October 4 and 5 Unforgettable Weekend features free concert and play

A music concert and play are part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s two-day Unforgettable Weekend on Friday and Saturday, October 4 and 5, 2024, at Coppin State University. The concert by saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield and play Unforgettable by Garrett Davis are free events—which combine entertainment with information on dementia awareness as outreach efforts to Maryland residents. The 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report ranks Maryland as the state with the nation’s highest dementia prevalence for residents age 65 and older. Baltimore ranks among the nation’s three highest regions with a 16.6 percent dementia prevalence for residents age 65 and older along with Dade County, Florida, and the Bronx County, New York.

An Unforgettable Weekend
On Friday, October 4 at 7 p.m., saxophonist Adrian Crutchfield will hold a concert at James Weldon Johnson Auditorium, 2500 W. North Avenue, Baltimore 21218. Crutchfield, who is touring with Grammy-winning saxophonist Dave Koz, is the last saxophonist to record and perform with music icon Prince.

On Saturday, October 5 at 2 p.m., Unforgettable by Garrett Davis of Gdavis Productions and Films, LLC, will be held at the auditorium. The play shows the importance of recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, early detection and diagnosis of the disease and the importance of underrepresented communities participating in clinical trials. The concert and play are free to attend but registration is required at unforgettableplay.com.

“We hope that presenting this important information in an entertaining format will appeal to people of all ages,” says Marlyn Massey, Alzheimer’s Association Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager. “Plus removing the costs for both events makes attendance accessible, giving caregivers a night out.”

Alzheimer’s impact in Maryland
Currently there are more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, including 127,200 Maryland residents, and 247,000 people providing care. Older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as White Americans. Black Americans are also less likely to receive a timely diagnosis, with many receiving a diagnosis much later in the disease, when their medical needs are greater.

“There is a lack of culturally appropriate and tailored programming that resonates with disproportionately affected and underserved audiences as it relates to Alzheimer’s and other dementia care and support,” said Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., M.P.H., chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Alzheimer's Association. “This community theater gives us the opportunity to deliver important disease-related information in a fun and entertaining way. We want audiences to come away with a better understanding of Alzheimer’s, other dementia and the resources and support that are available from the Alzheimer's Association to help families who are affected.”

Creator Garrett Davis wrote Unforgettable in tribute to his late grandmother, Goodness, whose dementia diagnosis left his family feeling lost. Davis' experience as a Black male caregiver inspired the story of the Davenport-Rodriguez family, who makes a plan to care for matriarch Mama D after her Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Since July 2022, Unforgettable has played to capacity audiences in several cities, reaching more than 10,000 individuals, including many personally affected by the disease. The stage play has also allowed the Alzheimer’s Association to engage 150 national and local partners, enabling the Association to extend its reach into underserved communities.

This year, the Alzheimer’s Association is working to extend the impact of these partnerships through the creation of ALZ Health Equity Coalitions. These grassroots coalitions composed of national and local partners are tasked with building on the momentum created by Unforgettable in local communities. Coalitions will work with the Alzheimer’s Association to ensure greater health equity by improving the state of diagnosis and care for underserved and disproportionately affected communities facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

“I am thrilled for the upcoming year of touring with Unforgettable in 2024,” said Garret Davis, Unforgettable creator and award-winning playwright and filmmaker. “This time around, my focus is not just on the incredible performances but also on highlighting the profound impact of our collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association. Together, we're dedicated to addressing health disparities in communities of color, working towards a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the care and support they deserve. Here's to a year of making memories and creating positive change!"

Unforgettable features a stellar cast of characters who were a part of the drama series Daddy’s Boys, including Dartez Wright and Kenneth Pierce. “American Idol” finalist Scott Savol, LeJuene Thompson from Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers, and Yessie Rodriguez from the drama series My Family are also featured. The Unforgettable theme song was written by songwriter and vocalist.

Blanche McAllister, one of the lead singers from the Grammy award-winning group Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers.

Gdavis Productions has been touring the country and raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving in communities of color for more than 13 years with the critically acclaimed stage plays Forget Me Not and Mama’s Girls. Over the last decade, Forget Me Not has toured over 27 cities in 10 states in an attempt to close the health disparities gap in underserved and disproportionately affected communities.

“Reaching and engaging underserved audiences that are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias is a top priority for the Alzheimer’s Association,” Hill said. “Engaging diverse perspectives is critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care.”

Greater Maryland Chapter Alzheimer’s Association staff will be on hand before and after the play to provide information on local support and education services and to answer audience questions.

About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900 for more information.

About Gdavis Productions
Gdavis Productions and films is an urban theater/film company that has been touring stage plays since 1994. Gdavis Production is committed to bringing real life situations to the stage that will bring light to issues and concerns that affect our community in hopes of creating a change for a better quality of life for everyone. Visit gdavisproductions.net for more information.