Musician’s tribute to his late grandmother (From Wharfedale Observer)

Musician’s tribute to his late grandmother

8:20am Sunday 24th June 2012 in News

A musician is hosting a special charity concert in tribute to his late grandmother.

Rupert Stroud will perform at the Ilkley Playhouse later this month to boost funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The 25-year-old, who has been hailed as one of the hottest acts to come out of Yorkshire in recent times, will perform his charity single, Always, together with tracks from his albums Chasing the Night and Rupert Road, in memory of his grandmother who had the disease.

He will be joined by his band, acoustic singer-songwriter Jasmine Kennedy and vocalist Kate Peters, who will sing with her own jazz band.

Mr Stroud said: “This concert is a tribute to my wonderful grandma and the first of a number of music events I’ve got planned around the country to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“A hundred per cent of the proceeds from the concert will go towards the charity’s pioneering research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. All the proceeds from my charity single Always, released in the spring, are also being donated to this very worthwhile cause.

“The support I’ve received so far from my fan base, the local community and businesses has been amazing.

“I hope as many people as possible will join me at the Ilkley Playhouse to help raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Words can’t describe how much I’d like to see new treatments and a cure for this disease so that other people don’t have to suffer.”

The concert takes place on June 30. Miranda Mays, community fundraising manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Rupert’s drive and commitment to raise money for our vital dementia research is tremendous, and we can’t thank him enough.

“Every £20 raised from the concert and downloads of this single will pay for another hour of world-class research, bringing us closer to finding ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. There are 820,000 people across the UK living with dementia today, including over 7,500 people in Leeds.”

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £12, are available from the Ilkley Playhouse box office or call (01943) 609539.