Jacob Davis Reflects on Performing for Alzheimer’s Patients: ‘It Was Amazing’
Jacob Davis recently visited the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care in Augusta, Ga., where he performed for several of the patients. The experience was a memorable one for the Taste of Country RISERS act.
“It was amazing,” Davis tells the Augusta Chronicle of his performance. “There was a lady and a gentleman up front and it was like it hit them at the same time. Their eyes lit up and then they started moving around. It was pretty great.”
Davis' performance was part of the Music for Memories Concert, a sold-out annual fundraiser which raises money for the center that included a headlining set by Jon Pardi.
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The healing power of music has been well documented, especially for patients suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's who have trouble finding their words. The center recently received a $4,000 grant to purchase iPods for patients, and Jennifer Pennington, executive director for the center, says music is a part of the patients' lives each day.
“It is very calming,” Pennington explains. “Sometimes individuals who are having a hard time finding their words, if they listen to a song from their past, immediately they can sing all of the words beautifully.”
When Davis isn't visiting with and performing for patients, he's is touring the country playing his own headlining sets in promotion of his new music. The Shreveport, La., native will be in Nashville soon to play CMA Music Festival at the Chevrolet Park Stage on June 10.
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