Dance the night away for a good cause at Thurso’s Rock n’ Roll Rumble
A forthcoming charity music event in Thurso is billed as a collection of live acts performing upbeat rock n’ roll and soul along with rhythm and blues.
The ‘Rock N Roll Rumble’ is taking place on the evening of Saturday, September 28 at the Park Hotel in Thurso. Entry is by donation at the door, with all proceeds including a raffle being donated to Alzheimer Scotland in Caithness.
Local musician Robbie Macdonald from the Robbie Pie Band said: “This initiative is part of work to raise money for this charity, but it is also to raise awareness of the positive impacts that music can bring to people who have forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease.”
Robbie says he has personal experience of the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s when his mother developed the condition. “There is so much more that can be done in the community and in residential care settings to support both the person and their carers.
“There is no cure as it’s a terminal condition which varies from person to person, and impacts families differently. However, I know from experience that music, dancing and other forms of art and entertainment can make a big difference and bring enjoyment to those suffering from the disease.”
He says he pops down to the local care home to play an acoustic set and notes how the power of music can be so rewarding for the residents. “My mother gave me the support and the love of music from when she played such artists as Buddy Holly and Elvis to name but a few. This has become my hobby and passion, so giving back means something to me.”
Robbie has teamed up with local dementia adviser Isobel Stevenson to organise this event. Before this, Robbie and other musicians, such as Nancy Foggo from Barracuda, have been putting on performances at Pentland View Nursing Home in Thurso to bring music to its residents.
Local care homes and community support teams run by Isobel and her colleagues are keen to develop opportunities and experiences such as music sessions, support for carers and community awareness.
“This event is another way in which music can help people with dementia, along with family and carers, by raising money to support this work,” said Robbie.
“Everybody who was asked wanted to get involved and, in addition to the bands that Park Hotel owners Sandra and Richie Campbell are hosting, there is a team of volunteers helping to make sure everything runs smoothly. Steve Hicks and the Live Jivers will also be putting on a move or two, swinging and swaying on the dance floor.”
The evening kicks off at around 8pm with Barracuda, a 10-piece band influenced by American rock n’ roll/rhythm and blues, with a brass section and multiple vocalists giving it a “big sound”.
“It’s headed up by Ian Sinclair who has been playing music since rock n’ roll began, working with many generations of musicians in Caithness down the years.
“Next up are The Manglers, reforming especially for the event. It’s a family affair with the talented Riddell brothers Jamie, Danny, and Ryan, joined by their cousin Ian Crawford on the bass guitar.
“The boys play a great mix of covers ranging from the Rolling Stones to Johnny Cash.”
Bringing the curtain down is Robbie’s own band, The Robbie Pie Band, a trio in which he is joined by Davie Henderson and Jimmy Riddell who used to play together as part of Barracuda.
They are now regulars on the local pub/club scene in Caithness, producing a punchy sound reminiscent of the 60s and 70s, covering bands like Cream, The Doobie Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, along with classic soul and rock n roll numbers.
For more information on Alzheimer Scotland visit: www.alzscot.org/
Alzheimer Scotland also has a Freephone Dementia Helpline, where emotional support and signposting advice are available 24 hours, every day of the year. Call anytime on 0808 808 3000.