BIG Ian Donaghy takes a night off fronting York party band Huge to host A Night To Remember, a concert for the Alzheimer's Society, at the Grand Opera House, York, on March 6.
The 7.30pm fundraising show features an acoustic house band led by George Hall and a stellar line-up of singers: Chris Helme & Chris Farrell, Heather Findlay & Chris Johnson, Boss Caine, Jess Morgan, Beth McCarthy, Graham Hodge and Toby Burras.
Taking part too will be The Y Street Band, guitarist and Isle of Man TT races motorbike engine designer Las Vegas Ken, Irish fiddler Kieran O'Malley and saxophonist Mick Donnelly, and the evening also includes films and photography made with children and people living with dementia in York.
"Last year's show at YorkTheatre Royal sold out, and with nearly half the tickets gone already this time, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment," says Big Ian. "The Theatre Royal is being renovated from March, so we're delighted that the Grand Opera House has come to our aid."
More than 200 people with Alzheimer's/dementia came to the 2014 show with their carers. "They had a wonderful night," recalls Big Ian. "I’ve never seen an audience so engrossed. You could hear a pin drop. They really appreciated the effort that had gone into the performances.
"Now we have seven weeks to sell out our March 6 show, raise awareness of dementia, get people talking in York and put a show together with some phenomenally talented musicians. I spend every day nowadays with people living with dementia. At last people are talking about it, acknowledging it and looking at ways to make things better for people living with dementia.”
Switalskis Solicitors will cover every cost of the show, so the charity is in profit before a single seat is sold.
"Every penny of ticket money goes direct to the Alzheimer's Society to be spent in York," says Big Ian. "The event is already attracting major interest in the world of Alzheimer's and care with some very high profile guests attending. Last year’s show blew people away with every act bringing their A-Game, raising £12,000 and funding the invaluable Harmony dementia cafe in York for a year."
After a few persuasive phone calls from Big Ian to Sennheiser and Marshall Amplifiers, an array of donated equipment for the Harmony café will be presented on the night.
Responding to the issue of Alzheimer's has become such a driving force in Big Ian's life that not only has he addressed the UK dementia congress but he also has written the book Dear Dementia.
"If we don't include, we exclude," he says. "One thing is sure; there are angels walking among us caring for others in this city. Let's get them out, celebrate what they do and sing with one voice together.
"All are welcome on March 6; children, families, aged two to 102. All we promise is A Night To Remember." Tickets cost £11 on 0844 8713044 or at atgtickets.com/shows/a-night-to-remember/grand-opera-house-york/
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