VALDESE – Several local musicians will join forces to raise money for one of the world’s most devastating illnesses – Alzheimer’s.
On Saturday, players from multiple bands will put together their musical talents for the Blue Christmas Benefit Concert at the Old Rock School in Valdese at 7 p.m.
“This is a music lover’s ultimate experience,” Valdese Community Affairs Director Barbara Hefner said in a press release. “It’s difficult to explain but during the show, the audience and musicians become family and you leave thinking, ‘I can’t wait ’till next year.’”
The concert, now in its fifth year, has had so much recent success that Hefner said organizers are contemplating producing two shows next year as every year the show has sold out.
This year’s concert ticket prices will increase by $5.
“The prices are going up because we don’t think people will object to paying a little extra for a benefit,” Hefner added.
According to concert organizer Roberts Kearns, after expenses, the concerts have raised approximately $20,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.
For Kearns, the benefit hits home as his father, in the waning years of his life, suffered from a form of dementia.
That personal experience prompted Kearns to take action against the disease.
“Basically, the idea was to get together with some friends that I see during Christmas and play some music, have some fun, put on a concert and donate the proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association,” Kearns said. “For me it’s all apart of being able to give back because I feel so blessed to be able to play music for a living and to be able to play with people that I have played with and forge friendships with.”
Kearns, who currently plays bass guitar for Sheryl Crow, gets to visit his hometown of Conover about three times a year. Kearns also played with Lynyrd Skynard for several years and was a founding member of the band Cry of Love.
Kearns said the musical selection will feature mostly bluegrass.
This year’s proceeds will be split between musician Jim Ashton, who recently fought a battle with cancer, and the Alzheimer’s Association Western North Carolina Chapter.
The chapter provides patient and family services for the 49 counties in Western North Carolina.
Tickets for the show are $15 and can be purchased online at www.visitvaldese.com[1] or by calling 828-879-2129.
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