Country music fans are promised a great time Friday night at CasinoRama when Dean Brody and the James Barker Band take the stage on behalf of Radio for Cardiology (R4C).
But they are all urged as they take their seats to ponder this truth, as they hear Dean sing one of his latest hits, Time.
When someone is having a heart attack, time counts. It’s estimated that the patient has a 90-minute window in which to receive treatment for that attack, after which serious heart damage could set in. That’s why the show, and the million dollars it intends to raise for life-saving equipment at Royal Victoria Hospital, is so important.
Jack Latimer is the morning man and program director at Orillia’s KICX-FM radio, and he points out that the nearest first-class cardiac facility is located in Newmarket. “For places like Muskoka, that’s too far away, and Barrie is on the fringe of that area”, for which travel time could mean the difference between life and death.
“There is a great need for gold-care cardiac treatment in this area, and the proposed wing of RVH is, for now, just a set of four walls.”
Paul Larche, who heads Larche Communications under which KICX and numerous other stations fall, has made a pledge initially at about half a million dollars, but that has grown in recent months to $2 million. Latimer says concerts like Friday’s have been pet projects of Larche’s in recent years.
“It started with Radio for Radiation (R4R), which raised funds for cancer care,” and diversified out into other urgent health-care needs. Latimer also says the province has been behind the fundraising efforts, “but they don’t supply equipment,” and that’s where the funds are being aimed.
Latimer also lauds Paul’s resources in the entertainment industry. “He’s well-connected with promotion companies and record company reps, which helps in finding who’s available and when.”
Fortunately for all concerned, Dean Brody was available, taking a day off from his Beautiful Freakshow tour. What’s more, the Barker Band, accompanying Dean on the tour, also jumped at the chance to play for a great cause.
Latimer has nothing but good things to say about Brody, who, for all his success, “hasn’t let it go to his head” and is enthused about helping fund cardiac care, as his father recently underwent bypass surgery.
The combined draw means a near sold-out show, with only a few seats available. To learn more, click here.
