A West Cumbrian music event has raised almost £900 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Carlisle band Hardwicke Circus, who recently performed at Glastonbury, headlined Feel the Blues at Maryport’s Grasslot Club on July 3.
The annual Feel the Blues gigs were founded by Graeme McGrory in 2015, whose partner Ann Westcott has a rare form of Alzheimer’s. Ann loves music and is now at Dalton Court Care Home in Cockermouth. The gigs have raised around £5,000.
Hardwicke Circus presented Graeme McGrory with a cheque for £848.55, which has been donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Feel The Blues with Hardwicke Circus and Friends saw more than 200 people enjoy the event. The show was introduced by Baroness Hayman, former Workington MP, who is a supporter of Alzheimer’s Society and a friend of Ann and Graeme.
Following a set of Hardwicke originals, the band was joined by guests from eight Cumbrian bands who joined them to play specially chosen blues classics. The show comprised of around 20 songs and lasted just under two hours.
The guests were Ethan Thomas from Checkerboard Lounge (who also played at Dalton Court for Ann, residents and staff), Steve Smith from Delta Geckos, Ryan Burns from Mama-Sang And The Robot, Colin Nichol and Mandy Hays from MT Arms, Ronny Milburn from One Cut, Ashley Robertshaw and Zoe Glencross from Somethin’ Brewin’.
Other guests included Hoss Thompson and Lol Jackson from Thirteen Stars, Chris Walker from Time Machine, Zack McDade who used to be in Hardwicke Circus also joined the band for a few songs.
Jonny Foster, of Hardwicke Circus, said: “It was a privilege for the Hardwickes to host so many great musicians to help Ann with music and raise £848.55 for Alzheimer’s Society.”
The event was sponsored by AW Promotions and Events, Cottage Pie Ltd Dearham, HMV Carlisle and Workington, Ellenvale Coaches Ltd and Mike Taylor Printing Services Ltd.
Raffle prizes were donated by HMV Carlisle and Workington, Jordan Worsfold, Mike Bowden, Somethin’ Brewin’ and Thirteen Stars.
Lights and effects were produced by Dek Williamson, of Dad’s Army and the event was recorded for a live album as well as being filmed.
All musicians and everyone involved donated their time for Ann and Alzheimer’s Society.
There are two more Feel The Blues events this year: On September 24 at the Railway Club Workington and November 6 at Source Collective.
