. Danny and his band then showed why they are in demand around Europe and UK. Danny’s dazzling guitar work and vocals were complemented by his band.
They played a selection of favourites and from their new album Rage To Survive. That was written during lockdown by Danny and recorded live as soon as the band could get together.
Danny then invited Christian Sharpe from Redfish Blues Band and Roz Sluman to join the band. An unforgettable jam with added guitar and sax brought the show to a close. A team comprising Andy Hall on video, Derek Williamson on effects, Simon Moss (photos) and Sandra Walling (formerly Maryport Blues) and Sharon Smith (Carlisle Blues) provided essential support to Mark Howes to make the show work.
A raffle sponsored by Crown Inn, Stanwix, Danny Bryant, local band Hardwicke Circus, IBIS Carlisle and Stoney Broke helped raise £444.44 which has been donated to Alzheimer’s Society.
There are two more events supporting Alzheimer’s Society happening soon in Cumbria.
On November 26 Roz Sluman has organised a gig headlined by her band Evolution at The Source in Carlisle. Tickets in advance are £8 and are available from www.skiddle.com , The Source and £10 on door.
On December 10 Threlkeld Activities Association have organised an evening with the Committed To Rock Choir. Tickets £10 from www.threlkeldvillagehall.org and from the village Post Office.
