Alzheimer Society of Toronto

View in a web browser

GIVE TODAY	UPCOMING EVENTS	VOLUNTEER

The Spirit of John, now in its third year, is an incredible night of music and revelry that celebrates John Mann, his music, and the powerful effect melody can have on memory.

John has helped raise awareness about music therapy for people living with dementia, but now that John’s own young-onset Alzheimer's has progressed, it’s our turn to play the music. John’s Set List for the evening will be custom made by John’s friends and family, and each song will be performed by a special guest with the house band.

The whole gang from Spirit of the West will be joined on stage by Josh Finlayson and Andy Maize (Skydiggers), Chris Tait (Chalk Circle), Kevin Kane (Grapes of Wrath), Martin Tielli (Rheostatics), Tom Wilson, Danny Michel, and many, many more.

All proceeds of the concert go to support the Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s Music Project which provides personalized playlists and iPods for people living with dementia in Toronto. Concert-goers will be participating in the second annual Fund-A-Need, which aims to raise enough money to supply music to 400 people living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

This show sells out quickly, so buy your tickets and get ready to donate!

TICKETS

Canada’s Unofficial National Anthem

If you grew up in Canada during the ‘80s and ‘90s, then you are most likely familiar with the music of Spirit of the West, the B.C. band that is as much about folk music as it is about Celtic, Rock, Pop and Pop. Led by singer John Mann, songs like Home for a Rest secured their way into every local bar, wedding and the heart of every Canadian.

In early September of 2014, John Mann posted a message on his blog to his fans. At the age of 51, he announced that he has young-onset Alzheimer’s disease. In his post, John wrote,

“I don’t want to spend any more energy trying to hide my symptoms. I don’t want to feel embarrassed. I want to accept what has happened and live.”

According to his wife Jill, much of the day can slip by without any words passing John’s lips, the silence cut short only as the Spirit of the West's frontman slides on a pair of headphones and allows familiar melodies to awaken his memory.

She says the experience of watching her partner and father of their two children slowly drift away has been overwhelming.

"Basically you have this extended deep daily pain as you experience a little bit of loss every day," she said. "It's awful; it's devastating for every person who's dealing with this."

John’s navigation of Alzheimer’s has been captured in the powerful, emotional documentary Spirit Unforgettable, showcasing Spirit of the West's countdown to their live performance at Massy Hall.