The NC Alzheimer's Music & Spoken Word Festival

We woke up early on Saturday morning, packed the car, and drove up to Harry's Market in Chapel Hill, NC for the NC Alzheimer's Music and Spoken Word Festival. We joined several members of the NC Songwriters Co-op for a day of music, education, and frivolity celebrating the care givers, educators, and family members of those with Alzheimer's. Joe Woodson, a fellow Co-op member did a great job organizing the event. He decided to do this festival in honor of his parents and in honor of those who have died with this tragic disease. There were many educators on hand to speak with folks who attended the festival to explain how to care for someone with Alzheimer's and to give out information on prevention and resource services.

We couldn't believe how cold it was! This time last year, we had another outdoor event and it was sweltering. Good thing we had blankets in the car, because we definitely needed them since it was an outdoor event. There were all kinds of cool things to do at the festival. There was face painting for the kids, a pumpkin patch, all kinds of goodies to look at and buy inside the old time market, food vendors, education booths, and even a clown. 

One of the best things about the festival, besides all of the great music, was the a raffle and a silent auction to benefit the "Frail Elderly Fund" of Orange county. All money collected was donated to the group to use in whatever way they needed,  and all of the musicians donated their time to support this worthy cause. 

We must mention the dedication of our Co-op Coordinator, Dwight Sullivan and his wife Deb. They ran sound for the event, and did a great job. We have some pretty amazing folks at the Co-op. Also, special thanks to Teresa Smith, owner of Harry's who worked so hard to make sure that everything went well for the festival and to Louise Bendall the MC of the event who entertained us all. The following performers made the day a great success, and we hope to hear more good things about this event next year.

1.    Joe Woodson

2.    Jim Haggard

3.    Taylor Slay

4.    Tom Voorheis

5.    Mark Cool

6.    David Tew

7.    Dwight Sullivan

8.    The Cloers

9.    Louise Bendall

10.   Jamie Kay

11.   Chuck Champion

12.   Peter Laiosa

13.   Frank Princiotta

14.   Mary Rocap

Harry's Market at White Cross from Elyssa Sharp on Vimeo.