Walking down memory lane
The upcoming Alzheimer’s Australia fundraiser, presented by son of Don Lane, PJ, promises to be an event with a difference.
It does not sound like your typical Alzheimer’s Australia fundraiser- dancing girls, a 19-piece big band and a collection of some of Australia’s most-loved entertainers, all performing on the one stage in Sydney, for one time only this year.
But come next Monday 25 October and this is exactly what ticket-holders to The Memory Lane Concert at Walsh Bay’s Sydney Theatre will get.
Starring David Campbell, Rhonda Burchmore, Wayne Scott Kermond, Trisha Crowe, Trevor Ashley and comedian Darren Carr, a big band and the Popset dancers, this event is expected to raise much-needed funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Behind the fundraiser is the son of the late Don Lane and Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Ambassador, PJ Lane. Not only is he organising the event but PJ will also host and perform during the evening.
“Determined to do it,” in honor of his father who died in October last year after living with dementia, PJ is looking forward to the big event.
“I’ve been given this opportunity to a do a lot for Alzheimer’s in my role as ambassador. This concert is something of mine and something I want to do and I am hoping to make it an annual fixture to raise money and awareness of Alzheimer’s dementia and other dementia related diseases.
“This concert means a lot to me…It’s a field that I know how to work.”
PJ stressed how important it is for the community to understand the impact of the disease, not only on the sufferer but also on their families and friends.
“Obviously it affects them but it also affects the people around them who care for them. Those people need our support.”
Don Lane was an American-born Australian singer, cabaret performer and all-round entertainer, best known for hosting The Don Lane Show from 1975 to 1983. He died from a dementia-related illness caused by Alzheimer’s disease last year after living in a nursing home in Sydney.
PJ, aged 25, said that his mission is to raise awareness of the disease amoung younger generations. The event therefore, is for all ages.
“Expect the highest class entertainment you can find anywhere in the country. It’ll be the Las Vegas style that you don’t find around much anymore. It’ll be a real throwback to old school.”
The show starts at 7pm. For more information, click here.
Below: PJ Lane
Hey PJ, your dad would be so proud of you…you look so much like him! I grew up watching his show. You have showbiz in your genes and I hope like crazy we see you bring your own style to our screens. You could’nt go wrong.
It must be so hard for you not having him around. I lost my dad to dementia and it is such a heart breaking disease…like your dad, mine was full of life and fun and had always been in managerial executive positions. Its so hard to understand how intelligent and inspiring men can be struck down with this horrible disease.
I miss my dad every minute of the day, as I’m sure you miss yours too…but at least we were lucky enough to have THEM as our dads.
God bless you PJ.