Folks may know that MJFF hosted its annual gala in NYC this weekend. It is always is a fun night of course and we are grateful to raise critically needed money for research ($4.3 million this year!)...but, for me the highlight of the night is seeing Michael jump on stage and play guitar with our musical guests...it is common for the PD patients in the room to comment to me after the fact that it is a real inspiration to see him play guitar.

I should share that he works hard to prepare for the night...its not so easy to do all the finger work as you all know all too well. But, really, it is a great moment. Just for fun I thought I'd share a few photos from the night including a few of Michael playing guitar and singing "Walk this way!" with Aerosmith legend Steven Tyler...other musical guests included Gregg Allman, Elvis Costello, and John Popper from Blues Traveler.

Radar Online: http://www.radaronline.com/photos/im...117#image-load

Debi

Did greg allman sing Melissa? Did they play Jessica? Two of my favorites. we could have fun with WALK THIS WAY... I know it's an aerosmith song but , what silly pictures i am envisioning.

would love to know - thanks
paula

Gregg Allman (with Elvis Costello and John Popper) played Midnight Rider, Melissa, No Way Out and Statesboro Blues, and then Steven Tyler came on and everyone played Walk this way. Denis Leary Band played a few numbers (with titles that aren't repeatable!) too.

Debi

Dear Debi,

I am happy for Michaels continued interest in music. There are many wonderful researchers that have prooven music enhances the brain's activity.
Perhaps Michael would consider sharing the spotlight with others who also have practiced over the years. We have a violinist, diagnosed 6 years ago who played with the Minnesota Orchestra. A young onset patient in Washington State named Laura Dean started up an Arts website and still composes her own music and writes beautiful lyrics describing how her Parkinson's has affected her life.

There are many performing artists who have been diagnosed with PD who have suffered loss after loss, unable to maintain the family of musicians with whom they used to perform. Michael was able to prepare for his performance, but the truth is, performing arts are meant to be shared with performers and audiances. Because of the unpredictibility of Parksonism, it makes it harder and harder for patient performers to continue with their extended families of performers. Not only do they lose their social enjoyment, they also lose the enjoyment of sharing the talents they have worked to cultivate.

Best Regards,
Vicky Lynn

Yes, it would be nice to give a place to performing PWP, but that would not have been the time for it. Although he may have enjoyed himself, MJF was working and it was no place for amateurs.

Ask John here for a video spot and let the world see the horrors and wonders of Parkinsons peoples. Right here where they meet and greet each other.

Firstly, both persons I mentioned as patients with PD were and are both professionals (member of the Minnesota orchestra?**)

Secondly, I don't believe anywhere in my post did I critisize MJF.

VL