Forget-Me-Not Concert benefiting the Alzheimer Association

An estimated 4.2 to 5.8 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease and Charles E. Majors was one of those hit with the devastating disease. Watching her father slip into this state caused his daughter Patrice's desire to do something in order to honor him as well as raise awareness for the cause. The result was the first benefit, in Nashville, to benefit the Alzheimer's Association. The idea was appropriate because of the late Majors himself as his daughter recounts, "When my dad was in the nursing home and had lost the ability to communicate, he still responded to music." Plans for a benefit didn't come to fruition before his passing in May of 2006, but it was able to finally come to reality in the month of August following.

Independent artists were brought together at the Nashville Palace, who graciously donated the facility, for a concert and live auction. The show opened with a songwriter's round consisting of Tori Mason, Chris Mayor and Susan Smith. Italian-born poet Simply Sil followed with a poetry reading reflecting on the homeless. Jennifer Hicks (Nashville Star - Season 2; 5th Place) and Rick Ferrell ("Something Like That" - Tim McGraw; "Where Would You Be" - Martina McBride) have joined forces to form Bluefield and brought new material to the stage as well as some from their past. Hicks and Ferrell trade off the lead vocal position and have a beautiful blend.. Tommy Job quickly made sure that the audience knew not to expect country as he was a Christian artist performing his own as well as cover material.

Gwen Sebastian was able to showcase material from her new "Invitation" project. Justin David took time from his busy touring schedule (both on his own and with country superstar Roy Clark) to introduce some of the new material he's recorded in the studio since appearing on Nashville Star (Season 3; 5th Place). Singer-songwriter Memarie captured the audience with one of her newer selections, "Cry Like Memphis." Rounding out the afternoon show was Lydia Salnikova, better known as the keyboardist and co-lead singer of the Russian group Bering Strait, who took to the stage with her keyboard with her own written works as well as those recorded with the group during their days on Universal South Records. (Bering Strait announced their unfortunate demise in Summer 2006 - all members have amicably parted ways.)

The live auction held contained various items from country artists such as Wynonna, Trent Willmon, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts and many others. There were also two tickets to the 2007 CMT Music Awards to be held at the Curb Event Center up for grabs.

Through admissions and the live auction, the benefit raised approximately $5,000 and all profits are being donated to the Alzheimer's Association under the Forget-Me-Not Foundation name in honor of Charles E. Majors. Future donations can be sent to: Alzheimer's Association 4205 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 216 Nashville, TN 37215-8000. Checks should be made payable to the Alzheimer's Association.

For more information on Alzheimer's Disease, please visit www.alzfdn.org.