By Isle of Wight Observer
The regular open mic session, at the Simeon Arms in Ryde, held on the first Sunday of each month, had a very special participant this month.
Brian Gray suffers from dementia, and has been attending music workshops at Aspire Ryde. Music is shown to help reduce anxiety and depression, help maintain speech and language, and enhance quality of life. Brian used to be a professional musician, playing with the Eric Stephens Jazz Band across the Island and along the south coast.
Playing with Jess, and supported by some local volunteer musicians, Brian has rediscovered his love of playing and gained enough confidence to play in front of an audience for the first time in a number of years.
Jess said: “It has been a wonderful privilege to meet and get to play with Brian. He is a talented bass player and a true gentleman. I am so pleased that we have been able to support him in getting playing again!
“I am hoping with this project we can reach more musicians suffering from degenerative memory conditions who could benefit from a group like this, as well as raising public awareness of how beneficial creative arts can be on physical and mental health and well-being.”
Opening the open mic evening, Brian dazzled with his skill on double bass, accompanied by Julie Elston on percussion, Jess Leigh Ong on guitar and vocals, Julian Gabriel Clarke on guitar and vocals and Jim Elston, also on guitar and vocals.
The difference this workshop has made to Brian is both heart-warming and wonderful to see, and can help others, too, whether playing, singing along, listening, or reminiscing about the memories that music can trigger. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the workshops, contact jess@aspireryde.org.uk or go along to the open mic at the Simeon Arms on the first Sunday of each month at 9pm.
Isle of Wight Observer