Patrons at a Barrie Bar came together to sing, in hopes that showing off their proverbial pipes can make a difference in their local community. On Wednesday, local residents took to the stage at Donaleigh’s Irish Public House with a live band. Unlike traditional karaoke setups, ‘Bandeoke’ offers participants the chance to perform their favourite hits accompanied by a full live band. The jam session was part of a fundraiser aimed at supporting individuals living with dementia and their care partners through the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County. “Music touches many different parts of the brain and other things simply don’t,” Jaime Grant, with the Alzheimer’s Society of Simcoe County, tells CTV News. Keith Wells was one of many people who participated in the event, who says he was inspired by the struggle of a friend. “Good friend of mine, we actually met at a Blue Rodeo concert many years ago, he’s struggling with trying to look after his father, who has Alzheimer’s,” Wells said. “It’s great to be here to be able to support this cause.” Organizers say the fundraiser was open to performers of all skill levels, offering a unique night of community entertainment. Tickets for the event were sold out.
